Article: Pueblo leather characteristics and care methods
Pueblo leather characteristics and care methods
Characteristics of Pueblo Leather
Pueblo leather is made by Badalassi Carlo, a tannery (leather factory) in Tuscany, Italy.
The manufacturing process is unique, using the rawhide of cows over two years old and the Vacchetta method. The finishing process is done by intentionally making the surface rough and fluffy, resulting in a very unique leather.
When unused, it looks whitish overall due to the fuzziness. The texture is like that of washi paper and is completely matte. At first, it has almost no gloss, but with use, the fuzzy fibers on the surface will flatten, the gloss will increase rapidly, and the color will deepen in a short period of time.
Pueblo Camel: 3 months on
The color gradually deepens with use. Another interesting feature is the moist, clingy texture.
Pueblo Petrolio after 6 months
Daily care
As mentioned above, Pueblo wood ages beautifully with just normal use, thanks to the large amount of oil it contains.
If you apply cream or other products carelessly, the fuzziness that is characteristic of Pueblo will flatten, causing it to lose its matte feel prematurely.
When and how to care for your Pueblo
Generally, Pueblo does not require any maintenance, but we recommend that you take care of it in the following cases.
1. Summer season
2. If it gets wet due to sweat or rain
In both cases, humidity is an issue.
If you leave your Pueblo in a humid environment, the following problems may occur, so be careful.
・Mold grows
・The dye from the leather transfers onto banknotes and clothes.
The following two methods are recommended for maintenance.
The best order is 1, then 2, and it's best to do both.
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.
When and how to use cream
In principle, we recommend that you refrain from using creams, etc., as they can damage the fluffiness that is Pueblo's greatest feature. However, if the material has aged to the point where it has become shiny, there is no problem with using cream. In fact, we believe that using cream will help you use the material for a longer period of time.
The time it takes for the shine to appear will vary between individuals, but at the earliest, maintenance with cream can be achieved in 1-2 years.
Only apply this when the leather is dry. Applying cream to damp leather will not moisturize it properly.
Also, apply cream during the dry winter season or about once a year . After applying the cream, wipe it dry again. Please be careful not to apply too much cream as it can cause blemishes.
If possible, it is best to purchase a cream specifically for leather, but a colorless shoe care cream can also be used instead.
For leather specifically, we recommend the following two products:
1) Ranapar
A staple item that all leather lovers have. A 100% natural leather treatment made from beeswax and jojoba oil. Made from only natural materials, it has no unpleasant odor. A versatile treatment that protects leather, adds shine, and even makes it water-repellent. Simply dab the product lightly on the included sponge to bring out the shine and revive the leather. It can be used on any color, not just small items like wallets, but also shoes and bags! It can also be used to care for vinyl and synthetic leather, and has a wide range of uses, so it's convenient to have one at home .
You can purchase it at home improvement stores and also on Amazon .
2) Mink oil
It is characterized by being an animal oil that blends well with leather. It is rich in oil, which makes the leather soft and smooth. Like Lanapar, it improves waterproofing and water resistance. The wax coating also prevents dryness and scratches.
Another attractive feature is that the ingredients easily penetrate deep into the leather, making it softer.
It has a slight smell and stickiness, so the trick is to apply it thinly and widely, being careful not to apply too much. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil after application to avoid unevenness. Try it on an inconspicuous area to get the hang of it.
This is recommended for intermediate to advanced users who are accustomed to caring for their hair, or those who have their own style that changes over time.
This can be purchased at specialty stores or on Amazon .
Pueblo is a leather that grows with its owner.
We hope you enjoy growing it.
Click here for moku's Pueblo leather products