Sherri's Helpful Hints

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEATHER GOODS

FULL ANILINE/SAUVAGE (A)
The most attractive and natural leathers which are prized for their soft natural feel. These are leathers which have been aniline dyed in a vat process with no colour coating added to the surface. They are the most expensive leathers to produce because only the very best selection of hides can be used to produce full aniline leathers. Full aniline dyed leathers are more susceptible to absorbing liquids because of the natural porosity of the hide. Because they don't have a top coating the leather breathes more easily and is cooler to sit on.

PULL UP ANILINE (A)
This is a type of aniline leather (described above) that has an extra top treatment of oil and/or wax effects. These Pull Up leathers are designed to become "distressed" looking through time and use. Its properties are similar to full aniline but in places of heavy use, the oils will be pushed away leaving lighter areas - particularly on the seating areas. It will also scratch easily. Leather Master has special products designed to restore the look and feel of Pull Up leathers.

SEMI-ANILINE (A)
Semi-Aniline dyed leathers have been both dyed through and have a thin finishing layer on the surface. They offer a combination of the softness and feel of full aniline leather with the protective benefits of a surface finish. By dyeing the leather through before the final thin top coating is applied, a very even coloration is achieved with only a thin layer of finish. Thus the leather remains softer because it is not necessary to apply a thick top coating.

PIGMENTED (P)
The leather may be buffed (corrected) to reduce heavy natural scarring and blemishes in the hides. It is then colored with a coating containing opaque pigments and embossed with a grain pattern to ensure a uniformity of color and resistance to fading.

NUBUCK(N): also called - CHAPS, STONEWASHED OR SUEDE.
These are actually aniline leathers where the surface has been brushed, and have created a texture similar to a velvet on leather. Many people confuse these with suede leather. Suede is the flesh side of a piece of leather, and nubuck is an effect that is done to the grain side. This brushing actually breaks the surface and opens up the leather even more making it incredibly soft. The brushing also makes the leather even more absorbent than aniline leathers.

BYCAST LEATHERS - (B): also called - COATED LEATHER.
This is a new development in using split leather. It is produced from the lower split by first melting a type of glue on the surface, then rolling on a film of colored polyurethane.

It normally is produced in darker colors and when stretched it lightens. It also scratches quite easily. This type of leather is now coming on to the furniture market but has been used for handbags and belts for some time.

It is also important that the temperature of room that the ByCast leather is kept remains below 30°C.

As the top surface has a high polyurethane finish normal leather creams should NOT be used. Leather Master, have developed a Soft Life Cleaning and Care Kit especially for Bycast leather. The price is the same as the Maxi Kit.


HOW NATURAL LIGHT AFFECTS DECOR

One of your best friends in design (or worst enemies!) is the natural light that filters through your home's windows. It can make that lavender color you chose in the store look dreamy and serene or like Barney's nightmare depending on direction your room is facing. Here are some tips on how natural light will affect your décor.

1. Northern Light is usually cold and direct sun in the room only occurs in the middle of summer. Use warm colors such as red, yellow or orange in your décor to compensate for the coolness of the light. Blues or greens will make the room appear even colder.

2. Southern Light is warm and sunny. You can use darker colors in a room with a southern exposure. Blues and greens in this room can create a summery feel all year long.

3. Eastern Light gives a room sunny mornings but muted middays. The afternoon offers no direct light. Use a mix of warms and cools to balance out the daylight.

4. Western Light features afternoon and evening sun. Use neutrals in this room. Using warm colors will overpower the room in the afternoon.
Being aware of how natural light affects your décor will help you make better decisions about the color you use.