[markpowell]

I would like to know which is the best product for cleaning analine leather and where to purchase from, cheers guys!
Mark

[Ben Staerck]

Hi,

To be honest. I do not think it matters a great deal what product you use. Aniline is very difficult to clean to a reasonable standard as it is extremely difficult to get the dirt out.

Rather than a pigmented leather where the dirt is on the surface, an aniline has most of the time absorbed the dirt/stains etc.

I never offer to clean aniline, but rather to clean & then restore it.

[LTT Leathercare]

Aniline leather does not clean in the same way as pigmented leather.  As it is absorbent most of your cleaning product will soak into the leather before you have time to do much cleaning.  There are ways you can get round this to enable you to do some cleaning but the results do not usually look very good and customers would generally not be able to see any difference.  We have found that using our leather protector the colour is lifted and so applying this can make the job look better.

However, as most anilines fade natrually they restore very well with the use of aniline dyes (not balms) and usually this can be done very quickly and successfully.  The results are very impressive and have that 'wow' factor for the customer.  

The photo here shows the restoration process half way through which shows the benefit.  Cleaning alone would not have made much difference.

If you want any more info please give me a ring on 01423 881027.

[Ben Staerck]

However, as most anilines fade natrually they restore very well with the use of aniline dyes (not balms) and usually this can be done very quickly and successfully.  The results are very impressive and have that 'wow' factor for the customer.

You are right, leather balms are no good. You can only get results like this with them;



Its a shame as well because they don't need colour matching and only cost £5 to do a full three piece suite.

[LTT Leathercare]

Balms are pigment based products which cannot entirely soak into the leather which is why they do not work so well and there is always the possibility of them coming off on clothing.

The good thing about aniline dyes is that they never come off on clothing as they entirely soak into the leather, they are the original products used in the leather production process (where aniline leather gets its name from) and as you do not need any particular colour matching it is a straightforward process.  The cost for a 3 piece suite would be about the same or you can add an aniline finish over the top (yes this would cost extra) but the suite would be a lot more serviceable once it was done. 

[garyj]

I'd be happy with that Ben, have you got any plans for a training day?

PS, saw your advert in TG 

[LTT Leathercare]

Training courses for this work are available in April and May £35.00 + vat.  Book now.

[Ben Staerck]

I'd be happy with that Ben, have you got any plans for a training day?

Hi,

We have a training course on the 7/8 April with some spaces left. There is also the option of staying for a 3rd day, on the 9th. Unfortunately we do not have anything available sooner.

We will be available to talk to at the CCDO if you are attending.

[*paul_moss]

Judy, there still looks like lots of grease in the back cushion head areas, I would have degreased them more before applying the colour. Also advise Andy to use sliders on customers furniture as the sofa's feet are not only scratching your nice polished floor but also taking some of the wood off via splitering ( right leg) sliders will protect the wooden feet as you move it around.

Ben is that the Grisom you have used on that ?. Also is it straight balm or have you put a finish on it, looks quite shinney?

[Ben Staerck]

Paul,

No, it was the leather re-colouring balm. The shines just caused by the flash of the camera.

The balm is self sealing and does not need a finish applied to it. However, I would advise always applying leather protection cream afterwards.

[stevegunn]

Used the balms on analine leather with no problems,never had it come off on clothing All my customers have been very happy with the results which is what counts.

At the cost of about a fiver a tub its a good little earner too.

[LTT Leathercare]

Paul job done in our workshop so no problem with floor (although this can be done in customers house).

There was no grease in the leather to start with so no need for degreasing but this is an option if it is required.

[garyj]

Yep, see you CCDO Ben.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I have a wax pull up suite and Grison restored it to new didn't take long. Just wondering about Analine dye and how it is applied?The reason for asking is that will this be a 'runnier' dye as it has to soak in to the leather unlike pigmented which dries on the leather.

Shaun

[LTT Leathercare]

An aniline cannot be restored to new with a balm as balms are pigment based products so they change the nature of the leather as the pigment element sits on the surface.  The colour cannot soak into the surface as with aniline dyes.

Aniline dyes are very liquid products which soak into the leather to redye it.  It is applied by hand and coats can be applied until it stops absorbing.  The process is very easy and straightforward.  It is also the true way of restoring anilines.  If you are using pigments then you are not correctly restoring an aniline.  The strength of the dye can be altered to suit the situation and level of fading and restoration required.

It should never be stated that any suite can be restored to new as this is open to all sorts of problems.

[Mike Roper]

Is it possible to restore the colour of an aniline when it has been bleached almost white by the sun on a brown settee.Is the original dye just drum soaked in or is heat or pressure used to get the depth of colour.
I have seen some suites that are aniline ,but when you look closely the back/sides etc are splits that have been pigmented to match ,sort of a two tone effect , but  very effective. I suppose two tones were made to try and give that natural look of an aniline but with more practical protection.
Mike

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Judy when applying aniline dye how do you apply it?

Shaun

[stevegunn]

Judy when applying aniline dye how do you apply it?

Shaun

Sponge

[Roger Koh]

Re: Varieties of Aniline Leather Types

Pure Aniline
Aniline
Semi-Aniline
Wax Pull-Up Aniline
Oil Pull-Up Aniline

Well these are the varieties of Aniline Types and each has its particular characteristic.

We shall say that the cleaning aspect should be more “Science” based and the refinishing (coloring & top-coating) more of an “Art” based.

So put is simple for easy reference for leather: “Cleaning is Science and Refinishing is Art”.

Can we all here agree?

Roger Koh
IICRC #942
Master Textile Cleaner

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Definately 100% correct and couldn't be put any better.

When I started cleaning and dyeing I did get a few 'offish' finishes but with time and practice and talking to loads of people you get the knowledge to move on to the next step but like you said above Roger I agree.

Shaun