Aniline Wax Pull-Up - Care

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your emails thus far... I have included pictures here for the rest of the world to benefit from our discussion.

This was sold as Brompton leather, though certainly isn't from the same folks as make that for restoration hardware, I'd like to get it looking that way. There's seems to be a little "crunchier" in that the lines stay visible and it's very shiny. This leather has always been rather dull, but you squish it you can see the patina.

Now, it's starting to age. It's about 4 years old and the only things that have gone on it are some cleaner to pick up the occasional dog mess. It never soaked in, just stayed on the surface.. but I fear my cleaning has begin to take it's toll. Take a look at some pics.
-The corners are starting to "dry out", Attachment 2067
-there are a number of doggie fingernail scratches that don't seem to rub out like they used too, Attachment 2068
-there is a fading section where i sit most often, Attachment 2069
-a deep black scratch that shows that I think is a hide scar but shows up more now in the fade, Attachment 2070
-and a pic of the headrest to show the true dull character.Attachment 2071

How do i make it super shiny and more "crinkly" type, if possible? If not, how to maintain this leather and bring it back to new?

Thanks so much!

Brad

From pictures this leather is identify as Aniline Wax Pull-Up.

Leather Identification:
Wax pull-up leathers derive its color from dyestuff and effect wax that gives the leather a lively distressed look. When this leather is pulled, stretched or scratched, the waxes dissipate characteristically and become lighter in those areas. Sunlight and stretching through high wear areas are two main indications that the infused wax needs replenishing. As this, effect wax behaves just like the primary fatliquor they do diminish through ageing and will need periodic replenishing. Besides contributing to the color intensity, it improves in water shedding effect. Effect wax when applied to the leather penetrates while some coagulates as fine crystal and remains on the surface. The dried surface white powdery deposits are then heat activated and when they melt, they coat the surface with a glossy sheen.

Use this Aniline Wax Pull-Up (A.w) Leather Problem Solving Guide as reference:

Attachment 2074


>>> -The corners are starting to "dry out",

This is the leather structure problem under “Dryness and Stiffness” with reference to the guide.
Assuming it is free of soiling (otherwise matching soil or stain removal system applies) then the sequence of steps includes are Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Wax Effect-8.6 > Protector-D+.


>>> -there are a number of doggie fingernail scratches that don't seem to rub out like they used too,

The diminishing of Wax Effect-86 is the main reason.


>>> -there is a fading section where i sit most often,

Both the diminishing of the Fatliquor-5.0 > Wax Effect-8.6 and over-stretching result in appearance.
Over-stretching is improved with help of Hydrator-3.3.


>>> -a deep black scratch that shows that I think is a hide scar but shows up more now in the fade,

This natural scar authenticate that this is a high-end “full-grain” leather.
Leather rejuvenating helps restore the color intensity of the leather to camouflage the black scar naturally.


>>> -and a pic of the headrest to show the true dull character.

Oil melts or dissolve the wax is the reason for the dull effect.
Body oil, grease and sweat will require Degreaser-2.2 > Acidifier-2.0 prior to leather rejuvenating.
Wax Effect-8.6 both replenishes the leather structure with the pull up effect and deposit wax crystalline on the surface to be activated with a heat blower to impart a natural waxy shine.


>>> How do i make it super shiny and more "crinkly" type, if possible?

Super shine is accomplished with Adhesor-73 > AnilineTop-21G. “Crinkly” is achieved with sufficient Wax Effect-8.6 impregnation.


>>> If not, how to maintain this leather and bring it back to new?
A complete restoration both to the leather structure (below surface) and finishes (above surface) is necessary to bring it back to new.


This holistic sequence of process includes:

1 General Soil, Stain & Odor Decontaminations:
Degreaser-2.2 > Acidifier-2.0 / Rinse-3.0

2 Specific Soil, Stain & Odor Decontaminations:
Identify and refer to Guide accordingly

3 Hydrating:
Hydrator-3.3

4 Fatliquor Replenishing
Fatliquor-5.0

5 Wax Effect Replenishing
Wax Effect-8.6

6 Extra Shine
Adhesor-73 > AnilineTop-21G

7 Finishes Protection
Protector-D+


Product Information:

Attachment 2075
Leather Doctor® Kit Aw6.tc, aniline wax pull-up leather topcoat refinishing kit is designed for after degreasing in a holistic approach. Most penetrated stains from the head and hands that show a darkening effect have its topcoat probably deteriorated by the oil, grease and sweat. Deteriorated topcoat removed during the degreasing process is refinished with AnilineTop-21G after wax effect rejuvenated. Removing penetrated soiling contamination starts with Degreaser-2.2, a waterbased (pH 2.2) multifunctional degreaser that emulsifies the greasy contamination, controls dye bleeding and charging the protein fiber ionic positive for strengthening the attraction between the ionic negative tanning agent, dyestuff and fatliquor. Deflocculated and suspended soiling is towel extracted, thereafter rinse and pH balanced with Acidifier-2.0 to prevent the leather from reverting to rawhide. When leather feels sticky or slimy it is a sign of leather denaturing, a squeaky feel when wet is a sign of a healthy leather. Hydrator-3.3 relaxes stiff leathers and removes surface tension free from surface blotchiness prior to fat and oil replenishing. Fat and oil is replenished with Fatliquor-5.0 to rejuvenate the leather for the desired suppleness when dry. Wax Effect-8.6 rejuvenates the structural wax pull-up effect and coagulates a cloudy waxy coating on the surface to be heat activated into the characteristic glossy sheen. Protector-D+ enhances a non-stick draggy-feel to shield against sticky soiling, besides healing and concealing lightening scuff and abrasion marks. Note that the mentioned product suffix number denotes its pH value in this holistic leather-safe aniline wax pull-up leathers topcoat refinishing system.
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Roger Koh
Leather Care Consultant
www.LeatherDoctor.com