Difference between revisions of "Antique Leather - Vintage Leather"

Revision as of 20:53, 30 October 2016

We think of "antique leather" and "patina" when it comes to old leather. However, both terms don’t describe the same.

The term "antique leather" also breaks down into two types. Antique leather refers to either furniture which is over 100 years old, or leather which has been given an antique look.

Antique leather due to the age

"Antique leather" can be antique because of its age. Objects are called as antiques when they are about 100 years old. Rarely when 50 years old.

Antique Leather due to age: Leather luggage, antique book cover, antique chairs, shoes, embossed folder, antique leather wallpaper.

Antique leather due to the optics

We also call it antique leather when it has an old leather look. Mostly, this term is used with Chesterfield furniture, desk tops and embossed chairs. In this case, it is not the age of the leather but its looks that is considered. In the meantime, the term "vintage leather" is widely used for the appearance of old leather.

The antique leather look is created by contrasting colours. For example Pull Up leathers, this is a wax or oil coating that quickly gets a patina by normal use.

Antique Leather due to appearance: The rest are older Chesterfield sofas, but not old enough to classify as antique.

Leather patina

Patina appears when the leather changes due to ageing, but it is still good looking. An old column with little cracks or an old wooden ship with many sings of ageing may be beautiful like an old painting, although they are damaged. Same is with leather. A leather with patina doesn’t have to be 100 years old, just have the look of antique leather with signs of use which looks aged in dignity.

The difference between old leather with patina and modern leather is obvious.

Oldtimer seats with a beautiful patina, even if the leather is already partially torn.

Patina adds to the value of a classic car. Dirt and abrasion are not considered damages but ornaments.

Upholstery leather: Even if the leather already has colour differences and ageing traces, it has a beautiful patina.

In this case the leather is broken and no longer beautiful. Therefore it is not considered patina.

Worn and brittle leather is better described as soiled and brittle, rather than with patina. However, the armrest has a residual patina.

Patination

Patination is the process of making leather look like old leather. Usually patination is obtain through the application of a semi-transparent darker hue on Chesterfield furniture. The leather is then called rub-off leather.

Image 1 still doesn’t have a patina. - Image 2 has little patina. - Image 3 is intensively patinated.

Different patinated antique leather or rub-off leather effects.

Today the leather can be bought with antique finish. Previously, furniture was partially coated with a dark colour, hence the term rub-off leather as it looks as if the colour has rubbed off.

The post-patination of an antique folder.

Additional information

• Antique leather chairs
• Club chairs
• Rub off leather - Rub off finish
• Chesterfield furniture
• Vintage leather

• Leather damages

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