Quick & Easy Australian Leather Type Identifier Card

Leather Type Identifier Australian Climate Edition

Accurate Leather Identification
Quickly and reliably distinguish between Top-Coated, Aniline, Semi-Aniline, Nubuck, and other leather types without guesswork.

Choose the Right Care Products
Prevent costly mistakes by matching the correct cleaners, conditioners, and protectors to the specific leather type.

Extend the Life of Your Furniture
Correct care helps maintain softness, colour, and durability, keeping leather looking and feeling great for years.

Avoid Damage from Incorrect Treatment
Using the wrong product on delicate leathers (like Aniline or Nubuck) can cause permanent damage — the card helps you avoid that.

Simple & User-Friendly
Compact, easy-to-carry, and designed for both professionals and everyday users, making leather care straightforward.

Leather Type Identifier Card – Australian Edition | Furniture Care Products

Australian Leather Type Identifier Card

Your pocket guide to identifying and caring for leather furniture

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🪑 Leather Type Identifier

Australian Climate Edition

© Furniture Care Products Australia

furniturecareproducts.com.au

🧪 The 30-Second Water Test

Instructions: Place ONE drop of water on a hidden area of your leather

Absorbs in 1-3 seconds
→ ANILINE (Premium, needs special care)
Absorbs in 3-10 seconds
→ SEMI-ANILINE (Lightly protected)
Water beads, doesn’t absorb
→ PIGMENTED (Fully protected)
Darkens immediately
→ NUBUCK/SUEDE (Special care)
Feels like plastic
→ BI-CAST/PU (Synthetic coating)

✋ The Touch Test

Warm, soft, natural
→ ANILINE
Slightly cool, soft
→ SEMI-ANILINE
Cool, consistent texture
→ PIGMENTED
Fuzzy, velvety
→ NUBUCK/SUEDE
Cold, plastic-like
→ BI-CAST/PU
Colour changes when stretched
→ PULL-UP

🧴 Quick Care Guide

ANILINE

  • Clean: Specialist cleaners only
  • Condition: Every 2-3 months
  • ⚠️ No water or household cleaners
  • 💰 Most expensive to maintain

SEMI-ANILINE

  • Clean: Gentle leather cleaner
  • Condition: Every 3 months
  • ✅ Some water resistance
  • 👍 Good balance of beauty/durability

PIGMENTED

  • Clean: Any leather cleaner
  • Condition: Every 4-6 months
  • ✅ Family & pet friendly
  • 💪 Most durable type

NUBUCK/SUEDE

  • Clean: Dry brush only
  • Protect: Spray monthly
  • ⚠️ NEVER use water
  • 🔧 Requires special tools

BONDED

  • Clean: Damp cloth only
  • Lifespan: 2-5 years max
  • ❌ Cannot repair peeling
  • 💔 Not real leather (10-20%)

BI-CAST/PU

  • Clean: Mild soap & water
  • No conditioning needed
  • ⚠️ Keep from heat
  • 🎭 Plastic coating on leather base

🌏 Australian Climate Care Schedule

Your Location Climate Type Conditioning Frequency
Darwin, Cairns Tropical (High humidity) Every 4-6 months
Brisbane, Gold Coast Subtropical Every 3-4 months
Sydney, Newcastle Temperate Coastal Every 3 months
Melbourne, Hobart Cool Temperate Every 2-3 months
Perth, Adelaide Mediterranean (Dry) Every 2-3 months
Canberra, Inland Continental (Extreme) Every 2 months

❌ NEVER USE ON LEATHER

  • Baby wipes (contain alcohol)
  • Eucalyptus oil (strips finish)
  • Olive/coconut oil (goes rancid)
  • All-purpose cleaners (wrong pH)
  • Hair dryer (causes cracking)
  • Silicon sprays (permanent damage)

🏪 Common Australian Furniture Brands

King Furniture
Usually Aniline or Semi-aniline
Nick Scali
Mix of Semi-aniline & Pigmented
Freedom
Mostly Pigmented
Harvey Norman
Pigmented, Bonded, Bi-cast
IKEA
Pigmented, Some Aniline
Fantastic Furniture
Bonded or Bi-cast (budget)

🚨 Emergency Stain Response

  1. DON’T PANIC – Rushed cleaning causes more damage
  2. BLOT – Never rub (spreads the stain)
  3. IDENTIFY – Know your leather type first
  4. USE RIGHT PRODUCT – Wrong cleaner = permanent damage
  5. TEST FIRST – Always in hidden area

✅ Golden Rules for Leather Care

  • Less is more – Over-conditioning causes problems
  • Regular beats intensive – Little and often
  • Prevention beats cure – Protect before damage
  • Climate matters – Adjust for your location
  • When in doubt, don’t – Test or ask first

Need Help?

Visit: furniturecareproducts.com.au

Email: [email protected]

Free Shipping: Orders over $99

Guarantee: 30-day money back


Armed with the Australian Leather Type Identifier Card, you’re no longer guessing—but confidently recognizing the distinct characteristics of your leather surfaces. This insight transforms routine care into a preservation strategy: select the ideal cleaner, conditioner, or protector knowing it suits your specific leather type. With smarter maintenance comes longer-lasting beauty and comfort. Explore our tailored leather care solutions and informative guides to keep every piece looking its best—with precision, protection, and peace of mind.

For more in depth information read our post: The Ultimate Australian Leather Identification Guide

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