Difference between revisions of "Waterproofing leather"
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[[Leather]] is waterproofed or hydrophobed to ensure water does not penetrate the surface. Leather specialists call it "hydrophobic leather" and end customers call it "waterproofed leather". Usually, [[leather shoes|shoe]] and [[leather clothing|clothing leather]] is already hydrophobed in the [[tannery]] to make it more weather-resistant. | [[Leather]] is waterproofed or hydrophobed to ensure water does not penetrate the surface. Leather specialists call it "hydrophobic leather" and end customers call it "waterproofed leather". Usually, [[leather shoes|shoe]] and [[leather clothing|clothing leather]] is already hydrophobed in the [[tannery]] to make it more weather-resistant. | ||
| − | A waterproofing treatment is only | + | A waterproofing treatment is only needed for leather which is sensitive to dampness and soiling (all [[porous leather]] like [[Suede - Nubuck - Buckskin|nubuck and suede]] and [[aniline leather]]). Waterproofing is usually applied by end consumers as an aerosol spray to renew the water-repellent properties. |
| − | Advantages | + | Advantages of preventing [[porous leather]] from absorbing moisture: |
| − | * [[Breathability of leather|Breathing activity]] is reduced | + | * [[Breathability of leather|Breathing activity]] is reduced when water is drawn in. A completely wet shoe or a completely wet jacket is no longer breathable. |
* Feet don't get wet and also the rest of the body is protected from moisture and cold ([[Leather pants - Leather trousers|leather pants]], [[leather jackets]], [[Leather hat|leather hats]], [[leather gloves]]). | * Feet don't get wet and also the rest of the body is protected from moisture and cold ([[Leather pants - Leather trousers|leather pants]], [[leather jackets]], [[Leather hat|leather hats]], [[leather gloves]]). | ||
* The leather objects don't get heavy due to penetrating water. | * The leather objects don't get heavy due to penetrating water. | ||
* The stain sensitivity caused by water marks is reduced. | * The stain sensitivity caused by water marks is reduced. | ||
| − | * Sensitive leather looks used and becomes stiffer after becoming | + | * Sensitive leather looks used and becomes stiffer after becoming soaked. |
* Waterproofing treatments can also reduce certain types of soiling. | * Waterproofing treatments can also reduce certain types of soiling. | ||
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<p> </p> | <p> </p> | ||
| − | '''Important!''' A waterproofing never makes a leather as water-repellent as a [[finish|surface colouration]]. Waterproofing does not completely protect. Sensitive leather should not be exposed to bad weather despite waterproofing. | + | '''Important!''' A waterproofing never makes a leather as water-repellent as a [[finish|surface colouration]]. Waterproofing does not completely protect. Sensitive leather should not be exposed to bad weather, despite waterproofing. |
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<p> </p> | <p> </p> | ||
| − | '''Important!''' | + | '''Important!''' Waterproofing sprays can damage the lungs. Therefore, always observe the safety instructions. If sprayed outside and not in direct contact with the spray mist, there is no danger. The highest danger is spraying in small, enclosed rooms without ventilation. The lungs don't absorb oxygen, causing suffocation. For this reason products have a strong smell to avoid inhalation. |
| − | The most effective are aerosol and solvent based waterproofing products. At the first treatment, waterproofing must be applied several times and must be sufficiently dried. Heat increases the water-repellent effect. | + | The most effective are aerosol and solvent-based waterproofing products. At the first treatment, waterproofing must be applied several times and must be sufficiently dried. Heat increases the water-repellent effect. |
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By applying an aerosol water-repellent, the [[Breathability of leather|breathability of the leather]] is reduced by about 5 to 10 percent. Since waterproofing is generally applied to very [[porous leather]], this reduction can be neglected. | By applying an aerosol water-repellent, the [[Breathability of leather|breathability of the leather]] is reduced by about 5 to 10 percent. Since waterproofing is generally applied to very [[porous leather]], this reduction can be neglected. | ||
| − | '''Important!''' Waterproofing is frequently seen as "[[leather care]]". However, water-repellents only have the function of preventing water penetration. Leather care is to preserve the good condition of a leather as long as possible. In addition to protecting against the penetration of moisture, leather also needs a [[Oils & fats in the leather industry|re-greasing]] depending on the type of use, so that it remains soft and / or UV filters, so that it does not [[Colour fastness - Light fastness of leather|fade]] and / or frictional wearers so that it does not wear so quickly. Therefore, waterproofing should never be considered to be sufficient "leather care", but only as moisture protection. The leather would otherwise [[Leather damages|dry out and get brittle]] over time. | + | '''Important!''' Waterproofing is frequently seen as "[[leather care]]". However, water-repellents only have the function of preventing water penetration. Leather care is to preserve the good condition of a leather as long as possible. In addition to protecting against the penetration of moisture, leather also needs a [[Oils & fats in the leather industry|re-greasing]] depending on the type of use, so that it remains soft and/or UV filters, so that it does not [[Colour fastness - Light fastness of leather|fade]] and/or frictional wearers so that it does not wear so quickly. Therefore, waterproofing should never be considered to be sufficient "leather care", but only as moisture protection. The leather would otherwise [[Leather damages|dry out and get brittle]] over time. |
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</p> | </p> | ||
<p align=center> | <p align=center> | ||
| − | ''Warning sign | + | ''Warning sign for leather pants made of [[stretch leather]].''<br></p> |
<p> </p> | <p> </p> | ||
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</p> | </p> | ||
<p align=center> | <p align=center> | ||
| − | '' | + | ''For very porous [[aniline leather]], an intensive waterproofing is not a sufficient protection. These are "nice-weather" [[Leather boots|boots]].''<br></p> |
<p> </p> | <p> </p> | ||
| − | Waterproofing | + | Waterproofing is unsuitable for [[finish|surface-coloured]] leathers. It does not have any care properties despite making them water-repellent. It makes more sense to maintain such leather with a suitable [[leather care|care product]]. |
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<p> </p> | <p> </p> | ||
| − | ==Waterproof | + | ==Waterproof leather== |
| − | Waterproof leather is made | + | Waterproof leather is made highly water-repellent through [[tanning leather|tanning]] and [[Oils & fats in the leather industry|re-greasing]]. Waterproof leather can contain up to 23% emulsified fats. |
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<p align=center> | <p align=center> | ||
| − | <flashow> | + | <flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/netXyfxUsAk&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow> |
</p> | </p> | ||
<p align=center> | <p align=center> | ||
Revision as of 12:43, 23 March 2017
Contents
Waterproofing - Reproofing - Impregnation
Leather is waterproofed or hydrophobed to ensure water does not penetrate the surface. Leather specialists call it "hydrophobic leather" and end customers call it "waterproofed leather". Usually, shoe and clothing leather is already hydrophobed in the tannery to make it more weather-resistant.
A waterproofing treatment is only needed for leather which is sensitive to dampness and soiling (all porous leather like nubuck and suede and aniline leather). Waterproofing is usually applied by end consumers as an aerosol spray to renew the water-repellent properties.
Advantages of preventing porous leather from absorbing moisture:
- Breathing activity is reduced when water is drawn in. A completely wet shoe or a completely wet jacket is no longer breathable.
- Feet don't get wet and also the rest of the body is protected from moisture and cold (leather pants, leather jackets, leather hats, leather gloves).
- The leather objects don't get heavy due to penetrating water.
- The stain sensitivity caused by water marks is reduced.
- Sensitive leather looks used and becomes stiffer after becoming soaked.
- Waterproofing treatments can also reduce certain types of soiling.
A surface colouring is the best protection, but the leather does not feel so natural.
Important! A waterproofing never makes a leather as water-repellent as a surface colouration. Waterproofing does not completely protect. Sensitive leather should not be exposed to bad weather, despite waterproofing.
Suede, nubuck and aniline leather should not be exposed to excessive moisture, even with good impregnation!
Important! Waterproofing sprays can damage the lungs. Therefore, always observe the safety instructions. If sprayed outside and not in direct contact with the spray mist, there is no danger. The highest danger is spraying in small, enclosed rooms without ventilation. The lungs don't absorb oxygen, causing suffocation. For this reason products have a strong smell to avoid inhalation.
The most effective are aerosol and solvent-based waterproofing products. At the first treatment, waterproofing must be applied several times and must be sufficiently dried. Heat increases the water-repellent effect.
COLOURLOCK WATERPROOFING SPRAY FOR NUBUCK, SUEDE & FABRICS
By applying an aerosol water-repellent, the breathability of the leather is reduced by about 5 to 10 percent. Since waterproofing is generally applied to very porous leather, this reduction can be neglected.
Important! Waterproofing is frequently seen as "leather care". However, water-repellents only have the function of preventing water penetration. Leather care is to preserve the good condition of a leather as long as possible. In addition to protecting against the penetration of moisture, leather also needs a re-greasing depending on the type of use, so that it remains soft and/or UV filters, so that it does not fade and/or frictional wearers so that it does not wear so quickly. Therefore, waterproofing should never be considered to be sufficient "leather care", but only as moisture protection. The leather would otherwise dry out and get brittle over time.
Warning sign for leather pants made of stretch leather.
For very porous aniline leather, an intensive waterproofing is not a sufficient protection. These are "nice-weather" boots.
Waterproofing is unsuitable for surface-coloured leathers. It does not have any care properties despite making them water-repellent. It makes more sense to maintain such leather with a suitable care product.
The first picture shows a drop of water on a pigmented cowhide. The drop does not penetrate the leather. On the other pictures the drop of water sinks into a porous aniline leather.
When water enters porous leather, the leather fibre can swell and it can change the surface and height structure. This is typical for aniline leather, which were not waterproofed during production.
The water drops have changed the surface. The edges of the water marks are swollen.
Waterproof leather
Waterproof leather is made highly water-repellent through tanning and re-greasing. Waterproof leather can contain up to 23% emulsified fats.
Video about the water sensitivity of leathers
Film about the sensitivity of smooth leather.
Additional information
-> COLOURLOCK - WATERPROOF SPRAY FOR NUBUCK, SUEDE & FABRICS
-> In German: www.lederzentrum.de
-> Rest of the world: partners worldwide
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