Leather is a wonderful material that exudes luxury, class and durability. So, it’s best to look after it. Your leather sofa, jacket or favourite handbag needs to be cared for properly in order for it to last. Faded or fading leather is an early warning sign that your leather is less than happy in its current environment.
Full grain, Top grain and Genuine Leather will begin to fade if exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Similarly, if incorrect soaps or chemicals are applied to clean leather. Exposure to extreme heat or if exposed to big changes in temperature will also lead to fading leather.
Let’s take a look at how faded leather can be avoided. What you should, or shouldn’t do if your favourite leather jacket, handbag or sofa begins to fade. Here are the most common causes for leather to fade.
Too much or Over Exposure to Sunlight.
If leather is placed in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, it will begin to fade or discolour. This is because the suns UV or Ultraviolet rays cause leather to dry out by drawing out the vital oils inside. These essential oils can’t easily be replaced. This loss of oil causes discoloration or faded leather. The fading can take 3-6 months before you notice it, but if it’s spotted early enough there might still be time to restore the leather to its original state.
Firstly, remove or change the sofa’s position if it’s exposed to direct sunlight. If this isn’t possible you might want to use fabric or cloth to cover the areas that are exposed to direct sun. This will provide a protective layer or barrier against direct exposure. This isn’t a full proof method as UV rays can still penetrate the cloth or fabric. It does provide a degree of protection though.
Next apply a good leather conditioner to the sofa, jacket, handbag etc. this helps replenish lost oils and moisture in your leather. Some leather conditioners contain UV protectors in them. This helps prevent the leather drying out so easily and stops it from cracking.
Exposure to Extreme heat.
Extreme heat will cause leather to dry out and leach out valuable oils. The lack of moisture and oils in the dried out area causes the leather to fade. The remedy, if it’s not too late is to simply move the heat source or move your leather away from the heat. Placing your sofa near a fireplace is asking for trouble. If you don’t remove the heat source leather will dry out, crack and fade.
Heavy use from everyday use.
Everyday usage of your favourite leather jacket, handbag or sofa can cause fading to your leather. Leather will absorb sweat, dust, perfume and most chemicals that it comes into contact with during everyday use. This isn’t good for leather as these oils, sweat and chemicals will cause a reaction that will result in leather discolouring and fading.
The constant rubbing and movement from daily use will also cause wear and tear on leather. This movement also results in oils leaching out and leather will start to fade over time.
The remedy for this is: Leather should be cleaned regularly by wiping with a slightly damp cloth. This will help remove the build-up of grime, dirt, chemicals and dust.
Cleaning Leather with incorrect chemicals.
Bleaches, alcohols, solvents and certain oils can do extensive damage to leather. Alcohol based solvents will break down leather causing it dry out, crack and fade. Cleaning leather should only be done with special leather conditioners and balms that are suited to your specific type of leather. Always first, test the conditioner or solvent on a spare piece of leather so that you can see if there is any reaction or damage.
Not cleaning off Stains immediately.
Leaving spilled wine, food or any stain on leather for prolonged periods without cleaning will result in damage. Action should be taken immediately to prevent the stain from setting in. Leather conditioners can provide some degree of protection, but they will not prevent stains being absorbed into the leather.
Quick action in removing the stain as soon as possible is the remedy. Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth and dry the stained area afterwards. This will prevent the stain setting in.
Placing or storing leather in areas with high temperature fluctuations.
If leather is stored in an area with big differences in night and day temperatures, you are going to have a problem. Too hot a storage area will cause leather to dry out. Too cold temps and the leather will begin to crack over time. Leather should be stored in an area with good even temperature during the day and night all year round.
Preventing Leather from fading.
Conditioning leather with a good leather conditioner such a leather honey is crucial in keeping it in tip top condition. Keeping leathers ph balance in the correct zone will also help. Cleaning to remove excess build-up of oils is very good practice. If you want to use a good leather conditioner, then i can recommend Leather Honey as one of the best. Here is a link to buy Leather Honey conditioner.
Fixing leather after it’s faded.
Is it possible? Yes, to a certain degree it is. If the leather is too far gone then there’s nothing you can do to return it to its normal state. Leather does have a limited lifespan even if it’s well maintained. Chek out my post on how long does leather last to get an idea of leathers lifespan.
Conclusion
Leather will fade and discolour if not looked after properly, resulting in it eventually drying out and cracking. Conditioning leather regularly and cleaning off dirt will allow your leather to age gracefully and last for many years. Always test your conditioner on a spare piece of leather before applying it to the actual article of clothing. Thanks for reading.