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In the furniture industry there are many different
types of finishes, color tones, and styles. Some types
of finishes and color tones make it almost impossible to do
a small, localized leather repair. The only alternative is a
complete color restoration. It is even possible to change an
aniline or nubuck to a protected or pigmented leather. The
task is not hard, but you will need the right products and
equipment to do the job correctly. We recommend you always
test your coloring idea before you start the job. With a
little practice or trial, you can add monograms, pictures,
designs, metallic tones, or a second tone to the leather to
give you a completely different look.
Aniline and Nubuck leathers The color is achieved by using transparent leather dyes. This
allows the natural markings of the hide to show through
the finish. Aniline is the most expensive finish and has
excellent softness. The Nubuck finish is achieved when the
leather surface is brushed up to impart a soft feel. Anytime
a leather repair is done on aniline or nubuck leather, it
is hard to conceal the repair or make it less noticeable to
the eye. Both leather types require special transparent leather
dyes to color large areas. When making a small repair,
you can use leather dye colorant to disguise the repair. In
some cases, where there is large color loss from wear, sun
fading, or damage, you must do a complete color restoration.
If you need Aniline or Nubuck Transparent dyes, please email
us and we can make them available to you.
Pigmented -
This is the most common
leather and the finish is made by leather paint -- an opaque
color leather dye. Solid color leathers are the easiest to
repair and color match. On two-tone color, you must match the
lighter color first and then apply the darker color over
top.
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Solid Color
This is the
most common and easiest to color match for small leather repairs. On
large leather repairs or leather restoration, you can match or use
a similar color to enhance the present color. We recommend
lightly sprayed coats or hand wiped application for most
repairs and color restoration.
Two-Tones -
This finish is a second color either sprayed lightly or hand
wiped over the original color. Each method gives a distinct
appearance to the leather.
Metallic/Pearlized - These finishes
utilize metal flakes to reflect light and change the sheen of
the leather. This can be done over any pigmented leather to
give you a special appearance. We recommend either lightly
sprayed coats or hand wiped application.
Transparent
This
finish is found on aniline and nubuck leather. The transparent
leather dyes allow the natural marking and grain of the
leather to show through. This finish is hand wiped or lightly
sprayed over the leather. For sun fading, we recommend hand
wiping the dye mix with leather protectant.
Semi-Aniline or Hybrid - In some cases, manufacturers have taken aniline
leather and applied a light coat or hand-wiped a pigment dye
or metallic finish over the surface. This gives the leather
some characteristics of a pigmented leather. Usually this is
done to help cover some type of imperfection in the
leather.
Wax & Oil Finishes - These finishes are found on a very small
percentage of leather goods. The leather is treated with a wax
or oil. If you need assistance in cleaning or restoring them,
please email us for instruction and products.
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Hand Wipe -
This application
type is used most often to change the look and appearance
of leather. Basically, it involves wiping a leather dye
color or colors over an existing color. You can use a cloth,
sponge, brush or other applicator to give a special effect.
This is the best method to repair color loss and permanent
stain by wiping several light coats over the damaged area.
This method works great for a two-tone effect or adding a
metallic finish to existing leather.
Brush Finishes Usually used
for small leather repairs and to help blend color and create designs.
It is hard to hide the brush strokes. Foam brushes work
well for applying leather dye color to small areas.
Sprayers
This is the best method for applying leather
dye color. Several light coats make the repair area blend
extremely well. The use of a Preval Sprayer makes a nice
aerosol pattern for small to moderate sized repairs. An
airbrush gives a better control pattern than the Preval
Sprayer. For a large area or complete sofa, you will need an
air compressor and spray gun to achieve professional
results.
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