SOFA BUYING TIPS & LEATHER FACTS

Sofa Buying Tips

1. Insist on removable cushionson your sofa. It makes it easier to repair if you rip, tear or stain the fabric/ leather. If it is removable, it can be cleaned or even dry cleaned too. When your kids use the sofa as a trampoline and the foam collapses, you wont have to send the whole couch to the upholsterer, just the cushions whereby the inserts can be changed. The main reason sofas have stitched in cushions is because it is cheaper to manufacture.

2. If you or any member of your family suffers from allergies, ask the store if the fabric has any anti-allergenic properties? There are fabrics that are specifically made for this purpose.

3. Turn a seat or back cushion inside out, by opening the zip and look for a hide. If you see a fur underlay, it is more likely to be leather. If it has a polished surface this would suggest it is vinyl and not leather. - should be avoided

4. If you have kids or pets, try and avoid a polished leather cause it scuffs easily (though it can be touched up as easily with oil and heat). Always ask for a finished pigmented leather if your kids are growing up. If fabric is your choice, look for a protected fabric that is either teflon coated or one that is a 100% polyster base. Don’t be fooled by stores offering “fabric protection”. It is a complete waste of money and a $25 dollar protective spray does the same thing.

5. Construction. Ask the store if the frame is stapled together, glued or bolted on? Bolted on and glued is best. Lift the sofa to check if it is heavy. If it isn’t, chances are that the frame has a light construction, possibly pine or a softwood. A hard wood frame will last longer. A nontreated frame is possibly worse than a softwood frame. So ask the second question - is it kiln dried?

6. Always buy a sofa with the signficant other to avoid ten years of grief and an umpteen “I told you so’s”. Failing that, take the dog, the frog or cat for a second opinion. A couch is a ten year purchase, so think it out carefully.

LEATHER FACTS / LEATHER INFORMATION

Identifying the upholstery leather finish

Upholstery leather is the most sophisticated form of leather and should NOT be confused with other types of leather, e.g. shoes, clothing, hand bags, saddles, etc.

Upholstery leather is processed to a high degree of softness and durability at the tannery where it is coloured with aniline dyes so as not to conceal the natural characteristics. The leather is then ready to be further developed into the finishes listed here.

Determine the type of finish you want

Finished (Pigmented) Leather – This is by far the most durable upholstery leather due to a more substantial polyurethane finish (coat), which not only reduces the risk of soiling being absorbed into the leather, but also makes cleaning and maintenance much easier. This finish is available in both full grain and corrected grain and is recommended for everyday use in both domestic and commercial applications.

Semi-Aniline Leather – This very soft leather is dyed with penetrating aniline dyes. The leather is then treated with a thin polyurethane coating.

Bi-cast Leather – This leather type has a sheet of Polyurethane (PU) bonded onto the surface of the leather to give the leather a stiffer less pliable feel and generally a glossier look. This leather is bonded together with a PU cast giving it the name of bi-cast as it consists of two castings being put together.

Waxed/Pulled Up/Oiled Leathers – These leather types do not have a polyurethane protective finish but are impregnated with waxes and oils to assist in reducing absorption into the leather. Waxed leather is designed to give an antique and worn appearance.

Suede, Aniline and Nubuck Leathers – These soft luxurious feeling leathers are coloured with penetrating aniline dyes but have no protective polyurethane finish (coat) making them more difficult to maintain and they are also susceptible to fading. Nubuk and Suede Leathers have a raised more prominent nap surface than Aniline leather.

Check: To assist in determining whether or not your leather has a polyurethane protective finish coat simply wet your fingers or a cloth with water and press them against the leather surface. If moisture penetrates the leather darkening the surface then it has no polyurethane coat.

Upholstery leather wearability guide

How to avoid leather damage

1. Keep your upholstery away from direct heat, e.g. radiators, open fires, etc. WHY? Fire risks and damage to fabric.

2. Protect your upholstery leather from direct sunlight to avoid dis-colouration due to ultra-violet light.

3. Never use solvents, abrasives, shoe or saddlery care products. Only use leather industry approved products to clean your leather.

4. Do not allow dust to accumulate on the leather surface.

5. Keep your upholstery leather in pristine condition with regular maintenance.

Note: To avoid mildew and mould damaging your upholstery leather simply clean and condition regularly to prevent soiling through perspiration and use. Recommend cleaning with leather cleaner conditioner every 3-6 months. Frogs Sofas has a range of leather conditioning products online and in-store