Leather Identification Help

[Martyn Hambling]

Judy or other friends,

Some advice please. I got a call yesterday to clean a leather sofa and chair but i am not 100% sure of the type of leather It is. Can you offer a little advice on identification. I attached some pics to assist. The view through my microscopes looks like Aniline comparing it to my samples and the overall appearance is oiled or pull up. It is about 10 years old and cost about £2000 I'm told. I just want to make sure I use the right cleaning products as up to now I have only cleaned pigmented leather. Thanks guys.

Also as a foot note, the customer asked if I could replace the seat pad as you can see its quite worn. All cushions unzip, are fabric underneath and zip in place. I have never done this before but looks quite straight forward. I am happy to help them so long as its not fraught with danger but would have no ideas if costs or charges for this. Any thoughts on this too.

 

[Peter Carr]

It certainly looks like an aniline pull up to me, when you looked through the microscope were there many visible folicals?? I think your on the right tracks.. Sure some of the leather pros will be along to confirm..

 

[Alan Lui]

it looks like a micro or aniline....

did you test for moisture soaking in? the finish has gone so some will anyway, but if loads soak in then its probably either an aniline or micropigment, i would aniline clean, and test redye round back and at bottom out of sight, possibly also mix dye with a finish to go over top. hard to say of just pics

you could clean a bit out of sight then look again through microscope, may be more revealing...

have you sewn a box cushion before...? they can be fun.....

Ive redyed worse looking cushions that didn't need replacing..... is there physical damage

 

[Judy Bass]

Hi Martyn
Tried to phone today but no luck.
Remember the 5 steps which will all help decide how to proceed

Visual
Touch
Moisture
Scratch
Microscope

I would hazard a guess that it is an aniline style of some sort so will require Aniline Cleaner to give it a thorough clean before moving on to the restoration. Should restore very nicely.
Seat pads can be changed but it can be a bit if a tussle getting the new ones in if you haven't done it before!!

Give me a call if you want to discuss further.
Cheers
Judyb