THE LEATHER WE WORK WITH
Leather is a natural product. It is made from animal skin that has been processed to resist chemical and mechanical exposure.
We work with some of Europe’s leading leather suppliers to ensure that the leather used in our designs is of the highest possible quality. All leather used in Muuto products has been sourced from either Scandinavian or European cattle.
Leather categories:
Leather can be divided into 4 to 8 categories, depending on different factors. Some leather suppliers also create their own categories if their leather has unique attributes that do not match the standard categories. The main categories that we work with at Muuto are:
ANILINE LEATHER
Aniline leather is the purest, most natural leather. In fact, only around 3-5% of all leathers in the world are compliant with the requirements for being classified as aniline leather. The leather shows the natural features that are inherently present in animal hides with slight variations of the material occurring for a distinct, unique character. The leather has a natural expression with a soft, warm feel. Our Refine Leather is an aniline leather quality with a smooth, soft surface for optimal seating comfort. The leather is untreated with only a thin light waxing, allowing for the leather to breathe and patinate beautifully.
SEMI-ANILINE LEATHER
Semi-aniline leather is a full-grain leather with a light top finish. The treatment of the surface makes the leather more durable. Semi-aniline leather is very soft and pliable with a high level of comfort. Our Easy Leather and Endure Leather are both semi-aniline leathers. We recommend using Endure Leather for contract projects and public environments due to its high durability. Natural leather does not perform well in dry air and sunlight. As a precautionary measure, we recommend placing leather upholstered furniture away from direct sunlight and refrain from having them in highly air-conditioned rooms as this can make the leather fade or dry out. Roughly 15-20% of the world’s leather production is semi-aniline.
PIGMENTED/CORRECTED LEATHER
Corrected leather has been sanded down to correct the surface. Then, pigmentation is added to create a surface pattern. This process results in leather that is easy to maintain and has excellent durability. The pigmentation of the leather also results in leather that will not create a patina over time but maintain its appearance. Roughly 80% of the world’s leather production is corrected or pigmented leather.
HOW TO CARE FOR LEATHER
Natural leather does not perform well in dry air and sunlight. As a precautionary measure, we recommend to place leather upholstered furniture away from direct sunlight and refrain from having them in highly air-conditioned rooms as this can make the leather fade or dry out. Regular care of the leather helps maintain its inherent qualities and prolong the lifespan of the surface. Clean the leather with a dry cloth or soft brush. Treat and moisturize the leather four or more times a year using only special leather treatment products for aniline and semi-soft leather products.
NATURAL MARKS
The typical natural characteristics that can occur on the different leather types are:
- Insect bites.
- Scars.
- Neck wrinkles.
- Beauty marks.
- Color variations from one leather hide to another and even within a single leather hide.
- Variations in the natural grain from one hide to another and even within a single hide.
GENERAL CLEANING GUIDE FOR LEATHER
This guideline is a general guide for leather.
- Avoid exposing the leather to direct sunlight, extreme heat or sharp objects.
- Clean using the foam from white soap flakes for regular housecleaning.
- Avoid soaking the leather.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb spills. Tap gently on the spill to soak up the liquid.
- Avoid rubbing the stain.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush for regular dust removal.
- Do not use detergents, ammonia, oils, polishes, varnishes etc.
- Aniline and semi-aniline leather: Use a leather care kit minimum 3-4 times a year.
