There comes a moment in every conversation I have with a potential customer that is the defining moment. They want me to restore their leather furniture. I really want to help them. But, and this is the crucial but, if I decide that they have extensive PH damage to their leather there is nothing that can be done. Mostly, this happens over the phone, so I have to ask probing questions like: Is the leather cracking on the surface? Is the surface smooth or rough? Are the cracks on the seats, arms and backrest? Are you seeing a much darker or lighter color than the surface of your leather? If the answer is yes to these, they may have PH damage. If they send me a picture and it looks like this:
….then they probably have PH damage.
Ph damage is to leather what rot is to wood. It is a weakening of the fibers of the leather. It is not repairable but it is preventable if you know about it ahead of time.
I won’t say that buying my products is the only way to prevent Ph damage. But correctly cleaning your leather furniture from the time you get it is a very important part of preventing ph damage. Along with these other steps:
- keeping it out of direct sunlight
- rotating the heaviest wear area if possible
- Buying the right leather for your lifestyle
- And cleaning with a properly ph balanced leather cleaner and conditioner is a big key. Here are the products we use and recommend for ph correction.
Follow these care steps and you’ll prevent PH damage. A leather pro will be able to help you if you do want professional cleaning or repairs. And I’m sad to say, 😉 , your leather may look so good that you never even need me.