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What is semi-aniline leather & how to look after it?
What is semi-aniline leather & how to look after it?

Find out all about semi-aniline leather, what to expect and how to look after it.

Rebecca Green avatar
Written by Rebecca Green
Updated over a week ago

Semi aniline leather is created from higher level, good quality hides that are lightly treated to give the leather a light layer of protection. This means it offers the best of both worlds as it is usually more durable than an aniline leather, yet many of the natural characteristics of the hide are still present.

You’ll still notice the natural markings like scars, scratches and brand marks, but they won’t be as obvious as those featured on aniline leather.

Semi-aniline leather is dyed through the hide resulting in an even colour which then has a thin polyurethane layer applied. This offers a combination of the softness and feel of a full aniline leather with the benefits of a protective coating.

These types of leather offer more durability than untreated aniline hides but do still crease and stretch, softening as they age. Over time this will offer a more relaxed look and feel, and furniture will usually become more comfortable as a result.

Like all real leather, your semi aniline sofa will need to be conditioned at least twice a year to prevent cracking and drying out. When it comes to cleaning semi aniline we would always recommend you only use the products from our specially designed leather care kit.

The light protective coating may be your saving grace if you accidentally spill on your semi-aniline sofa, but you should consider Sofashield for peace of mind.

Find out more about Sofashield here 

Important tip: To avoid water marks after cleaning we advise that you dampen a colourfast cloth with boiled water from a kettle and gently wipe the entire panel or cushion from seam to seam. This will help to prevent any water stains as the leather dries.

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