Leather, Cloth & Plastic Restoration
Automotive leather is known as “Protected”
Leather. The most common and practical leathers
are “Protected”. These products have the
combined aspect of natural leather and the
protection necessary for it to be more resistant
to the effects of heavy use such as in a motor
car. This tannery technology creates a product
that is more uniform in colour and appearance
due to the application of pigments to the
surface. It then has a finish applied to the
surface. The more finish that is applied the
harder the leather.
The
amount of pigment and finish needed depends on
the colour of the leather (light colours need
more), the grade of leather (Low grades require
more mechanical correction) and the desired
level of resistance (Automotive is highest).
Generally leather is made as follows:
-
The leather is tanned and dyed to a crust
colour.
-
Depending on the selection (quality) of
hides, the leather is either partially or
heavily machined or buffed to even out and
hide the natural markings.
-
Pigment is applied to the leather either by
spraying or by the roller coating method.
-
The partial or full embossing of grain
(print) to the surface.
-
Finish is applied to the leather to provide
rub resistance and to seal the pigment.
-
The leather is softened either by massaging
machines and / or by tumbling machines.
The
extent of leather repair varies considerably,
for this reason it is necessary for us to quote
you after inspection at our nearest fitment
centre.
If
you have any queries please give your nearest
fitment centre a call.
