Types of Leather

• Lamb Leather

  Lambskin leather is a soft, delicate material known for its luxurious feel and lightweight texture.

  While it’s relatively easy to recolor, its fragile nature makes it prone to scratches and damage if not handled with care.

  Working with lambskin requires patience, attention to detail, and gentle techniques to preserve its quality and avoid ruining the material during the recoloring process.

• Faux Leather

  Artificial leather is a material that is commonly used for making upholstery, clothing, and accessories.

  It is typically made of plastic polymer, and it mimics the look and grain of real leather.

  Recoloring faux leather is a fun, inexpensive way to transform an outfit or spruce up an old accessory. After selecting recoloring balm colors, have fun restoring any old faux leather!

• King Ranch Leather

  This is a high-end coated Aniline Leather used in Ford trucks and other luxury automobile interiors, named and embossed after one of the largest ranches in the world!

  All models after 2013 will require regular recoloring balm. This is due to the urethane coating now being applied to the leather.

  Please refer to the Aniline Leather section of this resource guide.

• Aniline Leather

  Aniline leather is a high-quality, natural Napa leather dyed with translucent aniline dyes that highlight its natural grain, including scars and wrinkles.

  It has a soft, luxurious feel but is prone to stains, fading, and scratches, requiring regular care.

  Semi-aniline leather offers a thin protective coating for durability, making it less prone to marks but slightly less soft. Both types benefit from conditioning to maintain their beauty and prevent drying or cracking.

• Red Leather

  Red leather is a type of leather that has been dyed or treated to achieve a rich red color. It is often used in the production of clothing, furniture, and accessories.

  There are many different types of red leather available, including full-grain buffalo leather, cowhide tooling leather, and faux leather. 
  

• Ostritch Embossed Leather

  Ostrich leather is naturally oily, so thoroughly buff off any residue before applying recoloring balm.

  The raised bumps, where feathers once grew, absorb more color than the flat areas.

  True ostrich leather is distinguishable from embossed ostrich print by its irregular, unique quill marks, while embossed prints have uniform bumps.

• Napa Leather

  Napa leather is a premium leather known for its fine grain and ultra-soft texture, made from unsplit sheepskin. The finer grain, with smaller bumps, gives it a softer feel than regular leather.

  To maintain napa leather:

  • Avoid direct sunlight to prevent drying.
  • Moisturize every few months with Clyde’s Conditioning Cream.
  • Spot clean with Clyde’s Cleaning Foam to remove stains gently.
  • Avoid chemical-based cleaners to preserve softness.

  Napa leather's unique qualities make it softer and more durable than standard leather, but it requires regular care to maintain its luxurious texture.

• Alcantara Leather

  Alcantara is a synthetic fabric made from polyester and polyurethane. Often compared to suede, Alcantara offers several advantages.

  It is more durable, resistant to staining, and easier to clean; just wipe it down with a damp cloth.

  Despite its popularity in various industries for its unique look and feel alongside durability, there are pros and cons to consider.
  

• Bonded Leather

  Bonded leather is crafted from a blend of genuine leather scraps and polyurethane, offering an affordable alternative to full-grain leather.

  While it mimics the look and feel of authentic leather, bonded leather is less durable and prone to wear over time. Its smooth surface is easy to clean, making it a practical choice for budget-friendly furniture and accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What sets Clyde's apart from other leather care brands?

  At Clyde's, we pride ourselves on our unique 4-Step Recoloring Process, which works for both absorbent and non-absorbent leathers. We also offer a lifetime guarantee, free returns, and 24/7 customer support.

• What is Clyde's 4-Step Recoloring Process?

  Our process includes cleaning, absorbency testing, recoloring, and conditioning, ensuring your leather is refreshed, supple, and long-lasting.

• What makes your recoloring balm different from leather dye?

  Unlike dyes, our balm recolors and conditions simultaneously. It absorbs instantly, doesn’t flake, and stays put, ensuring a smooth, vibrant finish.

• Can I fix scratches or cracks before recoloring?

  Yes, our Leather Paintable Filler repairs holes, scratches, and cracks, creating a smooth, flexible surface for recoloring.

• Can I buy the products separately?

  Yes, all our products, including the cleaning foam, deglazing solution, leather filler, recoloring balm, and conditioning cream, are available individually. On top of that, we also offer a "Build Your Kit" option, allowing you to select multiple products based on your specific needs. It's a great way to customize your leather care routine!

• How long do the results last?

  With proper care, results from our recoloring balm and conditioning cream can last for years. The conditioning cream helps extend the lifespan by protecting the leather from wear and tear.

• What is your return policy?

  We offer a 60-Day Return and Exchange Policy to ensure your satisfaction with our products. To learn more about our process or initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

• Do you ship internationally?

  Yes, we ship worldwide! Shipping fees and delivery times vary based on your location.