Specification and Testing of Upholstery Leather

Most quality upholstery leathers must meet basic performance specifications. Below are the procedures and tests followed by Andrew Muirhead & Son Limited. These are generally regarded as well-beyond the basic requirements.

Each delivery of leather is physically and chemically tested, by internationally recognised testing methods, in the tannery's own laboratory, prior to despatch. Samples for testing are taken from a standard location on the hide, to ensure a reasonable correlation of results. Various tests are verified on a regular basis by independent, officially-recognised test facilities. In addition, Andrew Muirhead & Son are a Registered Firm with the British Standards Institution and operate an Approved ISO9001:2000 Quality Assurance System.

The properties of leather listed below are tested. The specification to be achieved depends largely upon the type of leather to be produced and the environmental conditions of the eventual destination of the finished product.
For example in Australia and parts of the U.S.A., South America and Africa good colourfastness to light is essential. For these markets we would not consider that a leather achieving less than rating 6 on the blue wool scale was appropriate.

In cold climates the finish must be specially adapted to ensure that the surface coating films flex adequately. In the automotive trade abrasion is considered an important property. For modern furniture, softness is the main requirement so the leather must have a good flex performance.

Andrew Muirhead & Son hold a Kite Mark Licence to BS6608: 1985 from the British Standards Institution. The company is also approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and recognised by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Additional physical and chemical tests may be carried out for a specific requirement, in accordance with a manufacturer's instruction.

The following properties are tested on each batch as a minimum requirement for the furniture industry - in accordance with the British Standard specification for cattle hide leathers for upholstered furniture BS6608: 1985.

Property Measurement Test Method
1. Thickness mm BS3144
2. Tear strength Newtons BS3144
3. Flexing endurance No. of flexes before cracking occurs BS3144
4. Adhesion of finish N/mm BS6453
5. Fastness of finish to rubbings) Dry b) Wet No. of rubs before loss of original colour No. of rubs before transfer of colour BS1006BS1006
6. Fastness to light: xenon arc Rating on Blue Wool Scale BS1006

All leather is treated with anti-mould agents such as paranitrophenol or sodium pentachlorophenate, during the tanning process. These agents are rotated approximately every six months to avoid immunisation. These products are also bactericides.

Physical performance and aesthetic appearance must be compromised in order to achieve an attractive but practical upholstery cover. A strong protective finish often makes leather firm and unnaturally uniform; a very soft leather will have a corresponding soft finish with limited durability.
Therefore, the specification of each leather is determined largely by the customer requirements. Although there are obviously minimum levels of acceptance for each and every test no matter what particular feature is required.

Further information and advice on technical requirements is available from the tannery. Alternatively you can submit a question by asking for a Special Request