Restoration Hardware leather sofa - advice for cleaning and conditioning

I recently bought a new-to-me RH leather sofa for a really good price. The previous owner had two children and I can tell there is some soiling between the cushions because of darker coloring, probably from the kids dropping food or anything else I can imagine. Otherwise it is in pretty good condition. I want to clean it and keep it well taken care of. It doesn't have any cracking or significant problems at the moment. I have a Leather Medic franchise near me which currently has the sofa to fix the cloth liner that tore from the movers. (It tore where the cloth meets the leather at the bottom on what I think is called the seat deck.) They said they could clean and condition it for $50. Why should I or not use their service? How is it different than the Leather Doctor products?

What would anyone suggest to best care for this sofa in the long term or what it might need for cleaning and care now?

Thanks!

>>> They said they could clean and condition it for $50.

Before any cleaning and conditioning of the leather we need the following check list:
1 – Leather Finishes Type and this is identified as an “Aniline Wax Pull-up”.
2 – Pick out the matching leather finishes “Leather Problem Solving Guide” see below attachment.
3 – Check out the pH value of each cleaning products used (leather-safe is pH 3 – 5), otherwise need to pH balanced it.
3 – Inspect the condition of the leather:
3a – Worn to the welting
3b – Nails marks
3c – Dryness with creases and wrinkles
3d – Check for pull-up effect
3e – Check for color intensity difference from exposed and unused area

>>> They said they could clean

Need to know how it is to be clean - a job scope or description necessary to know that we are doing it right.
In reference to the guide there are 6 levels of cleaning with appropriate products and sequences to match.
Note that the suffix number of the Leather Doctor’s cleaning and conditioning products denotes its pH value (leather safe is pH 3 to 5

>>> >>> They said they could condition

There are three (3) levels of conditioning to this leather.
1 – Level one to the leather structure is to replenish the original fatliquor for suppleness and any dryness or diminishing fatliquor will first shows as creases and wrinkles; and loss of color saturation.
2 – Level two to the leather structure is to replenish the original fashion pull-up effect to maintain or restore extra softness to the leather and when pull or stretch creates the fashion pull-up effect.
3 – Level three is to the surface where the finishes especially the topcoat is prolong from wear with Protector-D+ or D.


>>> Why should I or not use their service?

This aniline pull-up leather is absorbent and highly pH sensitive, any cleaning product that penetrates the leather structure should be between pH 3 to 5, otherwise they should be pH balanced. Leather when exposed to pH value more than 7 will eventually denature the leather – tackiness when the tanning agents breaks the hydrogen bond and slowly reverts to rawhide, bleeding when dyestuff breaks the hydrogen bond and stiffness that leads to creases and wrinkles when fatliquor breaks hydrogen bond.
Engage their services for the price quoted when they used a leather-safe system that matches this “aniline wax pull-up” type.


>>> What would anyone suggest to best care for this sofa in the long term

This high-end leather should be able to last for the next 100 years when properly taken care off according with the “Aniline Wax Pull-up Leather Problem Solving Guide”. No other leather replacement is going to outlast it. Lots of imitation comes in ‘Bicast’ and average 7 years would have a sticky surface with deteriorated finishes. So this is the ultimate leather finishes type to keep for life. For a long term care - follow the recommended care program according to the “Leather Problem Solving Guide for Aniline Wax Pull-up leather type.

Cycle of Care for Aniline Wax Pull-up Leathers

Preventive Care:
A non-stick, rub-resistant protection is recommended to be in place before putting the leather to daily use. Protector-D imparts a soft natural draggy-feel that enhances the leather luxuriously to the sense of touch. The non-stick surface shields the leather from sticky soiling thus prolonging the high level of appearance. Rub-resistant abilities reduce wear to the topcoat and also have properties that seal and conceal scuffing. Optional leather-scented version Protector-D+ diffuses a classic leather scent that boost the sensuous leather more appealing to the leather lover. This protection care commences before usage and at the end of each level of routine, periodic or restorative cleaning cycle.

Instruction:
1. Apply Protector-D on dust free surface after shaking well, towel spread and is ready for use when dry.


Routine Care:
Routine care includes procedures such as general dust cleaning, attending to spots and stains as required especially the neutralizing of sweat or perspiration stains from shifting alkaline. Thus prevents leather from tackiness. A routine non-stick rub resistant protection after neutralizing rinse helps keep leather in a more attractive and healthy state while preventing premature wears.

Instruction:
1. Spray Rinse-3.0 on a dust free surface, horsehair Brush-1 agitates and towel extract until it shows clean.
2. When dry, apply Protector-D after shaking well, towel spread and is ready for use when dry.


Periodic Care:
Periodic care is recommend before soiling causes damages to the finishing. This keeps leather consistently clean and healthy at all times. Body contact surfaces would require more frequent attention than non-body contact surfaces. While the headrest and armrest gets the most of body oil and sweat contacts.

Instruction:
1st phase – Cleaning:
1. Spray Clean-3.8 and agitate with horsehair Brush-1; ensuring a uniform saturation application over the entire surfaces a section at a time.
2. Towel extract until it shows clean.
3. Remaining residues are spray rinse with Rinse-3.0 and towel extract to a squeaky-clean.
4. Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat cleaning process as necessary or proceed to hydrating.

2nd phase – Hydrating:
Hydrating is essential to relax unnatural creases and wrinkles. Leather shrunk and becomes stiff when the structural fibers become stick together as the fatliquor diminishes through ageing or under heat over-exposure or under influence of alkaline solution. They are stretched crosswise when the leather is plump. Plumping the stiff leathers may take up to 72hrs under evaporation control. Besides, its pH value of 3.3 helps charge the protein fiber ionic positive (+ve) to increase the hydrogen bonding attraction between the ionic negative (-ve) fatliquor at the molecular level.
1. Spray Hydrator-3.3 control and spread with foam brush to hydrate deep into the leather thickness.
2. Let dwell 10 to 30 minutes to break surface tension, depending on severity of dryness, with optional plastic cling wrapping to control evaporation for a longer dwell time up to 72hrs, to plumps the leather more effectively for ease of cross stretching unnatural creases and wrinkles.

3rd phase – Fatliquoring:
Fatliquor evaporates as VOC (volatile organic compound) when temperature rises especially from exposed micro crazing and stitching rows. Periodic fatliquor (ionic negative (-ve) charged emulsion of natural fat and oil) replenishing maintains the leather’s structure integrity and pliability thus increase leather tensile strength with softness and added intensifying color richness.
1. Spray Fatliquor-5.0 after shaking in like manner as Hydrator-3.3 and let dry naturally.
2. Repeat application while still damp about 25% moisture content remaining in between drying until saturated again.
3. Leave the leather for slow natural drying for extra softness.
4. Wipe surface strays with Hydrator-3.3 to free of sticky residue.

4th phase – Preventive Care:
1. When dry, apply Protector-D after shaking well, towel spread and is ready for use when dry.


Restorative Care:
Restorative care is the ultimate corrective or salvage care system that removes accumulated soiling including aged conditioners to its original OEM finishes. Accumulated soiling that fills creases is often mistaken for cracks. Restorative cleaning is performed by Prep-4.4. It works by chemical reaction to emulsify soiling through its penetrating, lubricating and suspending power. Its thick as honey viscosity facilitates coating the surface for effective dwell time. Horsehair detailing Brush-1 is recommended to worked into heavily soiled areas sufficiently to avoid excessive agitation that might damage already weaken finishes especially on heavily used areas. For extreme cases, the Prep-4.4 can stay continuous for up to 72 hours to do its work safely including ‘reverse transferring’ of unwanted dye stains from new blue jeans, newsprints and ballpoint ink.

1st phase - Restorative Cleaning:
1. Apply Prep-4.4 and agitate with horsehair Brush-1, ensuring a uniform application over the entire surfaces a section at a time.
2. Allow a dwell time of 10 to 30 minutes or before it dries prior to towel extraction until it shows clean.
3. Sticky residue is removed by Clean-3.8 with gentle brush agitation and towel extraction until it shows clean.
4. Remaining residues are spray rinse with Rinse-3.0 and towel extract to a squeaky-clean.
5. Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat Prep-4.4 with Towel-T5 for a ‘reverse transfer for dyestuff stains, application with a longer dwell time as necessary and check for reverse transfer satisfaction. 6. Proceed with Hydrator-3.3 after Rinse-3.0 and satisfied inspection.

2nd phase – Hydrating:
Hydrating is essential to relax unnatural creases and wrinkles. Leather shrunk and becomes stiff when the structural fibers become stick together as the fatliquor diminishes through ageing or under heat over-exposure or under influence of alkaline solution. They are stretched crosswise when the leather is plump. Plumping the stiff leathers may take up to 72hrs under evaporation control. Besides, its pH value of 3.3 helps charge the protein fiber ionic positive (+ve) to increase the hydrogen bonding attraction between the ionic negative (-ve) fatliquor at the molecular level.
1. Spray Hydrator-3.3 control and spread with foam brush to hydrate deep into the leather thickness.
2. Let dwell 10 to 30 minutes to break surface tension, depending on severity of dryness, with optional plastic cling wrapping to control evaporation for a longer dwell time up to 72hrs, to plumps the leather more effectively for ease of cross stretching unnatural creases and wrinkles.

3rd phase – Fatliquoring:
Fatliquor evaporates as VOC (volatile organic compound) when temperature rises especially from exposed micro crazing and stitching rows. Periodic fatliquor (ionic negative (-ve) charged emulsion of natural fat and oil) replenishing maintains the leather’s structure integrity and pliability thus increase leather tensile strength with softness and added intensifying color richness.
1. Spray Fatliquor-5.0 after shaking in like manner as Hydrator-3.3 and let dry naturally.
2. Repeat application while still damp about 25% moisture content remaining in between drying until saturated again.
3. Leave the leather for slow natural drying for extra softness.
4. Wipe surface strays with Hydrator-3.3 to free of sticky residue.

4th phase – Preventive Care:
1. When dry, apply Protector-D after shaking well, towel spread and is ready for use when dry.


>>> or what it might need for cleaning and care now?

It looks like it will need a complete restoration both to the leather structure, fashion pull-up effect, color freshness and topcoat.

The job scope should be as follows for a topcoat refinishing:
1 – Degreasing to prepare for a gloss urethane topcoat application to restore the original natural sheen.
Degreaser-2.2 > Rinse-3.0 > Acidifier-2.0 system.
2 – Leather rejuvenating the leather structure for suppleness to reduce or eliminate excess creases and wrinkles.
Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Hydrator-3.3
3 – Leather fashion pull-up rejuvenating to restore the distress effect.
WaxEffect-8.6
4 – Topcoat application to smooth out any abrasion especially the welting.
AnilineTop-21G
5 – Leather non-stick, rub-resistant protection to reduce wear to the leather finishes.
Protector-D+ (leather scented) or Protector-D (scentless)

These five steps will restore the leather almost to original showroom condition without the need for new fresh dye application.

Leather Description:
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 transforms into fine cloudy 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. In a restorative care cycle urethane gloss topcoats is applied to restore its original appearance.

Attachment 5317
Aniline (A.pw) – Wax Pull-up – Leather Problem Solving Guide

Attachment 5318
Kit-Aw6.tc
http://www.leatherdoctor.com/kit-aw6...finishing-kit/
Leather Doctor® Kit-Aw6.tc, aniline wax pull-up leather topcoat refinishing kit is designed for after degreasing in a holistic approach. 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 with Rinse-3.0. When leather feels sticky or slimy it is a sign of leather denaturing, Acidifier-2.0 is used to pH balanced it to a squeaky feel when wet is a sign of healthy leather. Hydrator-3.3 relaxes stiff leathers and removes surface tension free from surface blotchiness prior to fatliquor replenishing. Original diminishing fatliquor 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 forming 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 (optional leather scented version use Protector-D+) Note that the mentioned product suffix number denotes its pH value in this holistic leather-safe aniline wax pull-up leathers topcoat refinishing system.

Topcoat Refinishing Instruction:

Degreasing:
Removing of surface and penetrated grease is essential for a good bonding topcoat, just like any other refinishing work with the same principle. However, amphoteric protein leather material is especially pH sensitive, leather pH value of 3 to 5 should be maintain at all time during the degreasing process. Otherwise, high pH value bleeds the dyestuff and displaced it with blotchiness. High pH or alkalinity degreaser denatures the leather when the tanning agents leaches out result in tackiness and in worst case sliminess. All degreasing will also dries up the original fatliquor and high pH value does more harm in drying up the leather. When degreasing existing cracks or dried leathers of fatliquor contents below 7% (read with a leather moisture meter or an equivalent wood moisture meter), it is recommended that hydrating it with Hydrator-3.3 prior to Fatliquor-5.0 first to top-up the fatliquor up to the original 14% prior to degreasing. This pre leather rejuvenating helps prevent over drying of the leather during the degreasing process that may accentuates or magnifies existing cracks.
Degreaser-2.2 is a dual-purpose formulation with a pH value of 2.2 to safely degreasing the leather surface and penetrated soiling, while charging the protein fiber ionic positive (+ve) below its iso electric-point or pH neutral or pI for an increase hydrogen bonding with the other ionic negative (-ve) leather constituents like the tanning agents, dyestuff and fatliquor.
1 - Apply Degreaser-2.2 after shaking it well, saturating sufficiently where apparent body contact soiling is evident and feather out to less body contact soiling areas.
2 – Leather Eraser-4 is used for better traction without the risk of scratching the finishes.
3 – Horsehair Brush-1 is used for stitching rows, welting, groves, creases and wrinkles
4 – Emulsified and suspended soiling is terry towel extracted until towel shows clean.

Rinsing:
Rinsing the after working degreaser residue and suspended soiling is equally important for a residue free surface.
1 – Apply Rinse-3.0 agitate with Eraser-4 and Brush-1 and terry towel extract until towel shows clean.
2 – Check for any surface tackiness and proceed with Acidifier-2.0.

pH Balancing:
Dye bleeding and or tackiness during the wet cleaning process manifested from unknown previous cleaning will need further pH balanced with Acidifier-2.0. With a pH 2.0 treatment the amphoteric leather protein fiber will increase its ionic positive (+ve) charge with the other ionic negative (-ve) leather constituents, restoring its pH chemistry integrity.
1 – Apply Acidifier-2.0, let dwell and before it dries towel extracted.
2 – Towel is check for sign of bleeding and surface check for tackiness.
3 – Advanced treatment is allowed for a longer dwell with control plastic covering and inspect for satisfaction thereafter.

Hydrating:
Hydrating is introducing leather-safe surface-active agent to penetrate, relax and separate stick together fibers from locking up shrunk, creases and wrinkles stiffness. The leather may be dwell up to 72hrs while seal with plastic cling wrapper to control evaporation until the leather is plumped or limped or softened to be stretch or manipulated crosswise to satisfaction.
1 – Apply Hydrator-3.3 for an even appearance and fully saturated to relax out the leather structure to satisfaction.
2 – When leather is almost dry or about 25% total moisture content Fatliquor-5.0 replenishing commences.

Fatliquoring:
Fatliquoring is the process of replenishing original fatliquor content up to its formal tannery standard of 14% when dry. The fat and oil encased water molecule when ionic attracted by the protein leather fiber breaks free and evaporates leaving a breathing space for natural leather transpiration to take place for seating comfort. The fat plumps the leather for fullness when dry and the oil lubricates the millions of interconnecting like hinges for suppleness without cracking when the leather is flexed from used.
1 – Apply Fatliquor-5.0 and spread for an even appearance until fully saturated.
2 – Before the leather is completely dry or about 25% moisture level more is applied until saturated again.
3 – When dry to normal used the leather moisture content may be read with a leather moisture meter or an equivalent wood moisture meter to about 14%.

Fatliquor-Free Surfacing:
Surface Fatliquor-5.0 residue if any is removed with Hydrator-3.3 driving all surface residues below surface. Remember that Fatliquor-5.0 is a structural conditioner and not suppose to remain on the surface.
1 – Surface is sprayed with Hydrator-3.3 and work with horsehair Brush-1 until cloudy moisture if any turns clear.

Wax Effect Replenishing:
WaxEffect-8.6 is the secondary conditioner replenishing the leather structure to impart a below surface pull-up distress effect and an above crystalline wax deposit to be activated with a heat blower or hair dryer to a natural characteristically sheen.
1 – Apply WaxEffect-8.6 after a warm-up and shake-up.
2 – Spray, spread and saturate with horsehair Brush-1 or other brush evenly producing a darkening effect.
3 – Allow an 8 hour natural drying time or until cloudy crystalline are formed.
4 – Activate the wax deposit with a heat blower or hot hair dryer to a natural gloss luster.

Topcoating:
AnilineTop-21G is a waterbased polyurethane topcoat that is lightfast and non-yellowing. It has excellent flow and levelling properties, recoatable and forms a flexible film coat that gives good performing results from friction wear.
1 – Application is either with bristle brushes or fine airbrushing to produce professional results.
2 – Streaking or drippings if any is immediately corrected with a lint-free towel like Towel-T5.
3 – Sanding with a 2000grit in between coats improves the feel and touch of the finishes.
4 – Gloss builds up with additional coatings.

Protection:
Protector-D is a non-film forming, non-stick scentless (optional Protector-D+ for a classic leather scent) protector that enhances a natural draggy-feel. It imparts a non-stick breathable barrier essentially to shield the detrimental effects of sticky soiling. Its natural draggy-feel protection increases the leather resistance to wet and dry rubs, thus reduce stretch, scuff and abrasion. It is also used as a scuff repairer, filling and concealing surface scuffs to improve appearance.
1 – Shake well, mist spray and spread evenly with a foam brush.


Kit Content and Product Description:

Degreaser-2.2 (120ml)
Leather Doctor® Degreaser-2.2 is a pH 2.2 leather-safe waterbased degreaser with dye bleeding control. It is design for degreasing leather of penetrated oil, grease and sweat stains from skin, and hair contact, especially the headrest and armrest of upholstery, collar and cuffs of garment, handles of bag including steering wheel. It works best in conjunction with Rinse-3.0 to rinse emulsified soiling or Acidifier-2.0 for rinsing, bleeding control and pH balancing sweaty contamination from leather denaturing into rawhide. This universal leather degreaser is for all leather types including the common pigmented, aniline, vachetta, nubuck and suede. Individual product is found in this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/degreaser-2-2/

Rinse-3.0 (250ml)
Leather Doctor® Rinse-3.0 is a pH 3.0 waterbased leather-safe universal rinse for all leather types that include pigmented, aniline, vachetta, nubuck and suede. It is to removes suspended soiling by towel extraction while neutralizing harmful alkaline residues and charging the protein fiber ionic positive to increase the attraction between the ionic negative leather constituent like the tanning agent, dyestuff and fatliquor. Individual product is found in this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/rinse-3-0/

Acidifier-2.0 (250ml)
Leather Doctor® Acidifier-2.0 is a waterbased pH 2.0 leather acidifier designs for controlling dye bleeding in conjunction with Degreaser-2.2 in extreme prolong oil, grease and sweat decontamination system. As a standalone, it is for pH balancing alkaline overexposure that manifest as marks, streaks, brightness and tackiness. This universal acidifier is for all leather types including pigmented, aniline, vachetta, nubuck, suede, hair-on-hide and woolskin leather types. Individual product is found in this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/acidifier-2-0/

Hydrator-3.3 (250ml)
Leather Doctor® Hydrator-3.3 is a waterbased pH 3.3 leather-safe hydrator. It is a fatliquor preconditioner with multi functional abilities. Surface application is primary to check for even surface tension free of blotchiness prior to fatliquor replenishing. Structural application will require saturating to an optimum level with moisture oozing out when gently pressed between thumb and fingers. This universal Hydrator-3.3 is for all leather types including pigmented, aniline, vachetta, nubuck, suede, hair-on-hide and woolskin. Individual product is found in this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/hydrator-3-3/

Fatliquor-5.0 (250ml)
Leather Doctor® Fatliquor-5.0 is an anionic negative (-ve) charged micro emulsion of fat, oil and water for rejuvenating all leather types. It is typically used in conjunction after Hydrator-3.3 relaxing and opening up the fibrous leather structure. It softens the leather when dry with stretchability, compressibility and flexibility, while enhancing its rip tensile strength greatly. It is for replenishing the original fat and oil that diminishes thru sun bleaching, ageing, heat and alkaline overexposure or cleaning. On application, the water-encased molecule breaks free when hydrogen bond attraction takes place between the fat and oil with the leather protein fiber. The excess free water content wicks out leaving a breathing space behind for leather natural transpiration. The fat plumps the leather with fullness from easily collapsing into creases and wrinkles during stress or flex, while the oil lubricates the fibers so that they slide over one another smoothly like millions of inter-connecting hinges. Thus helps to keep leather at its optimum physical performance and prevent premature ageing. This universal Fatliquor-5.0 is for all leather types including pigmented, aniline, vachetta, nubuck, suede, hair-on-hide and woolskin. Individual product and tips are found in this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/fatliquor-5-0/

WaxEffect-8.6 (250ml)
Leather Doctor® WaxEffect-8.6 is formulated for aniline and nubuck fashion wax-pull-up leathers. This is a pH 8.6 waterbased emulsion blend for rejuvenating diminishing wax pull-up effect lost through usage, ageing or cleaning. Wax pull-up leathers are more often found in indoor upholstery and fashion garments with a gloss luster then the more rustic distressed oil pull-up types mainly as waterproofing for outdoors. When leather is pull or stretch it lightens up and when release returns back to pre-stretch appearance. Liveliness of response depends on the percentage of fatliquor and wax effect content remaining within the leather structure. Routine standalone application is by spraying and working with a horsehair Brush-1 into the leather structure for an even appearance. The pull-up content penetrates into the leather structure while the wax content will crystallize on the leather surface as it dries up from 8 hours or sooner forming a covering of a cloudy wax crystalline. These fine covering of wax is activated with a heat blower or hair dryer transforming them into a coating of natural gloss effect common associated with wax pull-up leathers. Optional distress effect is created by kneading and massaging to achieve the desire result. Protector-D (scentless) or Protector-D+ (leather scented) is recommended to impart the leather with a non-stick rub-resistant protection against soiling and wear. They are also used as a routine care to reduce or eliminate surface scuffing.AnilineTop21G is applied accordingly to achieved or match the desired gloss level. Individual product is found in this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/waxeffect-8-6/

AnilineTop-21G (120ml)
Leather Doctor® AnilineTop-21G is a waterbased polyurethane topcoat that is lightfast and non-yellowing. It has excellent flow and leveling properties, recoatable and forms a flexible film coat that gives good performing results from friction wear. Individual product is found in this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/anilinetop-21/

Protector-D (250ml)
Leather Doctor® Protector-D is formulated for Aniline and Nubuck Wax Pull-up, Bicast, Vachetta, Steering Wheel and Leather Flooring. This is a non-film forming, non-stick scentless protector that enhances a natural draggy-feel. It imparts a non-stick breathable barrier essentially to shield the detrimental effects of sticky soiling. Its natural draggy-feel protection increases the leather resistance to wet and dry rubs, thus reduce stretch, scuff and abrasion. It is also used as a scuff repairer, filling and concealing surface scuffs to improve appearance. The drag produces an unforgettable familiar sound sweet to the ears when leather rubs. Individual product is found in this link: http://www.leatherdoctor.com/protector-d/

That's helpful. Thank you Roger.

I was under the impression that was pull-up leathers were coated with wax to seal the leather. So is the WaxEffect-8.6 an actual wax to replenish what was lost through abrasion? As a water-based emulsion, my basic chemical understanding is that polar and non-polar substances can't be mixed. If WaxEffect is not applying additional wax, is there ever a need to replace lost wax for this type of leather?

Just to confirm, you're saying the cumulative restoration on your chart is what's necessary at this point? I don't understand what worn to the welting would be. There are nail marks, as seen by the photos. No drying or cracking really that I can find. But I might not know how to identify that. The color is darker particularly on the front of each of the arms; otherwise it's a relatively uniform slightly distressed look throughout.

You're suggesting, I gather, that I don't use Leather Medic's services at this time? Have you ever heard of their franchises? I asked about their products but they told me their products were proprietary but it seemed to be a two step process. They indicated that they're GSA and FAA approved but that seems to matter very little IMHO. They said they have experience in aniline leathers but to what extent I'm not sure.

Thanks!

>>> I was under the impression that wax pull-up leathers were coated with wax to seal the leather.

There is a different between “wax leather” and “wax pull-up leather”.
1 - Waxed Leather – uses AnilineTop-21W to coat or seal the coloring and matching rub-resistant Protector-W to prolong the wear to the finishes.
2 – Wax Pull-up Leather – uses WaxEffect-8.6 to infused into the leather structure, AnilineTop-21G as the gloss topcoating and matching Protector-D for its rub-resistant protection.
Leather Doctor system is formulated to restore the leather to its “original” finishes and always stays original.


>>> So is the WaxEffect-8.6 an actual wax to replenish what was lost through abrasion?

Partial WaxEffect-8.6 colloid goes below surface and will eventually diminishes like the Fatliquor-5.0.
The wax components crystallize and deposit or coagulate on the surface (partial pH effect).
Originally the wax surface is coated with an urethane clear gloss coating like AnilineTop-21G for better durability and aesthetic.
WaxEffect-8.6 is also applied on top of the AnilineTop-21G when micro crazing developed and the leather becomes absorbent again.
When abrasions have reached the leather crust, both the WaxEffect-8.6 and AnilineTop-21G is wear off.


>>> As a water-based emulsion, my basic chemical understanding is that polar and non-polar substances can't be mixed.

In practice, it depends on the strength of the ionic charge and the non-polar may becomes a weak polar. A micro emulsion stays emulsified while a macro emulsion may separates and need to be shaken up each time the product is being used.


>>> If WaxEffect-8.6 is not applying additional wax, is there ever a need to replace lost wax for this type of leather?
WaxEffect-8.6 is a secondary leather structure conditioner, you may skip this secondary conditioner and the fashion wax pull-up effect diminishes.


>>> Just to confirm, you're saying the cumulative restoration on your chart is what's necessary at this point?
It depends on your desire result – check out the level of care cycle and you decide. Try it out at the lowest level and you move up as you wish.


>>> I don't understand what worn to the welting would be.

Pictures shows wear to me, run your finger through and if you catch some roughness, it will indicate wear on these areas.
These wear areas if any is repair with AnilineTop-21G back to the original.


>>> There are nail marks, as seen by the photos.

Depends on how deep the nail marks are there:
When Protector-D is applied you will see some just disappear.
When WaxEffect-8.6 is applied you will see more is seal and conceal with the coagulated wax crystalline with heat activated.
When AnilneTop-21G is applied and work with 2000grit sandpaper it smooth out wear smooth to the touch.


>>> No drying really that I can find.

Go to the showroom and see the original appearance, creases and wrinkles and sagging is the tell tale sign that the leather is dry.
Objectively use a leather moisture meter or an equivalent wood moisture meter and take a reading – any reading less than 14% is dry to an extent.


>>> No drying or cracking really that I can find.

Cracking will begin from the stitching holes, a round hole will indicate the strength of the leather from fatliquor, a slant hole indicates weakness and some will show cracks. Inspect the front side cushion of those creases to see any micro cracking. Macro-cracking becomes obvious.


>>> But I might not know how to identify that.

Show some macro pictures and I will help.


>>> The color is darker particularly on the front of each of the arms;

These are obvious sign of body oil, grease and perspiration contamination.
The sweat or perspiration contamination when ferment from the atmospheric bacteria will shift the pH of the leather protein fiber ionic negative (-ve) and the leather denatures. Signs of denaturing leather is bleeding when wipe with a wet towel. Discoloration when the dyestuff destabilize. Tackiness when test with a wet hand.


>>> otherwise it's a relatively uniform slightly distressed look throughout.
Slightly distressed indicates the diminishing effect from the secondary structural conditioner (WaxEffect-8.6).


>>> You're suggesting, I gather, that I don't use Leather Medic's services at this time?

Ask for the job scope and decide from there. Unproven system may do more harm with lots of side effect.


>>> Have you ever heard of their franchises?

Certainly!


>>> I asked about their products but they told me their products were proprietary but it seemed to be a two step process.

Leather Doctor® system uses the universal tannery system – there is no secret about it – we practice exactly what a leather technician from a tannery will do. And every tannery will produce the same characteristic known as “Aniline Wax Pull-up” if they wish. Any qualified tannery leather technician will understand an open system practice worldwide.


>>> They indicated that they're GSA and FAA approved but that seems to matter very little IMHO.

Wax Pull-up leathers are produced around the world based on the advance of science and technology.
Are all tannery around the world GSA and FAA approved?
Do you know that the leather in question comes from CHINA?


>>> They said they have experience in aniline leathers but to what extent I'm not sure.

These are the common aniline leather types system catalog by Leather Doctor you find in the market place and are care for according to retain its “originality”.
Aniline (A.b) - Lambskin.jpg
Aniline (A.c) - Chanel-Lambskin.jpg
Aniline (A.f) - Full.jpg
Aniline (A.fs) - Full Sauvage.jpg
Aniline (A.g) - Glazed.jpg
Aniline (A.p) - Pure .jpg
Aniline (A.pg) - Pebble-Grain.jpg
Aniline (A.po) - Pull-Up Oil.jpg
Aniline (A.pw) - Pull-up Wax.jpg
Aniline (A.s) - Semi-aniline.jpg
Aniline (A.w) - Waxed.jpg
Aniline (V.a) - Vegetable-Tanned