Debunking Myths: Frequently recommended leather remedies that ruin leather

Have a problem with your leather and not sure how to fix it?  Getting different pieces of advice everywhere you turn?  Here are a handful of so-called “leather remedies” that will do you more harm than good.  There is a lot of misinformation out there. Keep these tips in mind and you won’t turn a minor problem into a major one!

Good Rule of Thumb

The best way to remember what you can and can’t use on your leather is to keep this in mind: The two most commonly used chemicals that will cause severe damage to your leather are alcohol and acetone. Stay away from products that contain these substances at all costs, regardless of what you read online.

Common “Remedies” that ruin leather:


1. Fingernail polish remover – Do not attempt to use fingernail polish remover to get a stain or mark off your leather.  Fingernail polish contains acetone, which removes all color from leather, creating a large bleached looking spot around the area where it is applied.

2. Window cleaner – Many people group Windex and other window cleaners in the “harmless cleaner” category.  While these cleaners are often mild, they still contain alcohol that ruins the top coat on leather furniture.


3. Markers – Using a similar colored marker in attempt to conceal a problem in your leather is likely to make the problem area worse and even more noticeable.  It is darn near impossible to find a marker that will match your leather dye well, and the ink itself can be damaging. Many leathers have what is called a sauvage, or marbled-looking, finish that you will never be able to recreate with a marker.


4. Shoe polish – Remember this, the leather on your shoes is tanned differently from the leather on your furniture.  Furniture leather will not accept or soak up shoe polish in same the way that shoe leather does because it is made differently.  Shoe polish will just make a gunky mess on your furniture and on the pants of everyone who sits there.


5. Hair Spray – Some sources swear by hair spray to remove stains and marks on your leather. This is definitely a bad idea. There are a couple major problems with hair spray.  First, most hair spray contains alcohol that damages leather (see #2). Second, hair spray is not very effective for removing marks, and its sticky residue collects more dirt and dust, causing further problems and discoloration in many cases.


6. Disposable cleaning supplies such as disinfectant wipes or pre-wet sponges.  The vast majority of these contain alcohol and are a bad idea. We don’t recommend that you use these items, but if you decide to do it, make sure you read the label and are absolutely certain there in no alcohol in the product.

So, what should I use?

The best substance to use on leather is cleaner made specifically for that purpose.  For more information see our instructional video:


For more information about owning your own Fribrenew franchise business.
Contact: Bob Johnston
Director of Franchise Development
Phone: 262-457-4272
Email: info@fibrenew.com
www.fibrenew-franchising.com

Source: Fibrenew

How to fix scratches in leather furniture

One of the most common problems with leather furniture is scratching. Fortunately, surface scratches on leather are pretty easy to take care of.

What you need to know:

Most leather furniture is made of fully-finished leather that does not scratch easily.  It has a surface coating that prevents the type of minor surface scratches that are so often a problem on less durable types of leather, like semi-aniline or aniline.  If you experience minor scratching on your aniline leather, use the following information to remedy the problem.  If your fully-finished or semi-aniline leather has been scratched, it is likely scratched too deeply for this method to be effective, and you may need to call a professional.

What kind of leather do I have?

Materials: Hair dryer

Directions:

Turn on the hair dryer and use it to warm the surface of the leather where the scratch is.  Use your hands to gently massage the leather.  This should bring the dyes installed at the tannery back to the surface and reduce the appearance of the surface scratch. . . continue reading!

Types of leather: Must-know info for buying leather

My customers are confused about different types of leather – either because they aren’t sure what they should look for when it comes time to buy new furniture, or because they have a problem (like a scratch or stain) that needs to be fixed. This quick guide should help you understand the big picture. If you have other questions, leave them in the comments below!

1. Fully-Finished Leather:

Fully-finished leather, seen frequently in furniture brands like Lazy Boy, Palliser, Natuzzi and Elite as well as in automotive interiors, has a durable surface finish that resists scratches and staining. Fully-finished leathers make up approximately 85% of leather used for furniture and 99% of leather used in the automotive industry today.

If you have kids, pets or messy guests, Fully-finished leather is the way to go. If you have a spill on fully-finished leather, just clean it up quickly with a damp rag and wipe dry with a dry towel – simple as that. . . continue reading!

Visit www.fibrenew-franchising.com for more information about leathers and how to franchise your own leather repair business.

Operation Restoration Contest

Over $250K is up for grabs in the Operation Restoration contest.

Four entrepreneurs with military backgrounds will win $67K prize package to start their own local business.

Enter Now!
The odds are in your favor. Fast track your way to running your own business and controlling your own destiny.


ABOUT THE CONTEST:

• No purchase, transaction or payment necessary to enter

• A purchase, transaction or payment will not increase your chances of winning.

• An individual is limited to 1 entry per person.

• An eligible entry consists of a video presentation (maximum of 3 minutes) or a 300-500 word essay, describing why you would make a great Fibrenew franchisee and/or a written statement including such information as why you would be a successful franchisee,  when you would want to open your franchise, your work history, hobbies and educational background, references, and confirming you are not be colorblind.

• The contest begins on July 4, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and ends on October 28, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. No late Entries will be accepted.

Visit www.fibrenew-franchising.com for more information about owning your own Fibrenew franchise.

Fibrenew Franchise

A Fibrenew franchise is a very profitable business, whether you choose to be an owner operator with a single vehicle or expand your business to include multiple technicians and vehicles. For less than the cost of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) you will learn a skill, which when applied, will provide you with an income and give you the opportunity to grow a business.

Fibrenew is a “niche market” business refurbishing and re-dyeing all leather and plastic, offering clients a “GREEN” environmental and cost saving alternative to replacing or recovering damaged pieces. Over the last 24 years we have expanded our global presence to include over 202 franchise units in 8 countries, 100 of which are located in the U.S.A.

Fibrenew: A Lifestyle Franchise Business

•     Home-based, mobile business
•     Monday – Friday work week, set your own hours
•     Few or no employees to start
•     Low overhead and high profit margins
•     More personal & family time

The Fibrenew market is as broad and diverse as your imagination!

•     Car dealerships, rental agencies, fleet vehicles
•     Offices, restaurants, bars, theaters
•     Medical, dental, veterinary clinics
•     Transportation companies, insurance companies
•     Furniture stores, homes, fitness centers
•     Marinas, commercial and private aircraft

When you are awarded a Fibrenew franchise, you receive:

•     An exclusive protected territory
•     Use of Trade name and Trademark
•     Access to proprietary products and methods and manuals
•     Comprehensive training program
•     Complete inventory and equipment
•     Business cards, invoices, statements, envelopes and brochures
•     Ongoing technical support via phone and internet
•     Access to our Technical Library
•     Continuous education, support via seminars, workshops and conferences

“Hands on training & active involvement of professionals are vital to the success of any business.”

For more information about owning your own Fribrenew franchise business contact
Bob Johnston
Director of Franchise Development
Phone: 262-457-4272
Email: info@fibrenew.com
www.fibrenew-franchising.com

Source: Fibrenew