Leather is a natural and timeless material created by tanning rawhides from cattle through a process of tanning animal rawhide to preserve it and make it pliable when dry. Many features of natural leather make it superior to synthetic products including durability, comfort, beauty, suppleness, and resilience.
A quality piece of furniture produced in leather will last on average of 3 – 4 times longer than furniture produced in a different finish.
Hide selection will determine the type of leather it will be processed into, this will in turn effect the cost of the hides. Leather selection should be based on characteristics and project requirements.
ANILINE
True Aniline leather, the most natural, the most prized.
Selected from the highest quality raw hides, aniline hides boast a very natural surface. The hides are dyed through using vegetable dyes and the surface is untreated. Natural imperfections and hallmarks are proudly on display in the form of insect bites, healed scars, growth marks and fat wrinkles. Each hide is truly unique.
As the leather is unprotected and the hair follicles are uncovered, it will absorb body oils during use and enhance the leather’s appearance over time. This improvement in appearance is called a patina and it’s a unique characteristic of natural leather. This also allows for a high seating comfort as the leather is breathing.
Aniline leather has a low light fastness as there is no pigment on the surface of the leather. Spillages and scratches are more likely to soil this leather. Consideration for this type of leather is important however it is suitable for all projects where its natural characteristics are desired.
Explore our aniline collection below
SEMI-ANILINE
Semi-Aniline, the versatile leather.
Semi-Aniline is a full grain leather, dyed through with a very light pigment applied to the surface.
This treatment makes the hides more resistant to stains but does not completely conceal the natural characteristics of the hide keeping its organic look and feel.
Suitable for any commercial project, the light surface pigment offers high resistance to food and drink whilst maintaining the appearance of the natural grain.
It also has a high light fastness, therefore, can be used in the most demanding of public or private seating applications.
A soft handle, durability and a high level of breathability makes a semi-aniline an easy choice with a high seating comfort.
Explore our semi-aniline collection below
PIGMENTED
The ultimate for leather for durability.
Drum dyed with a thick layer of pigment and protective finish will conceal natural markings such as scars, growth marks and fat wrinkles.
Easy to maintain as the pigment guards against wear and tear, making it water repellent, dirt repellent and stain resistant. The leather is soft and extremely comfortable, with a more uniform look to the surface. A high light fastness is achieved with the heavier pigment.
Pigmented leathers are suitable for all types of furniture and joinery for any high traffic commercial project.
Explore our pigmented leather collection below
CORRECTED GRAIN
When budget is important.
Lower grade raw hides are sourced for this type of leather. They are drum dyed with the natural grain removed, a heavy layer of pigment and protective finish is applied. The leather is then embossed with an artificial patterned grain, which provides a uniform appearance. Consistency and yield is high as any natural imperfections are removed.
With a high resistance to spillages from food, drink and human perspiration and a high light fastness, corrected grain leathers are suitable for all commercial seating and joinery.
Explore our corrected grain leather collection below
PERFORATION and EMBOSSED DESIGNS
Perforating and embossing leather is a contemporary way to add interest and pattern, transforming leathers into a unique product for upholstery and architectural applications.
As a specialty product this is custom ordered and dimensions will vary for each design and project.
Please click the images below to see available colour’s in each perforation type
MK 1 – ranges available – Contract, Danube, Spectrum, Savannah, Vienna
MK 2 – ranges available – Contract, Danube, Spectrum, Savannah, Vienna
MK 3 – ranges available – Contract, Danube, Spectrum, Savannah, Vienna
Pique – ranges available – Contract, Danube, Spectrum, Savannah, Vienna
Basket-Weave – ranges available – Panorama, Nevada
Pin Point – available for all ranges
Please note
MK1, MK2, MK3 are perforated all the way through, holes are open.
Pinpoint perforation is a surface decoration only.
Hides can be supplied as HALF HIDES or FULL HIDES that are trimmed at the sides, please enquire for dimensions.
Pique and Basket Weave are both embosseded patterns and supplied in panels (4 x per hide) please enquire for panel sizes.
Allow an additional three weeks and an additional charge for perforated and embossed hides.
Please get in touch when considering these designs so we can help you work through your project requirements and hide dimensions.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
As a natural product, leather requires regulare care and maintenance to ensure its long-lasting appeal.
For all leather types
Avoid sunlight, heating units, fire places and damp conditions.
Regularly dust with a dry cloth or vacuum with a soft brush.
Regularly clean contact areas to remove accumulated soils such as perspiration, body and hair oils.
Remove spills immediately, do not scrub soiled area.
Use only water based leather cleaners and conditioners in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not use commercial cleaners, household detergents, solvents, lighter fluid, spot remover, turpentine, alcohol, buffing compound, shoe cream or similar substances on upholstery leather. This can cause permanent damage to the surface and finish of the leather.
Professional cleaning may be required for heavy staining.
For Aniline leathers
Do not place in direct sunlight as the leather will fade quickly.
Spot clean immediately using a soft absorbent white/colourfast cloth to avoid permanent discolouration. Do not scrub soiled area.
Use only water based cleaners, DO NOT USE conditioners as the aniline has its own oils to condition the leather.
Do not use commercial cleaners, household detergents, solvents, lighter fluid, spot remover, turpentine, alcohol, buffing compound, shoe cream or similar substances on upholstery leather. This can cause permanent damage to the surface and finish of the leather.
Professional cleaning may be required for heavy staining.
Avoid heating units, fire places and damp conditions
Water Based Cleaning and Conditioner Kits are available, please contact our office on 02 9460 9222