>>> I believe it may be aniline leather.
Aniline is a transparent dyestuff that is usually dyed through the back, to the reverse suede sides, if there is the same color shade as the front, then it is aniline leather.
>>> After trial and error I was able to remove almost all paint however I had to resort to using paint stripper as nothing else worked.
If you are removing 'all paint' then it is not aniline leather and is considered as 'pigmented' leather with an opaque coloring. Using a paint remover dries up the already diminished fatliquor (fat and oil). So the leather becomes drier. Note: This could be an aniline leather and have been refinished with 'pigment' to cover up the the stains.
>>> Once most of the paint was removed I used mineral spirits,
Mineral spirits again dries up the leather further.
>>> then Dawn dish soap and warm water to remove any left over residue.
According to the Materials Safety Data Sheets, the pH level of Dawn dish soap is between 8.7 and 9.3. Remember the pH value of leather is between 3 and 5. Note that leather is an amphoteric protein material and this pH of 8.7 and 9.3 shifts the anionic positive charge from positive (+ve) to negative (-ve) causing the other negative (-ve) leather constituents like the dyestuff, tanning agents, and fatliquor to loose its ionic attraction and leached out reverting the leather to rawhide, these side effects are manifested as dye bleeding if the leather is aniline dyed, tackiness when the leather is tested with wet fingers, and cloudy residue from migrating fat and oils.
>>> I have been using a high pressure steamer to soften and remove the remaining paint chips from the seams.
Any hot steam will further evaporate the fatliquor (fat and oil)as fat and oil are VOC volatile organic compound.
>>> The seat and seat back are dry, stiff and cracked.
These problems and damages are due to not using proven 'leather-safe' products.
>>> The arms have more significant damage I am hoping can be salvaged. I can’t tell if the darkness on the arm rest is soiled or if the leather has been compromised with the harsh solvents I used.
Looks like the darkening effect is from body oil, grease, and sweat. It can be improved with a water-based leather-safe degreasing system.
>>> It has always been much darker than the rest leading me to believe it was heavily soiled before it was painted.
Yes, I agree.
>>> However it is tacky and peeling now. I tried using leather cleaner and conditioner which has lightened it some but I am afraid I am just causing more damage.
The pH value of any product has to be known since we are working with leather that has a pH value of 3 and 5.
>>> What can I do to salvage this chair?
There are 2 parts involved in salvaging this chair. Restoring the leather structure to its chemistry integrity with softness and strength and the other part is the repairs and refinishing.
Let me know if you have further questions.
11019
Roger Koh
Leather Care System Formulator
Consultant / Practitioner / Instructor / Coach
web: www.leatherdoctor.com (http://www.leatherdoctor.com)
forum: www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com (http://www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com)
email:
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phone: 604 773 1878