Does genuine leather change color? Among different people who use genuine leather products have different views about the mysterious transformation of color that occurs in the product over time.
This color change phenomenon is professionally known as patina development.
In this blog, we will debunk the myth does genuine leather changes color. Come start reading!
What is genuine leather?
The lowest quality of leather out of all leather types to make the products. All other types of leather such as full-grain leather, top-grain leather, etc are superior to it.
Debunking the common myths about genuine leather color change
There are two common beliefs about genuine leather. One is that it does not change color. Secondly, the color alteration represents its poor quality, which is a misconception.
All leather types change color with time in natural and artificial ways. Moreover, their gradual color change shows their uniqueness (Patina Development ). The positive aspect is that their structural integrity and longer lifespan remain intact.
Learn more about the solutions if you are worried about the color change in your costly leather product.
Factors impacting leather color change
The following factors can be a potential reason to change the color of genuine leather.
◈ Exposure to pollutants
Leather products are subject to several pollutants including dust, petroleum items, and others.
These make a layer on the leather surface thereby changing its color especially to darker or blackish.
◈ Extended sunlight
Extended sunlight exposure (Approximately 6-8 months ) can result in molecular-level chemical changes in the leather. This results in darkening the leather color.
◈ Oxidation
In the oxidation process leather molecules react with oxygen in the atmosphere which results in the darkening of leather and changes in its color.
◈ Oil impact
Leather products come into contact with two types of oils, one is the natural oil of leather and the other is the skin oil of humans.
The oil is difficult to remove from leather results in leather stains and gradually causes a change in leather color.
◈ Aging
With time, the leather product gets alteration in its anatomy and gives it a specific patina which marks the change in its color composition.
◈ Chemical reactions
Contact with a chemical reaction can change the color of a leather product. For instance, when leather is cleaned with acids, particularly citric acid, it can change its color easily.
◈ Prolonged Moisture
Continuous subjection to moisture can make the leather darken and eventually lead it to change in color.
◈ Excessive Use
Prolonged worn-out and rubbed leather also loses its natural color and becomes darker over time.
Tips to preserve the natural color of genuine leather
Here are some one-liner describing tips to preserve the built-in color of genuine leather.
- Keep the leather product away from extended sunlight, heat, and moisture.
- Use a credible leather color restorer. Click the link (In case you are struggling to find one.)
- Avoid acid-based cleaning products and always test before use.
- Do a regular cleaning to avoid the accumulation of dirt on your genuine leather product.
- Always buy two leather products at once and do rotation use to avoid worn-out and rubbing.
Conclusion
Change in the color of genuine leather is natural as well as induced depending on the causing factors. Embrace it with an open heart if it is natural.
Take precautionary measures if it is artificial. Taking care of our daily use of genuine leather products not only increases their life but also builds a deep emotional connection with them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: Can we restore the color of genuine leather once it deteriorates?
Yes! We can do it by applying a good quality leather color restorer regularly.
2: Which type of genuine leather is most prone to change of color?
Aniline leather is more prone to color change than other types because it is processed with soluble dyes that penetrate deeply.
3: Can color change affect the lifespan of leather products?
No, it does not impact. Instead, natural changes of color over time build uniqueness in the leather which is commonly known as patina.
4: From where we can order superior quality leather restorer online?
You can easily order the leather color restorer by clicking this link.
5: What is the warning sign that leather is going to change its color?
Among others start of patina development is a warning sign that leather is going to change its color. In patina leather starts to turn black or darker in color over time.