Questions & Answers

Are all leathers the same?

Leathers are not all the same. Finished leather (that is, leather with surface pigments and lacquers) provides a great deal of protection from soiling, fastness to light and wear. Aniline leather, on the other hand, will mark very easily and will show all the natural marks and scars - hallmarks of the natural origins of the hide. This is considered to be a more aesthetic product but generally only suitable for high-end, light traffic environments.

What is the best way to clean leather?

Finished leather should be cleaned lightly with either a damp cloth or using a mild soap solution only. Detergents, leather feeds and saddle soaps are not suitable for modern domestic upholstery leather. In fact the abrasive quality of these products may damage the surface lacquers of the leather. Aniline leathers should never be cleaned with damp cloths or soap solution. It is virtually impossible to effectively clean aniline leather...prevention is the best cure in this case!

Can I have leather in a special colour?

Of course...Andrew Muirhead has a development laboratory dedicated to creating new products and matching customer specifications. If you have a special colour you require, either send us a cutting of your master material or give us a colour reference number (eg Pantone or Dulux colour numbers). We will produce a product match in approximately one week and if you are happy with the result we can produce your final hides in approximately 4 weeks, subject to a minimum order quantity of 30 hides.

How can I order a sample of leather?

Andrew Muirhead holds over 100 colours in stock. You can order a 6" x 3" sample of any of these stock items by requesting samples online. All stock hides are available for despatch on a next day service to customers with an approved credit account. Minimum order quantity on stock products is 1 hide.