Cleaning and caring for aniline leather furniture

Aniline leather is the most sensitive, but also one of the most beautiful furniture leathers. Warm in feel and appearance, naturally structured and lively. Unfortunately, aniline leather is also very sensitive. Over time, it develops the typical patina of open-pore leather, stains can form and the leather fades more easily. These instructions explain what to consider when dealing with aniline leather and what can realistically be expected when stains occur.

What is aniline leather?

Aniline leather is open-pore smooth leather without a protective colour layer on the surface. A drop of water rubbed in is absorbed and darkens the area; this is the simplest identifying feature. Some aniline leather has light waterproofing that makes the surface somewhat more resistant; this is then called semi-aniline leather, but even this leather is fundamentally more sensitive than pigmented smooth leather.

The most honest statement about aniline leather: the best protection remains careful handling.

Cleaning

Before any subsequent treatment, carefully clean the leather with Aniline & Nubuck Cleaner. Because aniline leather is open-pore, always clean from seam to seam to avoid rings and stains.

Absorbed stains can often no longer be removed through cleaning alone. For heavily stained or faded aniline leather, refreshing it with our Leather Fresh tints can give it a richer appearance of colour again. See the “Colour refreshing” section below.

Grease or oil stains that are not too severe can be improved with Grease Absorber Paste. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee complete removal.

Which care product is the right one?

If aniline leather is still new, it needs stain protection. Depending on the characteristics of the aniline leather, the following products are suitable: Colourlock Aniline Cream and waterproofing. Aniline leathers are distinguished according to their porosity (sensitivity).

Water drop is absorbed immediately (very open-pore, coarse-pore leather): waterproofing is the first choice. It makes the surface more water-repellent and protects against stains.

Water drop initially remains on the surface and is absorbed only when rubbed in (fine-pore, often matt aniline leather): here, Aniline Cream is the first choice. It is intensive protection for fine-pore aniline leather and, when applied regularly, provides a strong waterproofing effect against all types of stains and soiling. Important: only protection applied from the outset protects against stains. Stains already absorbed usually cannot be removed without a specialist. Prevention is therefore very important.

If you are uncertain, you can also send us a few photos of your leather; we will be happy to advise you

Stressed areas should be treated again at least every three months. Before each subsequent treatment, carefully clean the leather with Aniline & Nubuck Cleaner. Observe the cleaning instructions in the “Cleaning” section above.

Colour refreshing

Areas with slight colour abrasion can be carefully colour-matched with our Colourlock Leather Fresh tints in a matching colour. Always treat the affected areas from seam to seam, and first roughen them with the Sanding Pad and degrease them with Leather Cleaning Spirit.

For large, heavily faded and stained areas where colour refreshing through do-it-yourself repair no longer seems realistic, contact us with a few photos. We will be happy to make an honest assessment, including treatment options in our workshop.

Older, dry aniline leather

Older aniline leather needs regular replenishment. For this, use our Colourlock Aniline Protector. It replenishes gently and protects against further UV fading.