Kristin Stutes Travel

All Leather

By admin on June 22nd, 2006

All Leather

All About Leather

For those of you that have a fascination with leather goods, I am here to shed some insight of this wonderful material.
Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides, pelts and skins of animals, primarily cows. Leather is a very important clothing material, and its other uses are legion. Together with wood, leather formed the basis of much ancient technology. Leather with the fur still attached is simply called fur.
There are a number of processes whereby the skin of a dead animal can be formed into a supple, strong material commonly called leather. Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using tannin (hence the name "tanning") and other ingredients found in vegetable matter, tree bark, and other such sources. It is supple and brown in color, with the exact shade depending on the mix of chemicals and the color of the flesh. Vegetable-tanned leather is not stable in water; it tends to discolor, and if left to soak and then dry it will shrink and become less supple and harder. In hot water, it will shrink drastically and plasticize, becoming rigid and eventually becoming brittle. Alum-tanned leather is tanned using aluminum salts mixed with a variety of binders and protein sources, such as flour, egg yolk, etc. Purists argue that alum-tanned leather is technically "tawed" and not tanned, as the resulting material will rot in water. Very light shades of leather are possible using this process, but the resulting material is not as supple as vegetable-tanned leather. Rawhide is made by scraping the skin thin, soaking it in lime, and then stretching it while it dries. Like alum-tanning, rawhide is not technically "leather", but is usually lumped in with the other forms. Rawhide is stiffer and more brittle than other forms of leather, and is primarily found in uses such as drum heads where it does not need to flex significantly; it is also cut up into cords for use in lacing or stitching, or for making dog toys. Boiled leather is a hide product (vegetable-tanned leather) that has been hardened by being immersed in hot water, or in boiled wax or similar substances. Historically, it was used as armour due to its hardness and Light Weight, but it has also been used for book binding. Chrome-tanned leather, invented in 1858, is tanned using chromium sulfate and other salts of chromium. It is more supple and pliable than vegetable-tanned leather, and does not discolor or lose shape as drastically in water as vegetable-tanned. More esoteric colors are possible using chrome tanning. Brain-tanned leathers are exceptionaly absorbent of water. They are made by a labor-intensive process which uses emulsified oils (often those of animal brains) and which has not been industralized. They are known for their exceptional softness and their ability to be washed.
Leather—usually vegetable-tanned leather—can be oiled to improve its water resistance. This supplements the natural oils remaining in the leather itself, which can be washed out through repeated exposure to water. Frequent oiling of leather, with mink oil, neatsfoot oil or a similar material, keeps it supple and improves its lifespan dramatically.
In general, leather is sold in three forms... Full-Grain Leather, made from the finest raw material, are clean natural hides which have not been sanded to remove imperfections. Only the hair has been removed. The grain remains in its natural state which will allow the best fiber strength, resulting in greater durability. The natural grain also has natural breathability, resulting in greater comfort. The natural Full-Grain surface will wear better than other leather. Rather than wearing out, it will develop a natural "Patina" and grow more beautiful over time. The finest furniture, and footwear, are made from Full Grain leather.
Corrected-Grain Leather (also called "top-grain leather"). Corrected Leather is fuzzy on one side and smooth on the other. The smooth side is the side where the hair and natural grain used to be. The hides, which are made from inferior quality raw materials, have all of the natural grain sanded off, and an artificial grain applied. Top Grain Leather generally must be heavily painted to cover up the sanding and stamping process.
Suede is an interior split of the hide. It is "fuzzy" on both sides. Suede is less durable than top-grain. Suede is cheaper because many pieces of suede can be split from a single thickness of hide, whereas only one piece of top-grain can be made. However, as the look of full-grain is in demand, manufacturers use a variety of techniques to make suede appear to be full-grain. For example, in one process, glue is mixed with one side of the suede, which is then pressed through rollers; these flatten and even out one side of the material, giving it the smooth appearance of full-grain. Latigo is one of the trade names for this product.
Leather from other animals
Today, most leather is made of cow hides, but many exceptions exist. Lamb and deer skin are used for soft leather in more expensive apparels. Kangaroo leather is used to make items which need to be strong but flexible, such as motorcycle gloves. Kangaroo leather is favored by motorcyclists specifically because of its lighter weight and higher abrasion resistance as compared to cowhide. Leather made from more exotic skins has at different times in history been considered very beautiful. For this reason certain snakes and crocodiles have been hunted to near extinction.
In the 1970s, farming of ostriches for their feathers became popular. As a side product, ostrich leather became available and is currently used by all the big fashion houses like Hermès, Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Ostrich leather has a characteristic "goose bump" look because of the large follicles from which the feathers grew.
In Thailand, sting ray leather is used in wallets and belts in the same way as regular Cow Leather. Sting ray leather is as tough and durable as hard plastic. The leather is often dyed black and covered with tiny round bumps in the natural pattern of the back ridge of an animal. These bumps are then usually dyed white to highlight the decoration.
Preservation and Conditioning of Leather
The natural fibers of leather will break down with the passage of time. Acidic leathers are particularly vulnerable to red rot, which causes powdering of the surface and a change in consistency. Damage from red rot is aggravated by high temperatures and relative humidities, and is irreversible.
Exposure to long periods of low relative humidities (below 40%) can cause leather to become desiccated, irreversably changing the fibrous structure of the leather.
Various treatments are available such as conditioners, but these are not recommended by conservators since they impregnate the structure of the leather artifact with active chemicals, are sticky, and attract stains.
Alex Matthews is a leather industry veteran involved in leather goods manufacturing for the last 15 years. To get additional information about the properties of leather please contact Alex at info@emiliooneto.com or http://www.emiliooneto.com/
For more information about leather products please visit http://www.emiliooneto.com to realize the benefits leather material

About the Author

Alex Matthews is a leather industry veteran involved in leather goods manufacturing for the last 15 years. To get additional information about the properties of leather please contact Alex at info@emiliooneto.com or http://www.emiliooneto.com/
For more information about leather products please visit http://www.emiliooneto.com to realize the benefits leather material

Can Mr magic Eraser remove all kinds of ink from leather sofa?

I don't know if it's sold here.

Mr Magic Erasers should never be used to remove ink or do any kind of clening on leather.
They act like a very fine sandpaper and in removing the ink they will also remove the finish on the leather which if not replaced will leave the leather in a very vulnerable state. It may not obvious at first that it has damged the leather but over time there will be problems.

For ink removal:

Ink Removal
Removing ink from leather is not a cleaning problem.
Most ink removal products will not work simply because of the length of time the ink has been on the leather.

Ink is a dye and has re-coloured the leather (this is what it is meant to do)
The longer the ink has been on the leather the harder it is to remove because it soaks into the finish. Once it has soaked into the finish you have to use very strong products to remove it, which will also remove finish and pigment which then need replacing.

Pigment/Protected leather
If the ink is on a pigmented leather then the first thing you should try is an LTT Ink Stick. The fresher the ink the more chance you have of removing it. It is a good idea to have one in your house if you have pale leather and children!!!!

Old ink will be harder to remove than new ink and may mean resorting to solvents which will also remove the finish. This is probably best left to the experts

If an ink stick doesn't work a solvent based remover will need to be used and it may also remove finish and pigment so is best left to the experts.

You should also be using LTT Leather Protect on your suite. This will act like a 'scotchgard' and will make any more mishaps easier to clean off.

You will see many people recommending household products to remove ink – this is not recommended as most simply will not work, some may appear to work but the damage they cause can make a much bigger problem which is then un-repairable (even by a technician)

DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING:

Hairspray - This is very risky as it can make the matter far worse by spreading the ink over a bigger area and can sometimes then be impossible to fix.
Nail Varnish remover/solvents will remove the finish on the leather even if you cannot tell it is doing so and this will then need replacing, and alcohol may do the same depending on the strength of the finish on the leather.
Baby wipes – just about the worst thing you can use on a leather as they break down the finish and will eventually ruin it.
Milk or Toothpaste - these are just silly ideas that will leave sticky residues on the surface which will help to break down the finish on your leather.
Silicones/furniture polish – should not be used on leather. They will form a coating on the surface of the leather which will not allow any moisture to get to the leather itself and will eventually break all the finish down and cause it to crack.
Hide food will not remove ink and will leave residues on the leather which will attract dirt and oils.
Most leather cleaners will not remove ink unless a very good leather protector has been used on a regular basis.
Magic sponges or erasers

Aniline Style Leather
As aniline style leathers are largely absorbent it means that the ink will have soaked straight into the leather itself. This makes it impossible to remove. No product will successfully remove the ink.

DO NOT try ink removing products on aniline style leathers as most will leave a greasy residue which will then cause another problem.

Because aniline style leathers are absorbent the ink will carry on moving through the leather and may become less obvious over time. Cleaning and protecting will also help to dissipate the ink.

These have been tested by experts in the leather industry and have found to do a lot of damage to certain finsih types on leather.

ALL LEATHER "I DON'T HATE ****, GOD DOES"

All-Natural Beeswax Polish $12.99 Three BEEautiful Bees has taken special care in creating this formula that blends the protection of beeswax with the feeding properties of certified JoJoba oil. They use the highest-grade beeswax that comes to them from apiaries in an unrefined state. After they clean out the impurities, they heat-blend the beeswax with food-grade oils to suspend the ingredients so that separation is minimal and t...

All Natural 80 Photo Handmade Photo Album - Red Tulip Design $31.99 Unique photo album made from a variety of natural organic and sustainable materials. The decoration and intricate detail add a touch of elegance. Album is bound together with agel, twine and accented with coconut twig. Pages are made with acid-free bamboo paper to ensure the longevity of your photos. A protective sheet between each page in the album provides lasting protection for your cherished m...

All Star Buxton Shoulder Bag $14.98 Buxton Leather Over the Shoulder Organizer Bag- Black Buxton Over-The-Shoulder Organizer puts all your essentials in their place. Compact yet roomy leather purse has 6 interior pockets, 2 exterior pockets and an expandable main compartment with zippered gussets that add extra room. Adjustable strap has a phone pouch with hook 'n loop closure, so you won't have to rummage through your bag to...

When I Grow Up I Wanna F**k Like a Girl $9.17 ...

Hung Like a Horse [Vinyl] $6.03 ...

Outlaw Reunion $29.99 A 24-track "double play" collection featuring music by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Track listing: 1. Waylon Jennings - Crying 2. Willie Nelson - The Ghost 3. Waylon Jennings - Sally Was A Good Old Girl 4. Willie Nelson - Let's Pretend 5. Waylon Jennings - Abilene 6. Willie Nelson - I'm Gonna Lose A Lot Of Teardrops 7. Waylon Jennings - It's So Easy 8. Willie Nelson - Wasting Time 9. Waylon ...

LINK: 1997 Chi Chi La Rue Gay Erotic Feature Chi Chi LaRue brings you a video from San Francisco that features some of the hottest, nastiest guys in the biz. This classic film started a line of copy-cats. Check it out. Sure to please heat....

Leather to Lace with All-Star Mike Bordick (The Complete Infield Program) All-Star Mike Bordick presents everything you need to be a successful infielder: Footwork, positioning, double plays, routes to the ball, improving range, glove work and skill enhancing drills....

The Missing Link: Chi Chi LaRue's Tasty Leather classic Chi Chi LaRue pulls out the stops and lets all hell break loose in this fourth installment of the multi-award winning series - one of 2001's very best....

Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Leather/Nylon Combination Sheath $93.00 The Wave multitool's compact folded shape hides a wealth of tools and blades within. The Wave Multitool From Leatherman: Better than Ever The most popular full-size Leatherman tool is now better than ever. Larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters and all-locking blades make the new Wave an essential piece of equipment for any job or adventure. The pliers have been redesigned to w...

Mulholland Divot Repair All Leather - Stout Leather $40.45 The right golfer's tool to repair ball marks, conveniently housed in a sturdy all leather snapping case. Available Colors: Bridle Tan Leather, Stout Leather.

Mulholland Carry on Trolley Leather - All Leather Black $1100 Travel Logic is a suite of design features that are incorporated into all Mulholland rolling bags and weekend bags. The features provide innovative packing, organization and mobility solutions. Choose between waterproof Endurance leather, full-grain All Leather, soft Momentum leather or cotton canvas. Available Colors: All Leather Bridle Tan, All Leather Stout, All Leather Lariat, All Leather Black.

Mulholland Large Jotter Leather - All Leather Lariat $190 A folding leather portfolio has three interior pockets to house business cards and files. Ships with a padded daily organizer for appointments, lists and notes. A leather strap secures a ballpoint pen. Detailed with leather closure. Available Colors: All Leather Lariat, All Leather Stout.

Mulholland Large Jotter Leather - All Leather Stout $190 A folding leather portfolio has three interior pockets to house business cards and files. Ships with a padded daily organizer for appointments, lists and notes. A leather strap secures a ballpoint pen. Detailed with leather closure. Available Colors: All Leather Lariat, All Leather Stout.

Mulholland Shoe Bag Leather - All Leather Stout $245 Finely crafted zippered all leather shoe bag with a leather carrying handle. Lined in a soft plush fabric. Shoes are secured in place with a pair of nylon web straps. The stylish and practical solution for transporting golf shoes. Available Colors: All Leather Lariat, All Leather Stout.

Mulholland Shoe Bag Leather - All Leather Lariat $245 Finely crafted zippered all leather shoe bag with a leather carrying handle. Lined in a soft plush fabric. Shoes are secured in place with a pair of nylon web straps. The stylish and practical solution for transporting golf shoes. Available Colors: All Leather Lariat, All Leather Stout.

Mulholland Mouse Pad All Leather - Lariat Leather $45.45 The luxury computer accessory that instantly transforms even a cubicle desk into an executive corner office. All leather with topstitched details and a soft, nonsliding back. Available Colors: Stout Leather, Lariat Leather.

Mulholland Angler's Bag Leather - All Leather Lariat $485 Although compact in shape, it devours huge amounts of paperwork, files and the rest. Business Logic features include a pair of deep gusseted front exterior pockets with snapping quick-release leather closures and a zippered file pouch on the back. Small interior pockets for iPod or cell phone, business cards and pens. The case is lined with nylon taffeta. Heavy duty carrying handle, detachable padded shoulder strap. Choose between waterproof Endurance, full-grain All Leather, and soft Momentum leathers. Available Colors: All Leather Black, All Leather Stout, All Leather Bridle Tan, All Leather Lariat.

Mulholland Messenger Bag Leather - All Leather Stout $485 A design inspired by the classic courier's bag with an added dose of Mulholland refinement. Business Logic features include a zippered kangaroo-style pouch on the front panel, a flap with quick-release snap closure and a cavernous central compartment lined in sturdy woven nylon. An additional wide interior file pouch features leather pockets for business cards and pens. Two small belt-like straps can be cinched up to keep the top opening closed. Heavy duty rolled leather carrying handle; detachable padded shoulder strap included. Available Colors: All Leather Lariat, All Leather Stout, All Leather Black, All Leather Bridle Tan.

Mulholland Messenger Bag Leather - All Leather Black $485 A design inspired by the classic courier's bag with an added dose of Mulholland refinement. Business Logic features include a zippered kangaroo-style pouch on the front panel, a flap with quick-release snap closure and a cavernous central compartment lined in sturdy woven nylon. An additional wide interior file pouch features leather pockets for business cards and pens. Two small belt-like straps can be cinched up to keep the top opening closed. Heavy duty rolled leather carrying handle; detachable padded shoulder strap included. Available Colors: All Leather Lariat, All Leather Stout, All Leather Black, All Leather Bridle Tan.