Leather is a material whose color and texture change with continued use. The aging of leather is one of the joys of using leather products.
However, there are a few things you should know to use leather products with peace of mind. One of these is about leather's "color fading and color transfer."
Leather can experience problems with color fading and transfer due to sudden changes in temperature and weather.
This time, we will explain the mechanism behind color fading and transfer in leather products, trends by material, and tips for prevention.
Please be sure to know this so you can use your leather products with confidence.
Mechanism of color fading and color transfer in leather
Color transfer in leather products mainly occurs when "moisture" and "friction" overlap.
Leather is dyed using dyes and pigments. When leather gets wet and rubs against clothing, these components rise to the surface, causing color fading and transfer.
As a natural material, it's impossible to completely eliminate color transfer. However, if you know when it's likely to occur, you can sufficiently prevent it in daily life.
Situations where leather color fading and transfer are likely to occur
Several conditions make color transfer more likely.
1. When the leather is wet
A common factor for many leather materials is that color transfer is more likely to occur when they rub together while damp.
Caution is needed when a bag and clothing remain in close contact on a rainy day, or when skin is in prolonged contact with sweat.
2. When in contact with dark clothing such as denim
Dark clothing, such as jeans, can transfer dyes to leather. This is especially true during humid and hot seasons, like summer.
Light-colored leather, especially plain natural leather, is susceptible to this, so if you carry your wallet or key case in your pocket, be careful.
3. During the initial period of use
New leather has not yet fully settled the dyes and oils on its surface, and depending on the type of leather, color fading and transfer tend to occur easily.
It will settle firmly with use and become less noticeable, but it's safer to be a little careful at the beginning, such as avoiding combinations with light-colored clothing.
Trends in color transfer by type of leather
The likelihood of color transfer varies depending on the type of leather. Here, we'll look at leathers that are prone to color transfer and those that are not.
Maremma and Cordovan
Leathers with high oil content, such as Maremma and Cordovan, are prone to color transfer, so caution is required. Especially during the initial period of use, color transfer is likely to occur, so refrain from storing them in light-colored pant pockets.
Cordovan is particularly sensitive to water among leathers. Not only color fading and transfer, but also blistering and water stains are likely to occur, so please handle it with extreme care.
Buttero and Bridle Leather
Buttero and bridle leather also have a relatively high oil content, so color transfer may occur during the initial period of use. With daily use, the surface will even out, and color transfer will become less likely.
Chrome Leather
Chrome-tanned leather has stable dye fixation, so color transfer is almost non-existent. There is no need to be excessively concerned about contact with clothing.
However, even with chrome leather, color transfer can occur if friction happens while it's wet.
It's a common point to note that leather is inherently vulnerable to water.
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Understanding "Leather" - A Guide to Leather Basics, from Tanning to Texture and Craftsmanship
Key points to prevent color transfer
While it's difficult to completely prevent color transfer, you can significantly reduce the risk by being mindful of a few points.
Avoid close contact between leather and clothing on rainy days
Color transfer is most likely to occur when leather rubs together while wet.
On rainy days, you can reduce the risk of water damage by making small adjustments, such as changing how you carry your bag or placing your wallet inside your bag instead of in your pocket. Please keep this in mind.
Be careful with clothing combinations when first using the item
New leather takes some time for its surface dyes to stabilize. When you first start using it, it's best to be careful with combinations of white or light-colored clothing. If color transfer does occur, wash it as soon as possible.
Also, to prevent color transfer from clothing to leather, especially in summer or on rainy days, avoid putting light-colored leather in denim pant pockets.
Furthermore, it is safer to check the laundry symbols on clothing and take measures to prevent leather from coming into contact with clothing that may bleed color.
Utilize waterproof spray
Applying a leather-specific waterproof spray beforehand can suppress moisture penetration and reduce the risk of color transfer. It's recommended to apply it once when you first start using the item.
However, some leathers are not suitable for waterproof spray. Always check the spray's instructions and choose one that can be used.
Summary
The color of leather is related not only to its visual impression and aging changes but also to its propensity for color transfer. By understanding the tendencies of each material and being a little mindful of how you handle it during the initial period of use and on rainy days, you can significantly reduce the risk of color transfer.
Instead of avoiding leather products out of concern for color transfer, understanding the mechanism and learning to live with it is key to enjoying leather for a long time.
At Munekawa, we offer support from material selection consultations to post-purchase care, both at our direct stores and online. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about materials or colors.
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