CARE
How to care for your Atelier Wolfson leather objects
Now that you have just invested in a unique and beautiful Atelier Wolfson vegetable tanned leather creation, you will want to keep it looking good for many years to come. Leather can keep its look and patina for years if it's cared for properly, so make sure to follow our tips to keep your special piece looking it’s best. To be passed on as beautiful heirlooms, treasured, from one generation to the next.
Atelier Wolfson uses premium, full grain vegetable tanned leathers that carries the globally recognised, and traceable guarantee certificate printed with anti-counterfeiting techniques. This environmentally friendly method of tanning dates back to ancient times and produces beautifully aged leather that is natural, soft, smooth, durable and strong.
Renowned as one of the most environmentally friendly methods, vegetable tanning eliminates all harsh chemicals and preservatives in the tanning process. Instead, the vegetable tannins originate from organic materials such as chestnut, oak, tree bark, leaves, fruits and roots, producing its natural colour and luxurious finish that gets better with age...
Tips for getting the best out of your leather objects
Everyday occurrences such as ageing, sunlight, humidity and general wear can take a toll on your beloved leather pieces. Much like our own skin, leather needs to be nourished and cared for to prevent it drying out or cracking. Proper care will help prevent this happening and protect your leather pieces for many years to come!
Leather conditioning the correct way
Caring for your leather will help it give you the long life and durability for which it was created - and that you expect. Leather is expensive, and often carries sentimental value as well. High-quality leather items can be passed down from generation to generation, especially if they’re treated with care.
The key to that process is a good leather conditioning and care regimen. Genuine leather is a natural material derived from a hide, and as such, it is used from the natural oils from the animal. Once the leather has been treated and turned into something else - such as one of Atelier Wolfson's beautiful sculptural objects, you need to replace that natural oil with a leather conditioner.
The best leather conditioners are all-natural, nontoxic and rich, oil-based formulas. An oil-based conditioner, will penetrate into the leather’s pores, hydrating the individual fibres of the leather from the inside out, and preventing cracking and over-drying. Here’s how to choose the best leather conditioner, including some surprising information about what you don’t want.
- All natural ingredients - It can’t be overstated: Leather is a simple, natural material, and the products you use on it should be, too. That means skipping chemical-laden products, smelly polishes and thin, watery spray formulas, which may initially make your leather appear shiny but don’t do anything to make it last long-term. At best, these products give your leather a superficial boost that wears off quickly; at worst, they can damage your leather by actually drying it out over time. Instead, look for a product that is nontoxic and natural.
- No Animal Products - This one sounds pretty silly, since you're applying the leather conditioner to an animal product. But the best leather conditioners don't contain any food or animal ingredients. No mink oil, no neats foot oil, no olive oil. Why? Because these rot and oxidise in the leather over time, which can cause the leather to rot, crack and smell bad. That's not what you want.
- No Waterproofing - Many people are thrown by this - after all, leather and water don't get along, and water (including rain) can do serious damage to your leather. But leather is also porous, natural material, and it needs to breathe. Sealing the leather's pores with a waterproofer not only prevents that from happening, it also prevents you from conditioning again. We highly recommend avoiding products designed to waterproof the outside of the leather, and instead choosing products that are natural, allowing the leather to breathe.
- No Wax - We're ruling out wax, which is common in leather care products, but avoided in the best leather conditioners. Wax leaves a sticky, oily residue on the leather, which can ultimately seal the leathers pores (bad, as we noted above) and damage things that get in contact with your leather, like your clothing. Instead, look for a thick, natural and rich formula that still penetrates completely into the leather. To make sure, you should always do a spot test in a discreet area. If the spot test is able to absorb, you can move on to the rest of your leather piece.
- Buy Trusted, and Verified Leather Conditioners - The best leather conditioners will have thousands of positive, verified reviews from customers. Each individual leather conditioner product has its own detailed instructions that are specific to that products process, and following them is key to a good experience!
Scratches
Scratches are unavoidable. Be careful with long or sharp finger nails when handling your special piece. Steer clear of sharp objects that might scratch, mark or damage the leather.
Marks and Stains
To remove dust, stains, or dirt, first wipe down your leather piece gently with a natural soft cloth or good quality horsehair brush. Next apply a light coat of Leather conditioner all over and always leave to dry in natural air, out of direct sunlight. Repeat if required. Do not expose the product to high heat - e.g hair dryer or direct sunlight as this causes the leather hide to crinkle and dry out excessively.
Never use water, soap or any other chemical products! This will damage the leather by changing the appearance and overall structure of the leather piece. Do not use brushes with synthetic bristles nor boar bristle brushes to clean it - only natural bristles should be used. We recommend a good quality horsehair brush - perhaps the single most worthwhile investment if you plan on collecting quality leather pieces.
Sun
We love that over time, natural sunlight will change the colour and appearance of your leather, the skin’s hue will deepen developing its own beautiful unique patina; each piece of leather is uniquely distinct with its own story to tell and journey to take. However, too much excessive sunlight can dry out the leather and weaken over time, causing it to crack or become brittle.
Store or display in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight and humidity. Keep away from water or moisture. Make sure to air out regularly. When storing or transporting this piece, alway store them in our breathable cotton dust bag when not in use. Harsh sunlight, temperature changes, scratches and stains can affect its life and longevity.