Leather cleaner

[g_man1146]

Exactly as Jeff said, the terms used by the leather industry can be,
and are probably meant to be, confusing. Quote "The most confusing
term used within the leather industry is the term 'top grain'.
Ironically, 'top grain' is the definition generally used when the
grain is not genuine; when, in fact, the real grain has been taken
away and an imitation grain embossed into the leather" (or a vinyl
applied).<Snip> "Although many finish applications are administered
for purposes other than altering or masking the surface of the
leather, all applied opaque finishes and airtight surface sealants
should be held suspect. Genuine, natural, unpigmented and
unplasticized leather will breathe and ventilate, thus wicking away
body heat. If upholstery leather is able to breathe, it can absorb
moisture, be nourished, and remain soft and pliable. If the surface
of the leather has been plasticized, as is the case for most
automobile upholstery, the leather cannot breathe and may become
stiff and boardy."

Link to all you ever wanter to know about leather terminology.

http://www.hidemarket.com/public/Hides/leaglos1.htm

Rich D. '99LXi43' CT




--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Miller"
wrote:
>
> What you think is leather is really vinyl (paint). The leather is
> sprayed with a vinyl paint to color and protect the leather on
most
> leather seating (including the Flexsteel stuff). Your butt never
> touches leather.
>
> I use a commercial leather cleaner, which usually dries out the
leather
> (where the surface is cracked, real leather is exposed). After it
is
> clean and completely dry a conditioner should be used, pick your
> favorite from Mink Oil to Lexol conditioner, you need to quench
the
> leather at these cracks so that it flexes instead of cracking
deeper.
>
> - Jeff Miller
> in Holland, MI
>