Exotic leather exudes luxury and sophistication, it is sourced from unique animals like alligators, pythons, ostriches, etc. However, maintaining the beauty as well as the quality of these prized hides requires extra care. In this article, we’ll look into the art of exotic leather items care all the while sharing expert tips and techniques to keep your luxury pieces looking pristine for years to come.
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What is Exotic Leather?
Exotic leather is a type of leather that comes from animals other than traditional sources like cows. It comes from animals that are considered special such as pythons, alligators, ostriches, stingrays, etc. This way it provides many different types of textures along with unique looks. There are many different types of this leather but each one has its own special features, for instance, the intricate scaling patterns of the python or the bumpy texture of the ostrich. It is considered a status symbol by people who love fashion and it is used to give their accessories as well as clothes a touch of luxury.
How is exotic leather, also known as luxury leather, made?
Below are the steps for making exotic leather
Hunting or Farming
Exotic animals are either hunted in the wild or are raised on farms specifically for their skins.
Skin Removal
Once the animal is harvested, its skin is carefully removed in a process called skinning.
Tanning
The skins are then treated through a tanning process to preserve them as well as to prevent decay. Tanning can be done by either using natural or synthetic tanning agents.
Dyeing and Finishing
The skins may be dyed after tanning to achieve different colors as well as finishes. They are then finished with oils or waxes to enhance their appearance and durability.
Crafting
The treated skins are then ready to be crafted into many different products like leather handbags, shoes, belts, wallets, etc.
How can you tell exotic leather?
There are mainly two ways to identify exotic leather, the first one being looking for special textures as well as patterns that you don’t usually see in regular leather, for instance the bumps on ostrich skin or the scaled patterns of a python. Exotic leather comes from animals like pythons, alligators, ostriches, etc. The second way is to check if the seller or label mentions that it’s exotic leather or specifies the animal it comes from.
What are the popular uses of exotic leather?
Exotic leather is sourced from animals like pythons, alligators, ostriches, etc. It serves many different purposes across a lot of different industries.
It’s not just limited to fashion; you can find it in accessories that are high-end such as handbags, wallets, belts, shoes, etc. It adds a sense of exclusivity to the items that’s why many consider it as a form of status symbol. It also enhances the overall appearance as well as durability of high-end:
- Apparel
- automotive interiors
- furniture
- home decor.
It’s also used in businesses like those producing musical instruments, firearms, golf accessories, etc.
The Care and Maintenance of Exotic leather Items
Taking care of exotic leather is mostly just common sense. If it gets dirty you need to clean it. Even if it doesn’t look dirty you still need to clean it every few months to prevent dirt from building up.
The thing is that Leather absorbs dirt because it’s like a living material. Keeping this in mind think about not washing for a month and rolling in dust. Dirt can get stuck in the pores of your leather, so you need to clean it before conditioning.
Another thing is to be careful with leather cleaners and conditioners – they can have unexpected effects. That’s why performing a patch test is of utmost importance, to do that you need to apply on small hidden areas first to make sure they’re safe to use. You also need to avoid cleaners with alcohol, as they can dry out exotic leather. If the color of the leather changes or the cloth gets colored after an hour you should stop using that product.
How to clean exotic Leather
- To clean your leather goods properly start by lightly dusting off the surface of the leather with a soft, dry lint-free cloth to remove any loose dirt.
- Then, you need to take a small amount of the leather conditioner and apply it on a small inconspicuous area, to perform the patch test and wait for any reactions. If there are no reactions you are clear to start with the cleaning process.
- Then, apply a small amount of the leather cleaner to clean the surface with a damp lint-free cloth and then gently rub it onto the leather in circular motions.
- Make sure you are using a bespoke leather cleaner, that is specifically designed for the needs of your leather, as bespoke leather cleaners are custom-made.
- While you are applying the leather cleaner you need to work your way across the entire surface all the while paying extra attention to any areas that are heavily soiled.
The 5 Best Lesser-known Techniques to Care for Exotic Leather?
Check the Condition of the leather
You need to regularly inspect your exotic leather items for any signs of soiling or damage. Even if they appear clean, it is important to clean them periodically to prevent dirt as well as any debris from accumulating which can cause potentially long-term damage.
Choose the Right Cleaner
Every type of leather is different and requires different types of cleaning material. You need to select a leather cleaner that is specifically formulated for exotic leather. You can opt for a bespoke cleaner which is custom-made according to the specific needs of your leather. You also need to avoid cleaners containing alcohol, as they can dry out the leather. The most important trick is to perform a patch test before applying the cleaner to the entire item, test it in a discreet area to make sure that is it compatible with your type of leather to avoid any unexpected color changes.
Conditioning the Leather
It is important to condition the exotic leather after cleaning the leather to keep it moisturized. You need to choose a leather conditioner that is high in quality, specifically designed for exotic leather, like Whites Pearl Natural Leather Conditioner which is made from 100% organic materials. You need to apply a small amount of conditioner to a dry lint-free cloth that is clean then after applying the conditioner gently massage it into the leather in circular motions. Then allow the conditioner to penetrate the leather for the recommended time before buffing off any excess with a clean cloth. You should condition your leather after every 6 months or so.
Storage and Maintenance
Knowing how to properly store leather is key to preserving the quality of your exotic leather items.
Some tips on how to properly store exotic leather accessories
- Store them in a dry place that is away from direct sunlight as well as heat sources to prevent fading of the leather by drying out.
- You need to avoid folding or compressing exotic leather items for extended periods of time, as this can cause creasing as well as distortion. What you can do instead is to roll the leather and place them in dust bags or tissue paper to protect them from any type of dust as well as scratches when not in use.
Use Protective Measures
You should use preventive measures and consider applying a waterproofing spray or leather protector to your exotic leather items to guard against all types of spills as well as stains. To make your leather water resistant you can buy a protectant or other commercial waterproofing product that is designed specifically for leather. Another organic option to waterproof leather is by applying beeswax cream.
How to Condition Exotic Leather?
Before knowing how you should consider what type of leather condition should you use. You need to use a leather conditioner that is made from non-toxic and organic ingredients such as mink oil, beeswax, etc. with eco-friendly packaging, like Whites pearl Natural leather conditioner, that is specifically designed for exotic leather
To condition your leather, you need to do the following:
- After cleaning the leather, take a clean lint-free cloth then apply a small amount of leather conditioner.
- First you need to perform a patch test on a small inconspicuous area, to see if there are any adverse reactions such as fading of color.
- Then after the patch test you are clear to start conditioning your exotic leather item. You need to gently rub the conditioner onto the leather using circular motions, avoid scrubbing or rubbing vigorously.
- After the application process you need to allow the leather to dry completely, without using any external sources of heat, for at least 24 hours.
- Once it is dry you can use a soft, dry towel to polish the leather.
Bottom Line to Caring for Exotic Leather
Exotic leather is also known as luxury leather and it deserves the finest care as well as attention to maintain its beauty. With leather conditioners like our Whites Pearl Natural Leather Conditioner, you can protect your prized leather hides making sure they retain their luxuries quality for years to come.
Also Read
The History and Development of Leather Care Products
Unlock the Secrets of Natural Leather Care with Whites Pearl: Protect, Preserve, and Prolong
Whites Pearl Leather Care Packaging: The Eco-Friendly Evolution of Packaging in Leather Care