"I'm worried about leather products getting scratched..."
We often hear this concern from customers who are starting to use leather wallets and leather accessories. It's true, it's disappointing when your new leather product gets scratched.
However, the aging of leather is actually caused by scratches and stains that appear on the leather .
Munekawa believes that the scratches and wrinkles that appear on leather products in everyday life are part of the "flavor" that develops as the leather becomes more familiar to the customer .
In this article, we'll talk about how to deal with scratches on leather products.
If you read this article to the end, I hope that your perspective on scratches will change a little, and you will be able to use your leather products with more peace of mind and affection.
The aging mechanism that transforms scratches and wrinkles into "flavor"
Aging is often talked about as one of the charms of leather products.
This does not simply mean that the product ages, but rather that the leather's appearance changes and becomes richer with use; it is a process of ``nurturing the leather.' '
Leather has countless pores that are invisible to the naked eye.
Oils from your hands and leather cream will slowly seep into the small scratches on the product, causing the color of the area to darken slightly and the boundary between the area and the surrounding leather to blur and blend in.
Furthermore, daily use causes the surface of the leather to rub against the surface, creating a natural sheen. This sheen envelops and conceals shallow scratches, and depending on how the light hits it, may actually enhance the three-dimensionality and depth of the leather.
With this luster and depth of color, Scratches and scuffs that occur in daily life combine to create a rich look that cannot be found in a new item.
First, let's learn about the types of scratches that are easily caused on leather in everyday life.
Leather products are much more durable than we think. Here are some of the most common scratches that customers are likely to experience in their daily lives.
Impression marks
These dents are caused by hitting a key in your pocket or being pressed against a hard corner in your bag. Because leather is elastic, in most cases the leather will soften little by little with continued use, and the dents will become less noticeable.
abrasion
This slight roughness on the surface occurs when the bag rubs against other belongings in the bag or is dragged across a desk. The surface is particularly delicate when you first start using the leather, so it may be prone to scratches. However, this will naturally wear down with daily use, and as the bag develops a glossy finish, it will no longer be noticeable.
Nail scar
A linear scratch is something you accidentally scratch with your fingernail when paying, for example. This is probably the most common type of scratch that most people experience. At first, the line may be quite noticeable, but this is also a typical type of scratch that will fade with use as the leather absorbs oil and shines.
The difference between scratches that add character and damage that requires attention
To ensure that you can use the product for a long time, there are some damages that you should be aware of .
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Water stains and blisters
Leaving your leather bag wet from rain or other sources will remove the oils from the leather, which can lead to stains and deformation. If your bag gets wet, immediately wipe it gently with a dry cloth.
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Deep cuts or lacerations
Unfortunately, if the leather fibers are completely torn, they will not heal naturally.
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Hard-to-remove stains such as oil-based ink
Ink such as permanent marker easily penetrates into the leather and is difficult to remove.
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Moisture-induced mold
If stored in a humid place without being used for a long period of time, mold may grow.
If you suffer this type of damage, it will be difficult for it to become less noticeable over time, so be careful.
Reference articles
▶︎ "Water stains and scratches on leather"
▶︎ "Alcohol disinfectant and leather products"
"Make use of" or "care for" wounds
So, what should you do if a scratch does occur? There is no set answer, and you are free to choose how to deal with it depending on your own way of thinking.
The idea of "making use of"
The idea is to not give it any special care, but rather enjoy observing how the scratches change over the course of daily use. The oils from your hands act as a natural cream, and the way the scratches slowly blend in over time gives you the feeling that you are truly "nurturing" the leather.
The idea of "caring"
When you notice a scratch that bothers you, this is a basic maintenance method to help it blend in. Simply wiping gently with a soft, dry cloth can migrate the oils in the leather, making the scratch less noticeable. You can also apply a small amount of moisturizing cream to a cloth and apply it thinly, which will replenish the oils and help the scratch blend in more quickly with the surrounding area.
Left: Scratches are visible before treatment. Right: Scratches are less noticeable after treatment.
The important thing is not to "erase" the scratches, but to "blend them in." If you are concerned about small scratches, please give this a try.
▶︎Click here for breast care products
Treat scratches as a unique feature and develop your own unique leather product.
The real fun of leather products is that they are not perfect when they are new .
The scratches and wrinkles that appear with daily use are by no means defects.
As a maker, I would be very happy if you could enjoy each of these small changes as your own unique personality, rather than just thinking about maintaining a perfect condition.
Don't worry too much about scratches, just enjoy developing your own unique leather product and taking your time to care for it.
