Background of Suede

The word suede is frequently used to describe materials that are natural as well as man-made. These fabrics frequently feature a nap that is short and soft.

Natural suede commonly comes from sheepskins, pigskins and cowhides. The hair is removed first from the skin before it is buffed in order to create the smooth, soft nap.

One of the distinguishing features between man-made suede and natural suede is the fact that natural suede does tend to feature blemishes. This is because natural suede does come from animal hides. The animals which produced the hides were not perfect and were prone to encountering a variety of situations and dangers that may have resulted in the creation of blemishes and scars. Once the suede has been processed and dyed, these blemishes may become more noticeable. Whether the areas in question are darker or light will usually depend on how well the dyes are incorporated.

It should also be pointed out the area of the animal from which the skin was originally taken can also play a role in the appearance of natural suede. In many cases, suede which was taken from an area that covered the backbone of the animal will seem to be darker once it has been dyed. The area where the suede is used for home furnishings can also impact exactly how noticeable the darkening is as well. For example, if the suede is used on the back of a sofa it may be far more noticeable than it would be if it were used in some other application.

Despite the fact that natural suede does feature differences in shades, these so called blemishes are considered to be part of the beauty and character of suede.

The Possibility of Dye Migration

Like other fabrics, there does exist the possibility of dye migration. When dye moves from one location to another it is known as crocking. With suede, this can be a frequent problem. The dye in suede can sometimes be rather unstable. Simply wiping a towel down such suede will frequently reveal the presence of unstable dyes. As a result, it is crucial that care be used when using any type of chemicals that are water-based as it can cause problems related to bleeding.

Problems with Spotting and Soiling

It is also important to realize that suede does tend to attract oils. Foods which contain oil as well as body oils both have a tendency to rub off on natural suede. When this happens the suede may become darker and the nap may begin to mat.

Areas which receive a lot of wear such as seating areas and armrests are particularly prone to these types of problems. Spills which have a water-based nature can also result in matting and darkening of the suede. This can lead to further dye migration and the possibility of bleeding. If the spill is allowed to dry without proper care, dark rings may result.

Dried Out Leather

When hides and skins are processed, many different oils are used. It is these oils that provide suede with that rich hue. Over time; however, these oils can begin to dissipate. As a result, leather tends to dry out. When the drying out is severe enough, the leather may even begin to crack. In mild cases, the leather will become somewhat dull and may even look s though it has faded. It is possible to restore the oils to the leather; however, this should only be attempted by experts in leather restoration.

Consumer Care

The best way to protect leather from many of the problems to which it is prone is to make sure that spills are blotted and dried as quickly as possible. After the area is completely dry, a horsehair brush should be used to remove any debris which may have been left behind. In fact, brushing leather on a regular basis can extend the life of the leather, especially in high-use areas. Over time these areas tend to become easily matted. Brushing can help to restore the normal condition of the map while also cleaning the fabric.

Leather cushions should be flipped and rotated regularly to ensure wear is distributed evenly. Protective treatments can also help to reduce the impact of problems such as spills, although it should be pointed out that they will not completely eliminate such problems.