For example, you would not want to get suede wet. However if your bag is made from deer leather then it can get a little damp. However there are some common care tips that you can use which keep your bag looking like new.

Firstly, you need to know what kind of leather your bag is made of.  You can check your type of bag by reading the label. The label is normally situated inside the bag along one of the seams of lining. Feel your bag the texture will also tell you. Deerskin has natural flaws in it whereas suede has a soft texture to touch.

Now you know what type of leather you have you will need the following items; a leather conditioning product, a suede waterproofing product, a suede eraser or a pink rubber, chalk rag soap and tissue paper.

Now you can condition and waterproof your bag. It is important to condition your bag every once in a while. This is even more important if you live in a dry and warm climate. You must use a conditioner that is specifically designed for leather. You only need to waterproof if your bag is suede. You need to use a commercial suede waterproofing product for this.

For deerskin after conditioning you will need a damp cloth and a mild soap, this will clean off any stains that you may have. You cannot use anything wet on suede though. To get rid of stains on your suede bag you will need a pink rubber or a suede eraser. If you happen to have any grease stains then apply board chalk to them. Be careful not to use any harsh chemicals or cleaning products that have alcohol on them as these will leave marks on your bag and cause lifelong damage.

Once this is complete you need to store the bag in a dark place. Do not cover it though. The most ideal place is a cool dark place. You must never place it in a plastic or non porous bag. This can promote the growth of mildew. Your bag must keep out of direct sunlight or heat. This can damage your leather and make it fade or become dry and cracked.

The last thing to do is when you are not using your leather bag stuff it with tissue paper. This will help the bag keep its shape by not letting the sides collapse. This does not need to be done often, every 6 months is more than enough to keep your bag looking like new.

Leather is the product of tanning animal rawhide skin more often than not it is from cattle. Leather is a highly versatile fabric which can be hand sewn or machine sewn. There are three types of leather most commonly used for making bags; the first is full grain leather. Full grain leather is very durable and is free of imperfections.

Then there is top grain leather (can also be referred to as corrected leather). Top grain is smooth on one side and fuzzy on the other. Top grain can have some imperfections on it however these are easy to perfect. The third is suede. Suede looks and feels soft and fuzzy. All three of these are popular choices for a bag but all three give a completely different look and feel to a bag.

As with any material item the leather needs to be prepared before being made into a bag. The person making the bag will have a pattern of what the bag should look like once finished and the different pieces and sizes required to make it. They will then lay out the leather and cut out the leather as appropriate. To do this they use heavy duty sharp scissors or maybe a razor knife. They also use a measuring tool like a ruler or a carpenter square to ensure it is cut out accurately.

The next stage is very important. The stitching, this needs to be done accurately and be made good and strong. If this is not done properly then the bag will not look right or fulfil its jobs as a bag. Stitching can be done by hand or on a machine. At this point external pockets and handles will be added also. The person assembling the bag will have to ensure that they do not ruin the leather pieces. This includes adding additional unnecessary stitches. If any holes are made in the leather during the stitching process these will not heal over time and may be noticed on the final product.

Once the main body of the bag is complete the assembler will then construct the lining of the bag. Before the lining is added to the inside of the bag the assembler will add any pockets, zips or buttons to the lining of the bag. The lining is then checked and tested to ensure that it fits in the bag properly.

Once the lining is fitted and is secure any additional accessories will be added. This can include; extra buckles or straps, or perhaps a flower or another accessory to make the bag complete. The final accessories must follow the original design exactly. Then one final check will be done on the bag to ensure it is exactly like the original design.

It is not difficult to clean a leather purse as some people think. It will only take you some few minutes and you are done. Besides, you can clean your purse at home by yourself. Here are some tips that you should apply in order to clean your leather purse.

One good thing about leather purses is that oil and grease stain can easily be removed from them. If your purse is stained with oil as you are dinning, there is no need for you to panic. You can easily clean off oil and grease from your purse with just dry cloth. Just get a dry cloth and clean off the oil or grease. However, do not scrub your purse very hard or roughly. Use the cloth and clean the stain gently. If you scrub it very hard, you will definitely scratch the bag.

There are some stains that you cannot easily remove with ordinary rag. You will require the use of leather cleaning solutions in order to remove some stain. The type of solution required depends on the type of stain. If your purse is stained by ink, you will need simple alcohol to remove the ink. Soak a cotton swab or cotton bud in the alcohol and then use the soaked cotton bud to clean the ink. You should also ensure that you do not scrub very hard otherwise, you may spoil the bag. This can also make the stain to extend to the other spots.

You can also clean the entire purse with distilled water and detergent. Miss the cleaning solution that you are using with water and then use a clean cloth or sponge to clean your purse. After cleaning with the solution, use another dry cloth to properly dry it so that no water will remain on the purse. Do not store your purse while it is still wet. Another important point that you should not forget is that it is not every cleaning solution that you can use on your leather purse. Any solution that will affect the color of your purse should not be used otherwise, you risk losing the beauty of your bag.

It is not every time that you will need to use cleaning solution or water on your bag. Dust and debris can be removed with dry cloth. However, you should use soft hand in cleaning the bag.

Normally, there are four grains in which leather is sold, namely, full-grain, top-grain, corrected-grain and split leather. All of these types of grains are gotten from animal hides and thus they are different from artificial leather. But they differ from each other in their quality.

Full-Grain Leather

This is a type of grain in which the hide used in producing the leather is not sanded, snuffed or buffed. Owing to the fact that this type of leather is not sanded, the natural marks on the hide are still visible. If there is any imperfection on the hide, you will still see it on the leather. This type of leather is very reliable and strong. This is because the grain has not been removed. Thus the fiber strength and the toughness of the hide are still retained in the leather. Full-grain leather does not wear out; instead a patina will be developed overtime. Full-grain leather also has better breathability than other type of leather. Owing to the toughness of this type of leather, it is used in the production of footwear and leather furniture.

Top-Grain Leather

The top grain leather is a good type of leather but its quality is second to that of full-grain leather. In this type of leather, the split layer is removed. This explains why the leather is very thin. The top-grain leather is more flexible than full-grain leather because of the thinness of the leather. However, the leather is not as breathable as full-grain leather because it has been sanded. No patina is developed over time. In other words, the leather is not expensive as the full-grain leather. However, one advantage that this type of leather has over full-grain leather is that it resists dirt and stains more than the full-grain leather.

Corrected-Grain Leather

Corrected grain leather is a combination of natural leather with artificial grain. In other words, corrected grain leather is made by applying an artificial grain to any leather. Corrected leather is sanded and all the imperfections are eliminated. This type of leather is available in two forms which include pigmented and semi-aniline leather.

Split Leather

When the top-grain of an animal hide has been removed, the remaining fibrous part can be used in the production of leather. The leather produced with this part of the raw hide is called split leather. Suede leathers are made from this type of grain. However, split leather is not durable as the full-grain and top-grain leather.

The skin from which leather is to be obtained from is usually subjected to three main processing stages. Preparation is the first processing stage where the skin is soaked and washed and rehydrated. Lime is then applied to remove proteins therein. This is followed by unhairing where most hair on the skin is removed. The skin is then split horizontally and limed again to remove remaining proteins. The skin is then subjected to de-liming process where lime and other treatment chemicals used are removed. Bating of the skin follows (application of synthetic proteins) to soften the skin further.

Bating is usually followed by degreasing, a process that involves removal of any fatty material from the skin. The skin is then bleached to produce a skin light in color. Varied salts are then applied to lower the skin’s pH value in process known as picking. De-picking completes the preparation stage.

De-picked skin is then subjected to tanning, a process that stabilizes the skin to remain soft even when dry. Depending on what the resultant leather is to be used for, different tanning methods can be employed. Tanning using tannin (obtained from vegetables) or tree bark yields supple and brown lather in color. Chromium produces leather in varied colors, oxazolidine compounds produce pale cream and white leather, aromatic polymers produce pure white leather. Tanning using aluminum salts yields leather in light color shades.

Tanned skin is usually subjected to crusting, a process that involves thinning of the skin before the same is lubricated. Appropriate dying and coloring is applied to enhance that obtained after tanning. The skin is subjected to a number of sub-processes that include sammying (eliminating water from the skin), shaving (cutting off of leather fibers), neutralization (stabilizing of skin Ph), dying and drying amongst many other sub-processes. The last sub-process is usually the buffing, which is the abrasion of the skin to remove any grain defects.

Although not mandatory, the resultant leather is at times subjected to surface coating, a process through which the leather is finished off. Sub-processes include oiling, brushing, padding, impregnation, spraying, plating, ironing, embossing and glazing. This is when the leather becomes ready for the market.

Leather production worldwide has raised a lot of concern considering the fact that its production involves the use of chemicals that need to be disposed off safely. Leather production also causes a lot of air pollution due to the fact that such chemicals as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are used. Resultant waste materials have been noted to have adverse effects on the environment and different jurisdictions have enacted legislations that cottage industries and large manufactures producing leather must stick to.

Leather dying involves the use of alcohol-based dyes. This is because leather quickly absorbs the same. While being absorbed, the alcohol and dye pigment penetrate deep into leather, allowing the same to last therein for a very long time. External patterns on leather are achieved through the use of special stains that remain permanent on leather surface. Due to environmental concerns, the use of alcohol-based dyes is gradually diminishing. Alternatives now in use include shoe polish, linseed extracts and neatsfoot. It is very common for wax paste to be used in finishing off leather.

Unlike dying that penetrates leather, coloring does not. Coloring that is achieved through painting only ends up on leather surface. Because paint is likely to come off when a leather product is bent, colored leather is usually used for making flat-surface leather items. Of all paints, acrylic paint is the most commonly used.

Leather dying and coloring is not limited to the use of dyes and paints. Carving and stamping give leather the natural appeal and taste. Leather carving involves the use of swivel knives, seeders, pear shaders and veiner amongst others to compress soft leather so as to give it a three-dimensional appearance. There are a number of styles that that a leather designer can make including floral, Sheridan and Texas styles that are very popular in such countries as the US and Mexico.

Leather stamping is another very popular technique worldwide. It involves a leather designer using a mallet and pre-shaped implements (stamps) that are struck into the leather to create a permanent long-lasting impression. There are varied commercial stamps in different shapes and design. Impressions created can be of animals, plants and other objects.

The process of dying and coloring leather is a meticulous process that requires time and a lot of patience. A leather designer can only do so much. This is one of the reasons why quality leather products are at times very expensive. There are a number of artists who have specialized as leather designers and their creations are usually informed by both their immediate environment and latest fashion trends.

From the above, it is clear that before a leather product is put up for sale it must have passed through a number of value addition processes right from a local cottage industry or from a factory to the hands of a designer and onward to the hands of a leather crafter who creates the resultant leather product. Although there are machine-made leather products, hand-made products are usually the best and last a very long time.

Today, briefcases can be made with different types of materials. However, leather remains one of the materials that are used to make quality briefcases of different styles. Leather briefcases are of different types. Leather portfolio is one of the types of briefcases available in the market which can be made from leather. Though a portfolio can be classified as a briefcase, it does not come with any handle. It serves the same purpose as other type of leather briefcase. However, it is carried under the arm or with the hand.

Another type of briefcase that is available in leather is folio. It is a type of portfolio but it comes with a retractable handle. A box-style case known as attaché can also be called a briefcase. It is also made from leather. Today, owing to the improvements in fashion and the fact that many designers are now making briefcases, there are numerous types, designs and styles of briefcases in the market that one may not be able to mention them all.

Leather briefcases are costly but they are highly reliable. If you are able to own one, you have to take good care of it so that you will enjoy the durability. Here are some of the tips that you should apply in order to take good care of your briefcase:

Properly Caring for your Leather Briefcase

Owing to the portability of leather briefcases, consumers normally carry them along as they go about their normal business. There is the tendency for some people to keep their briefcase in an area that could be harmful to the leather. You should be mindful of where you are keeping your briefcase. No matter where you go with it, make sure that you set it on a clean platform or a place free from oil, dirt, water or any other thing that will stain it. When you take up your briefcase from where you are keeping it, make sure that you clean the bottom with a clean cloth such as your handkerchief.

If you are beaten by the rain when you are carrying your leather briefcase, ensure that you dry the wet off the briefcase. However, you should not roughly clean the water. Always use gentle hands in getting your briefcase clean. After cleaning the case, allow it to dry. However, do not leave it for a very long time under the sun otherwise the leather will spoil.

You can also clean your leather briefcase on regular basis with the appropriate leather cleaning solution.

Sunlight – Direct sunlight has harmful rays that degrade any material or object. Leather continuously exposed to direct sunlight ends up losing its natural color. In addition, its natural feel also changes. While unprocessed leather need to kept off direct sunlight, leather products should only be used in direct sunlight for short a period.

Storage – Storage determines the durability of leather in a big way. Unprocessed leather should be stored in cool locations with adequate aeration. Such locations should not be prone to extreme dryness and high humidity. For leather products such as bags, stuffing is very important. Continuous storage of leather bags without stuffing leads to the same getting folded with the result being the appearance of folding lines, which simply ruin the overall appearance. Long-term storage is also detrimental to leather’s durability. Stored bags should be exposed occasionally.

Stains – Although leather is generally strong and resistant to stains, those stains that have chemical components can cause serious damage to leather products. Any form of stain on leather should be cleaned out right away rather than later.

Cleaning – Dirt and other tiny debris left to accumulate on leather surface can become toxic and degrade the same. Regular cleaning is therefore very necessary. Care should however be taken during cleaning. Instead of harsh soaps and detergents that can easily affect leather, sable soap and clean water should do. Cleaning does not however mean immersing a leather product in water. A wet soapy cloth should instead be used. Leather products should never be left to dry in direct sunlight but in a shade instead.

Handling – How leather is handled can make it last long or shorten its useful life. Proper handling of leather is very necessary. Throwing a leather product around or mishandling the same in any other way exposes it to scratches and other forms of damage.

Odors – Leather is highly prone to odors. It easily absorbs and retains any odor it picks, which it retains for a very long time. Continuous exposure of leather products to harsh odors easily degrades the same. This makes it very necessary for storage locations and anywhere leather products are placed to chosen carefully.

When the above factors are taken into consideration, unprocessed leather or leather products can last for a very long time. Leather durability can also be enhanced by conditioning the same. Condition can be as simple as oiling the products. Care should however be taken as to what type of oil to use. Petroleum oils generally contain certain chemicals and are therefore not appropriate. Olive oil and neat’s foot oil have proved very effective in conditioning leather.

Dying leather could also mean coloring leather. The dying of leather is a part of the third stage in the making of leather. This stage is the final stage in leather processing. However, in some processes it can also be done during the tanning stage which is the second stage in the processing of leather. Tanning is mainly done to make leather flexible and to prevent it from decaying. However, the coloring or dying has to be done in order to give the leather desired color or colors.

There are some steps that are followed in the dying and coloring of leathers. Here are the basic steps.

Choosing the Right Dye

The right type of dye to be used will depend on the color that you will want to obtain. You have to be very careful when you are choosing the dye. Sometimes, a dye may result in a different color than what it appears to be. If you want to choose the right color, look for samples in the store of the vendor and then buy according to the sample otherwise you may make the wrong selection.

Preparation of Leather for Dying and Coloring

Normally, a protective coating is given to leather so that it will retain the natural color. If you do not remove this protective coating, you may not get the actual color that you want. It may make the color to be mutilated and dull. So, first get the leather ready by removing the protecting coating. You should also ensure that dirt on the leather is removed.

Dying or Coloring Properly

First wet the leather by spraying water on it. You can use a moistened sponge to accomplish that. Ensure that the water touches all parts of the leather evenly. When the leather equally saturated, you can now start applying the dye. You should be very careful when applying the dye. It is important that you apply the dye evenly all over the leather material so the coloring will be neat and even.

Drying Stage

After the application of the dye, you should allow the leather to dry. It normally takes up to one to two hours for the dye to dry. You will know that the dye has dried properly if the wet look of the leather has disappeared completely.

Finishing Touches

This is the last stage in the coloring of leather. Here clean cloth is used to remove excess dye of the leather or to smooth the surface of the leather.

There are various types of leather purses depending on the finishing given to the type of leather that is used in producing them. Here are some of the types of leather purses:

Painted Leather: Painted leather is given polished finishing. This process causes the leather to become smooth. So, the leather purse that is used to produce this type of leather is very soft and silky to the touch. Another feature of this type of leather purse that gives it an edge over other type of purses is its ability to resist dirt. Painted leather normally is not easily dirtied. You can effortlessly clean dirt and dust from purses made from painted leather. However, oil stain or grease is easily absorbed by the leather and it becomes part of the leather making it difficult for you to clean them. You may require the help of a professional leather cleaner in order to remove such stain from the purse.

Dyed Leather: Purses made from dyed leather are more richly colored, more supple and softer than painted leather purses. However, the problem with this type of purse is that it is very difficult to maintain when compared with painted stain. The leather can easily absorb stains, soil, spills and moisture. This can affect their color requiring you to re-dye them. Not every person has the money to be re-dying the purse anytime it is stained with oil.

Today, there are leather purses that are produced with both painted leather and dyed leather. Such leather purses will have the qualities and drawbacks of these two types of leathers as mentioned above.

Antiqued Leather: During the production process of this type of leather, the leather is deliberately shrunk. This will give the leather a mellow, smooth and mottled finish. However, the problem with leather purses produced with this type of leather is that when the cleaning process is applied, it can make the purse to lose its fine finishing.

Suede Leather: There is no doubt that a number of people using suede purses do not know that suede material is a form of leather. The leather is treated during the production process so that it will have napped and velvet finishing. Owing to the lack of protective barrier in suede leather purses, they are easily affected by stains.

There are other types of finishing that can be given to leather used in the production of leather purses such as Nubuck and patent finishing.