Caring for aniline dyed cordovan
Characteristics of aniline dyed cordovan
When talking about cordovan, the most common type is oil cordovan, but cordovan dyed using only water-based dyes with a technique called "hill dyeing" is called aniline-dyed cordovan.
As of February 2024, the small and thin Saku ver.3 wallet sold by moku is made with this aniline-dyed cordovan.
Aniline-dyed cordovan is characterized by the fact that the fibers are laid down to the maximum extent possible during the glazing process, which is a part of the manufacturing process, before being dyed, allowing the leather's inherent strong luster and transparency to be expressed to the fullest.
Even after years of use, the leather retains its firmness and toughness, and you can enjoy the changes in its appearance due to the aging effect unique to tannin tanning.
Daily care
Applying more wax than necessary can cause cloudiness, so usually a dry wipe or brushing is sufficient.
When and how to perform maintenance
Normally, the above "daily care" is sufficient, If you notice that the gloss has faded or the surface has become dry, please perform some maintenance.
When maintaining the product, in addition to brushing and wiping dry, use a low-oil care wax and apply an appropriate amount before polishing with a cloth.
Please be careful as emulsified or oily waxes can penetrate deep into the fibers and cause the compression to come loose.
If the surface is dry, apply the wax and then moisten it with a wet tissue or similar, then lay the fibers down with a care brush or cloth .
However, adding too much water can cause the fibers to break down, so make sure to only moisten it lightly.
1. Brushing
Brushing is effective in removing dust from leather and dirt that has accumulated in the pores of the leather. There are various types of brushes, but we recommend horsehair, which has moderate hardness and fineness. They are also reasonably priced and easy to obtain.
It may be a hassle, but if you use oil or cream before brushing off the dirt, it can cause the dirt to set, so it's best to do it carefully without being lazy.
You can also purchase the brushes on Amazon .
2. Dry wipe
Place a dry, soft cloth on the grain (leather surface) to wipe off any moisture.
Although it is not visible to the naked eye, moisture from sweat or rain adheres to the leather, so the idea is to absorb it with a cloth.
It is best to lightly stroke or press lightly rather than scrubbing.
The thing to pay attention to is the fabric material. Choose fabric made of 100% cotton, not synthetic fibers. Be careful, as synthetic fibers can damage the leather.
You can purchase it anywhere, but you can also buy it from MUJI, Amazon , etc.
3. Low-oil care wax
Apply an appropriate amount and polish with a cloth. If you don't have any at home, we recommend using a wax like this one.
Aniline dyed cordovan is a leather that grows with its owner.
We hope you enjoy growing it.
