We're often called to repair leather that has been damaged by the sun. Here's an article to learn more!
Sun's Not Kind: How Leather Suffers Under Sunlight
Leather, that luxurious and durable material, isn't a big fan of spending time at the beach. While a little sun exposure is inevitable, especially for things like car interiors and handbags, too much of it can wreak havoc on your leather goods. Let's dive into what happens when leather gets a suntan.
The Culprit: Ultraviolet Rays
The main enemy of leather in sunlight is ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays break down the collagen fibers that give leather its strength and flexibility. They also zap leather of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Think of it like your skin - overexposure to the sun leads to premature aging, and leather is no different.
The Signs of Sun Damage
Sun-damaged leather shows its wear in a few ways:
Fading: Leather loses its vibrancy, especially darker colors that absorb more UV rays.
Drying and Cracking: As the natural oils evaporate, leather dries out, becoming stiff and prone to cracking. This can be unsightly and even compromise the structural integrity of the leather.
Warping: In extreme cases, severe sun exposure can cause leather to warp and lose its shape.
Prevention is Key
The good news is that most sun damage to leather is preventable.
Here are some tips:
Limit Direct Sunlight: Keep your leather furniture away from windows and protect car interiors with window tinting or sunshades.
Regular Conditioning: Replenish the leather's natural oils with a good quality leather conditioner. This helps keep it supple and prevents drying and cracking.
Strategic Placement: When storing leather goods, choose cool, dry places out of direct sunlight.
Sun Exposure Doesn't Have to Be a Death Sentence
Even with precautions, some sun exposure is unavoidable. The occasional sunny day with your leather bag or jacket isn't going to cause immediate disaster. Just be mindful of prolonged exposure and take steps to care for your leather goods. With a little TLC, you can keep your leather looking and feeling its best for years to come.
If you need help with your damaged leather, contact us today! You can call us at 803-633-9067 or email info@colorglonsc.com. You're also welcome to check out our main website at https://www.colorglonsc.com/