Trade.Information

Company Name: Perrone Leather, LLC

Company Type: Leather Maintenance

Company Profile

Before you go ahead and clean your leather, we believe that it important that you understand the basic make-up of leather. As depicted in the side diagram, FINISHED leather can consist of several layers of colors and clear-top that sit on top of the actual hide.

NOTE: Some leathers are UNFINISHED leathers. We do not recommend using any cleaning chemicals on these types of leathers, such as suede, nubuck or naked leather. These instructions are for FINISHED leathers only. A good test that you can easily perform to determine whether or not your leather is finished is to wet your finger and dab it onto your leather. If the water is absorbed into the leather it is unfinished. If the water sits on top of the leather, it is most likely a finished leather.

About Company

First and foremost, keep your leather free of dust and debris! This can be achieved by a routine wipe down of your leather with a dry micro-fiber towel or rag. Dust and dirt can settle in the pores of your leather and cause premature erosion of your finish system. When using cleaner and or conditioners on your finished leather:

Always use cleaning products in a manner consistent with labeling.
Always pretest surface before wide spread use of any cleaning products.
Do not spray products directly on leather.
Start with a recommended leather cleaning product or a mild surfactant / soap and water solution to clean your finished leathers.

Some chemical groups can melt into the finish system and/or cause damage leading to tacky feeling leather and / or color transfer:

1. Heavy solvents or petroleum based solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl keytone (MEK), mineral spirits, lacquer thinner and isopropyl alcohol.
2. High alkaline cleaners (pH of 10.5 or more) or acid based products (pH of 5 or less) such as most heavy-duty degreasers, products containing bleach, ammoniated cleaners, d’limonene based products, bathroom cleaners containing acids, terpines or most parts washer fluids.
3. Dry Cleaning and steam cleaning can do the following to your finish system: Premature cracking, change the “hand” or feel of your leather, discoloration, adverse effects on flammability, delamination.
4. “Oil” type soaps that can leave behind tacky residue causing increased staining, chemical build-up and soil adherence. These types can also harm the finish system of if left on leather.

Your leather should be cleaned on a regular basis. Ideally, they should be cleaned as often as possible. Dust and dirt can settle in the pores of your leather and cause premature erosion of your finish system. Realistically, a routine cleaning of (1) time per week or as close to that schedule as possible is a good idea. When you have a spill or stain that occurs on your leather, it is best to go after it right away (similar to a stain on your clothing). Although your leather has a protective clear-top (given that it is FINISHED leather) it is not impermeable, and can absorb material such as ink, oils and liquids over time.

INK STAINS
For fresh ink stains, apply an approved leather ink remover for finished leathers. We recommend Perrone’s Ink and Stain Remover (#IR-102) to a soft lint-free rag or cotton swab and gently agitate stain in a random circular motion. Be sure to move to a clean area of cloth or swab as to not re-apply any ink that may have been removed. If stain is untouched, try a soft nylon brush and re-agitate. If stain is still untouched, re-apply Perrone’s Ink Remover (#IR-102) and allow to stand for up to 24 hours. Repeat removal process.

For dried ink stains on finished leathers, the only way to fully remove this type of stain is to cut into the clear top or color coat of the leather (see diagram above). We recommend that you have this done by a trained leather repair technician. Although not common, we may be able to refer you to one in your area. Contact us.

GUM
Use Perrone’s Deep Cleaner (#DC-232) in conjunction with mechanical removal of gum. Carefully apply Deep Cleaner (#DC-232) to gum and agitate with soft nylon brush or lint-free rag. A pallet knife can also be used (carefully) to mechanically remove gum from leather after softened by Deep Cleaner (#DC-232). Be sure not to cut into leather finish during this process. If additional gum residue remains, follow-up with another application of Perrone’s Deep Cleaner for leather and agitate with clean soft cloth or brush. Wipe Excess.

DAMAGED LEATHER
For damaged leather such as scratches, rub-through of finish or peeling, cracking of finish we recommend that you contact a trained leather repair technician. Although not common, we may be able to refer you to one in your area.