Leather care
Handcrafted products embossed with ESCAPIZM logo are made to withstand the test of time. Nonetheless, purchasing items made of natural vegetable-tanned leather one must be aware that just as our own skin, they also change with the passing of time and require extra care and attention. Here’s what you can do to allow them to absorb and share Your life’s journey.
- Full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather absorbs water very easily. Although it is oiled and coated with water-repellent finish, it is not water-proof. When it gets wet, you need to gently remove the excess water with a soft cloth or paper towel and leave it to dry. Be sure not to rub wet leather because it can get damaged easily.
- Natural leather, depending on its use, may change color with the passing of time. It gets darker and develops characteristic patina. It is a natural process, which gives leather more antiqued and rich look.
- Be careful not to expose leather items to direct sun and excessive heat. Prolonged exposure will make leather very dry and brittle, which eventually will cause it to crack.
- Since tanning processes affect the natural collagen in animal hide, the resulting leather needs to be moisturized to remain soft and supple. Remember to occasionally replenish the necessary oils with products like ‘carnauba cream’, ‘neatsfoot oil’, ‘beeswax’, ‘mink oil’ or any other protective finish for natural leather available on the market (preferably one which also provides protection from water). Make sure to check how your finish works on a small part of leather first, because they may cause your leather to darken, as well as transfer the dye onto the beige thread.
- Vegetable-tanned leather scratches fairly easily. Nonetheless, shallow scratches can usually be buffed out with equal ease. All you need to do is delicately massage the damaged area with circular motions, buff it with a soft cloth and use some beeswax or other aforementioned oil compound. Beware not to rub it too vigorously, in order not to damage it further or darken the leather considerably. Deeper scratches can be re-dyed with appropriate products of matching hue.
- After a while slicked edges may start to fray a bit. Rogue fibers can be re-burnished with a soft cloth. Dampen the edge a little and briskly rub it with a cloth, which will cause it to warm up and fuse the fiber with the edge. Beware not to apply too much pressure, in order not to damage it further. You can also use ‘beeswax’, ‘gum tragacanth’ or other leather burnishing compound if available.
- Depending on its use, dyed leather may stain a little at first, which is especially the case with products carried in tight pockets. Constant rubbing may transfer some surface dye onto the pocket lining.
Please, contact us with any questions/problems/concerns relating to product care.
