Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams leather furniture appeals to:
What's so special about Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams's aniline leather?
The finest leathers are pure anilines - and most Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams leathers are anilines. Only the top 5% of hides, which are relatively free from gross surface imperfections, can be made into aniline leather. These are full grain; top grain leathers that have been soaked in transparent, non-toxic aniline dye and have no subsequent pigmented finish coats applied. In other words, the color has not been "painted" onto the surface. The aniline dye penetrates the hide with color, allowing the natural grain to show through. A soft, mellow hand, characteristic of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams leathers, is the result of tanning done with such minerals as chromium salts.
If it's perfect, it may not be real leather.
Anilines have natural markings including healed scars, neck and belly wrinkles, scratches, insect bites and brands that vary from hide to hide in the same way that human fingerprints are unique. Aniline leathers also exhibit natural color variations due to leather's ability to accept dyes differently in various areas of the hide. These markings and color shadings basically distinguish genuine leather from man-made materials like vinyl and from leathers whose "character" is stamped on with heat or pressure. Appreciating differences between hides means appreciating differences on individual items of furniture as well - because no item of furniture can be produced from a single hide.
Glossary of Leather Terms
Aniline: The process of coloring leather throughout with non-toxic aniline dyes. The leather is soaked in the transparent dye, which allows all of nature's signatures to remain visible. Only 5 of every 100 hides produced are sufficiently defect-free to become anilines.
Antiqued:Common descriptive terms for leather that shows signs of natural aging and wear that have been artificially created.
Corrected: Hides that cannot be anilines are used to produce less expensive corrected leather, which is created when nature's signatures are buffed away and an artificial grain is embossed or heat-stamped onto the hide.
Full Grain: Any leather from which only the hair has been removed while the grain retains its original state. Natural markings are left intact and present the character and appeal of unique leather.
Hand Antiquing: The application by hand of a darker color over a lighter color to create dramatic highlights.
Nubuck: A top grain, aniline-dyed leather that is buffed to create a soft nap. NOT a suede, which is made from the less desirable split hide. Especially vulnerable to stains, nubucks are often lightly finished for protection.
Patina: Fine leather, like fine sterling silver and antiques, develops a luster or shine over time and with use, consumers who purchase aniline leathers can look forward to their furniture developing even more character over the years.
Pigmented Leather: Leather that is finished with a solid pigment coating for consistency of color and texture. Pigment may be used to cover imperfections as well as add protection. Generally used to denote more promotional leather. Sometimes called painted leather.
Pull-Up: The burst of lighter color that occurs when aniline leather is pulled tightly around corners and turns in the upholstering process. The oils and waxes in the leather cause the color to dissipate and become lighter in the areas, which are pulled tight, giving extra dimension and character to the piece.
Pure Aniline: A top-grain leather that is aniline dyed and receives no additional coloring, but may include a protective treatment such as Scotchgard. Also called full aniline, naked aniline or naked leather.
Sauvage: A mottled, two-tone antiquing effect that adds depth and character.
Scotchgard and GTX: Chemicals with water and stain resistant properties that are added in the drum during the dying process.
Semi Aniline: Also called aniline-plus or protected aniline. A top-grain leather that is aniline dyed and coated with matching pigment and or other topical finishes to even out the color and add protection.
Split: The bottom layers of the hide that have been split off from the top grain leather, then pigmented or sueded. Generally stiffer and less durable, splits may be used on promotional leather furniture – particularly in areas of less direct use - to contain costs.
Tanning: The process of converting rawhides into a non-perishable state.
Top Coat: A transparent protective coating applied to the leather surface. May also impart luster to the surface.
Top Grain: During the tanning process, a hide is split into layers and the top layer is referred to as the top grain. This is the most durable part of a leather hide due to the strength of the fibers.
Any questions?
How is the wax/dye applied to the hides?
Dyes are usually tumbled with the hides in a large drum.
What are aniline dyes?
The word aniline is an industry term for transparent dyes that are used to color hides.
Are there any finishing methods used?
A very thin layer of polyurethane seals the hide and either an oil or wax finish is applied as a protectant against spills and light scratches.
Why should the leathers be kept out of direct sunlight/heat?
Sunlight is a natural bleaching agent. Any natural substance will be affected adversely by the sun. Heat draws the natural moisture out of the hide and can cause the skins to crack or become ashy. The application of a leather conditioner can reduce these reactions.
What is the average square footage for a hide?
55 square feet.
Why are European hides larger?
There are several variables that determine the size of a hide. The breed, age (usually older), steer and the cooler climate are the primary reasons that European hides are larger.
What causes a variance in the color of a hide?
The amount of moisture in the hide is the main reason for variance in color.
Is the hide the only part of the cow that is used?
The hides are by-products in the cattle industry. Every part of the cow is utilized.
What are the recommended generic and professional cleaning agents to use?
All spills should be attended to immediately. For light spills always use distilled water and a clean cloth. Wipe the spill in one direction. Application of a leather conditioner is useful in repelling stains. Most stains will disappear with age. Not all stains will come out. (see Leather…do's and don'ts below).
Will leather ever fade over time?
Heat and/or sunlight and time can affect all natural substances if not properly maintained. Excessive exposure can fade and dry out leather upholstery.
For minor scratches what do you recommend?
If a leather has been conditioned and maintained it should be more resistant to scratches. Most light scratches can be massaged lightly with clean fingers. For deeper scratches there is little that can be done, remember this is a skin that no longer has healing capabilities.
What do you recommend for indelible stains such as pen marks or ink?
Allow the ink mark to dry then use distilled water and a cloth. A suede eraser can be used on a dry surface if the stain persists. Not all stains will come out.
Leather.. do's and don'ts.
Do's
Don'ts
Remember
Need Care Info on a Specific Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Leather? Or a Service Person to Make a Call?