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Leather Care Guide
Durable & Lasting
Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather is the strongest and most durable available and is six times stronger than buffed, upholstery, or 'genuine leather'.
It is real leather and the unique texture and natural imperfections from the cow's life have not been sanded, cut or shaved off.
Rather than wearing out, full grain leather will naturally condition with use, developing a much sought-after patina and unique character over time.
More common 'genuine leather' products available from large department stores have been stripped down and rebuilt with resins, waxes, and chemicals to make all 100,000 look identical.
Your full grain Portland Leather Goods items will be stunning when you use them for the first time, and only increase in beauty every day, becoming something you will treasure for a lifetime.
Protect your leather
1. Your leather product is made from the most durable full grain or brushed cowhide. With use, the leather will condition itself from the inside out, developing a beautiful patina and unique character over time. Resist the urge to treat or clean minor stains and scratches. Most small scratches and stains will become less noticeable over time and contribute to the character of an authentic leather bag.
2. To proactively treat your leather for basic water and stain resistance, a lightweight protector is the way to go! Our Natural Leather Protector is an odorless, wax-free formulation that helps to wick away small spills and water droplets with ease! For any light staining that may occur or for cleaning off pollutants from everyday wear, we’d recommend pairing this with the Natural Leather Cleaner.
3. Scuffs and scratches happen – it comes with the territory of full-grain leather! Periodically conditioning your leather will restore its patina and will help to buff out any superficial scratches. Our all-time favorite is the Ultimate Leather Conditioner. Bonus: this product also helps to clean leather, with a formula that reaches deep within the fibers. Feel free to pair this treatment with our Natural Leather Cleaner to treat more difficult stains.
Protect your leather
4. Accidents happen! For major stains, we recommend consulting a leather specialist who knows the best way to remove stains without changing the color or appearance of the leather.
5. If you carry your bags as we do - all the time - you may notice that the leather at the corners of some bags may become dry more quickly. Give your bag a little TLC with a small dab of Revitalizing Distressed Leather Conditioner. Formulated with mink oil, this rich treatment is great for worn out leathers that need some extra love! A little goes a long way!
6. Sporting one of our suede leathers? These stylish picks require a slightly different care approach! A soft-bristled brush, microfiber cloth, or even a toothbrush can effectively address any scuffs, scratches, or dirt buildup. However when dealing with more complicated stains it's best to consult with a leather care professional for expert advice. Finally, when applying a suede care product like our Suede & Nubuck Protectant, we recommend spot-testing on an inconspicuous area to ensure desired results as it may cause the suede fibers to change texture or stiffen.
For more information on caring for your leather please visit our Total Leather Care Guide blog page.
Leather Types
Pebbled
Pebbled leather is created through a unique tumbling process that gives these bags a slouchier silhouette and relaxed, pre-broken in feel right out of the box. Its surface is textured or “pebbly” to the touch.
Smooth
Smooth leather has structure and a sleek finish. These bags will generally “stand up” on their own when new, although the leather will relax as it breaks in.
Brushed
Brushed leather has a velvety, suede-like texture that’s rich with natural oils and highly responsive to touch. This gives it an ever-evolving look and moderate structure, while also making surface scratches easy to smooth out.
Suede
Suede is crafted by splitting the underside of the hide from the top layer, revealing its velvety-soft finish. Boasting both a dynamic texture and relaxed structure that evolves over time, suede is simple to care for and maintain.
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