We recently asked our Instagram followers to pose their burning questions about automotive leather to Aaron Laithwaite, founder and CEO of Hydes Leather. … [Read more...]
Can I Recycle or Compost Leather Scraps?
At my upholstery shop, we try to recycle as much as possible — mostly glass and plastic. I'd like to recycle fabric scraps too, but don't know any companies that would take such waste. … [Read more...]
Is It Safe to Steam Leather Seat Covers?
When it comes to steaming leather seat covers to get rid of wrinkles, auto trimmers are divided. Opinions range from "I steam the heck out of every cover I make" to "I would never steam any leather cover." … [Read more...]
How do I Remove Creases from Leather?
Do you have any tips on how to revive leather hides that were stored incorrectly? I recently received some leather hides that were folded over on themselves and now they have creases. Are theses creases permanent? Is there anything I can do to get them out? – William Duffy of Medford Upholstery in Patchogue, New York. Hi William, Thank you for a great question. It all depends … [Read more...]
Is the Back of Leather the Same as Suede?
What's the difference between suede and the flesh (fuzzy) side of a leather hide? Is it possible to use the flesh side as the finished side when covering an interior panel or even a seat? Or is it better to use actual suede? I have free rein to trim the interior of a 1994 Nissan 300ZX any way I like. The door panels and console were originally partially covered in an … [Read more...]