Difference between revisions of "Suede & nubuck shedding"

Revision as of 10:11, 4 December 2016

Why does leather shed lint?

Suede and nubuck are very fibrous leathers and therefore tend to shed some lint in use. This is not a major issue in shoes but quite common and unsightly on leather handbags and leather jackets. Leather clothing with a suede lining can also accumulate lint.

Linting leather.

In the production of suede, the leather is split in layersand is later levelled by sanding. Subsequent processes during production in the tannery do not remove all lint. Also, the flesh side of any leather is suede. Usually, leather is used in such a way that the back is hidden. Therefore, the tanner does not pay particular attention to back side. Only if the customer directly indicates this, the tanner will be able to reduce the lint. As suede has a velvet like surface on both sides, the manufacturer is unaware which side of the suede will be used as the contact side.

Nubuck almost has a smooth surface and the fibres are not as long as suede making them less prone to lint.

Masking tape test on nubuck: Barely any lint sticks to the masking tape.

Masking tape test on suede: Higher amount of lint accumulates on the masking tape.

Procedure for linting leathers

When linting occurs, first check whether it is really lint or dye transfer. For this purpose, a masking tape can be glued and peeled off in a hidden area. Lint will adhere to it and are easily recognizable. If the suspicion is that it is rather a colouring, then lightly moisten a white cloth and rub it about ten times over the leather and see if the cloth becomes discoloured or only lint is caught. In doubt, make a macro shot and check if lint is recognizable. Sometimes there are both phenomena. Lint and discoloration.

In the first picture, the leather has a dye transfer problem. The second picture shows linting leather. The main problem is the discoloration.

First, linting leather should be brushed. Too strong brushing or too strong erasing enhances the effect. For this purpose, the leather can also be blown off with compressed air or vacuumed with a vacuum cleaner. None of these methods is sufficient. But it is a preparatory work.

In case of slight linting of the leather, it is often sufficient to waterproof the surface with a spray can product. Applay at least 2 to 3 layers and let dry. Avoid spraying too close to avoid stains.

Slightly linting leather will stop linting after as while. Use and observe such leather.

The attempt to remove the lint with masking tape is not always successful. By gluing and pulling off, new lint is pulled again and again, and it does not stop linting.

The intensive application of a strong hair spray followed by ironing has proven to be successful with strong linting surfaces. But put teflon paper in between and do not iron too hot! Leather can shrink! This method has the risk that the surface will not be uniform enough in the end.

In the commercial area, Napalan Finish is sprayed with a spray gun on linting leather and then ironed. In both methods, the leather fibers are glued without significantly altering the surface structure.

All methods must always be tested in a hidden area!

Additional information

• Suede
• Dye transfer from leather
• Leather care

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