Leather is a durable and versatile material that is used in a variety of products, from clothing and accessories to furniture and car interiors. One of the most common questions people have about leather is why it can change colour over time, particularly from brown to black.
Here Is Why Brown Leather Turns Black In Colour:
Brown coloured leather shows up black at times due to:
Bad Leather Conditioner
Water
Mold
Body Oils
Metals Touching Leather Can Turn It Black
Leather Colour Transfer
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why brown leather can turn black, including exposure to sunlight, heat, and chemicals, as well as the natural aging process.
We will also discuss ways to prevent and reverse this discoloration, so you can enjoy your leather goods for years to come. So, whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a furniture collector, or simply someone who wants to keep their leather goods looking their best, read on to learn more about why brown leather turns black and what you can do about it.
Reasons Why Brown Leather Turns Black In Colour
Bad Leather Conditioner
One of the main reasons why brown leather can turn black is the use of poorly made leather conditioners. Leather conditioners are used to keep leather soft and supple, but if not used correctly, they can actually cause discoloration. Here are five reasons why using a bad leather conditioner can turn brown leather black:
Improper ingredients: Many low-quality leather conditioners contain harsh chemicals and dyes that can cause discoloration, particularly in lighter-colored leathers.
Lack of compatibility: Not all leathers are created equal, and some conditioners are not suitable for certain types of leather. Using the wrong conditioner on your leather can cause discoloration.
Overuse: Using too much conditioner or applying it too often can cause discoloration, as the excess product can seep into the leather and cause discoloration.
Lack of maintenance: Leather conditioners need to be reapplied regularly to keep the leather looking good. If you don’t maintain the leather properly, it can start to look black.
Not testing: Always test the conditioner on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather before applying it to the entire piece. This will help you see if the conditioner is causing any discoloration.
It is always important to be cautious when using leather conditioners, and to use only high-quality, reputable products. If you’re not sure which conditioner to use, consult with a leather expert or a professional cleaner.
See our great article on how Leather Conditioner Can Expire here.
Water
One of the main reasons why brown leather can turn black is exposure to water. Water can cause discoloration, cracking, and other damage to leather if not properly treated. Here are five ways that water can turn brown leather black:
Prolonged exposure: If leather is left in water for an extended period of time, it can cause discoloration. Even if the water is clean, it can still cause discoloration as the water can seep into the leather and cause discoloration.
Not drying properly: If leather is not dried properly after getting wet, it can cause discoloration and other damage. It is important to dry the leather thoroughly and evenly to prevent discoloration.
Contact with chemical water: If leather comes into contact with water that contains chemicals, such as cleaning solutions or detergents, it can cause discoloration.
Not protecting leather from water: Not protecting leather from water can lead to discoloration. It is important to use a waterproofing spray or wax on leather to protect it from water damage.
Not cleaning and conditioning leather after water exposure: Properly cleaning and conditioning leather after it gets wet can help prevent discoloration and other damage caused by water.
It is important to be mindful of how leather products are used and stored, especially in regards to water exposure. Properly cleaning, conditioning and protecting your leather goods can help prevent discoloration caused by water.
Mould
Another reason why brown leather can turn black is the growth of mould. Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in warm and humid environments, and it can cause discoloration, cracking, and other damage to leather. Here are five ways that mould can turn brown leather black:
Prolonged exposure to moisture: Mould needs moisture to grow, and if leather is exposed to humid or damp conditions for an extended period of time, it can cause discoloration.
Lack of ventilation: Mould can grow in poorly ventilated areas, such as closets or storage boxes. If leather is stored in these types of areas, it can cause discoloration.
Not cleaning leather properly: Not cleaning leather properly can lead to the growth of mould. It is important to clean leather regularly to prevent the growth of mould.
Not storing leather properly: Not storing leather properly can lead to the growth of mould. It is important to store leather in a cool, dry place to prevent the growth of mould.
Not using a mould inhibitor: Using a mould inhibitor can help prevent the growth of mould on leather.
To prevent the growth of mould and discoloration, it is important to keep leather in a dry and ventilated area, clean it regularly and use a mould inhibitor if needed. If you notice the growth of mould, it is important to remove it immediately and take preventative measures to prevent it from returning.
Body oils
Another reason why brown leather can turn black is contact with body oils. Our skin naturally produces oils that can transfer to leather and cause discoloration over time. Here are five ways that body oils can turn brown leather black:
Prolonged contact: Frequent and prolonged contact with leather can cause oils from your skin to transfer to the leather, leading to discoloration.
Not cleaning leather properly: Not cleaning leather regularly can lead to the build-up of oils on the surface of the leather, which can cause discoloration.
Not protecting leather from oils: Not protecting leather from oils can lead to discoloration. It is important to use a leather protector to repel oils and other contaminants.
Not conditioning leather regularly: Not conditioning leather regularly can cause the leather to dry out and absorb oils from your skin, leading to discoloration.
Not avoiding certain areas: Some areas of the leather are more prone to discoloration from oils, such as armrests and headrests. Avoiding prolonged contact with these areas can help prevent discoloration.
To prevent discoloration caused by body oils, it is important to clean and condition leather regularly, use a leather protector, and avoid prolonged contact with certain areas. If you notice discoloration, you may need to clean and condition the leather more frequently or use a professional leather cleaner to remove the buildup of oils.
Metals Touching Leather Can Turn It Black
Another reason why brown leather can turn black is contact with metal. Metals, such as iron, copper, and brass, can react with the natural oils and tannins in leather, causing discoloration. Here are five ways that metal contact can turn brown leather black:
Prolonged contact: Prolonged contact with metal can cause discoloration, as the metal reacts with the oils and tannins in the leather.
Not protecting leather from metal: Not protecting leather from metal can lead to discoloration. It is important to use a barrier, such as a cloth or a barrier cream, to separate the metal and the leather.
Not cleaning leather properly: Not cleaning leather regularly can lead to the build-up of oils and dirt on the surface of the leather, which can cause discoloration when in contact with metal.
Not conditioning leather regularly: Not conditioning leather regularly can cause the leather to dry out and be more susceptible to discoloration when in contact with metal.
Not being aware of metal buttons or zippers: Some leather products have metal buttons or zippers that can cause discoloration if in prolonged contact. Being aware of these and avoiding prolonged contact with them can help prevent discoloration.
To prevent discoloration caused by metal contact, it is important to protect leather from metal, clean and condition leather regularly, and be aware of metal buttons or zippers. If discoloration occurs, try to remove the metal contact as soon as possible and clean the affected area with a damp cloth. In case of severe discoloration, a professional leather cleaner may be needed.
Leather Colour Transfer
Another reason why brown leather can turn black is color transfer. Leather is a porous material, and it can absorb dyes, pigments, and other colors from other materials, causing discoloration. Here are five ways that color transfer can turn brown leather black:
Prolonged contact: Prolonged contact with other materials that contain dyes or pigments can cause discoloration, as the colors transfer to the leather.
Not protecting leather from color transfer: Not protecting leather from color transfer can lead to discoloration. It is important to use a barrier, such as a cloth or a barrier cream, to separate the leather and the other materials.
Not cleaning leather properly: Not cleaning leather regularly can lead to the build-up of dirt and grime on the surface of the leather, which can cause discoloration when in contact with other materials.
Not conditioning leather regularly: Not conditioning leather regularly can cause the leather to dry out and be more susceptible to discoloration when in contact with other materials.
Not being aware of colored materials: Some materials, such as colored denim or dyed fabrics, can transfer color to leather if in prolonged contact. Being aware of these and avoiding prolonged contact with them can help prevent discoloration.
To prevent discoloration caused by color transfer, it is important to protect leather from colored materials, clean and condition leather regularly, and be aware of materials that may transfer color. If discoloration occurs, try to remove the contact with the colored materials as soon as possible and clean the affected area with a damp cloth. In case of severe discoloration, a professional leather cleaner may be needed.
How To Stop Brown Leather Turning Black In The Beginning?
One of the best ways to stop brown leather from turning black is to clean it regularly. Leather is a porous material that can absorb dirt, oils, and other contaminants, which can cause discoloration over time. By cleaning your leather regularly, you can prevent the build-up of these contaminants and keep your leather looking its best. Here are five ways that cleaning regularly can stop brown leather from turning black:
Removing dirt and grime: Cleaning leather regularly can remove dirt and grime that can cause discoloration. A damp cloth or a leather cleaner can be used to remove dirt and grime from the surface of the leather.
Removing oils: Leather can absorb oils from our skin, as well as oils from other materials, which can cause discoloration. Cleaning leather regularly can remove these oils and prevent discoloration.
Removing color transfer: Leather can absorb dyes, pigments, and other colors from other materials, causing discoloration. Cleaning leather regularly can remove these colors and prevent discoloration.
Maintaining the natural oils: Leather needs oils to maintain its suppleness and prevent dryness. Cleaning leather regularly will help to maintain the natural oils in the leather, preventing discoloration.
Preventing mold and mildew: Leather can be susceptible to mold and mildew growth in humid and damp environments. Cleaning leather regularly can prevent the growth of mold and mildew, and keep the leather looking its best.
It is important to use a leather cleaner that is specifically designed for use on leather, and to test it in an inconspicuous area before using it on the entire piece. Always be mindful to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as these can damage the leather. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help to preserve the natural beauty of your leather goods and prevent discoloration.
Leather Sprays
Another effective way to stop brown leather from turning black is to use a leather spray regularly to protect it. Leather sprays are specially formulated to protect leather from damage caused by water, UV rays, and other environmental factors. They can also help to repel oils and other contaminants that can cause discoloration. Here are five ways that using a leather spray regularly can stop brown leather from turning black:
Protecting from water damage: Leather sprays can create a barrier that repels water, preventing discoloration caused by prolonged exposure to moisture.
Protecting from UV rays: Leather sprays can contain UV inhibitors that protect leather from discoloration caused by sun exposure.
Repel oils and other contaminants: Leather sprays can contain oils and other ingredients that help to repel oils and other contaminants that can cause discoloration.
Maintaining the natural oils: Leather sprays can also contain oils that help to maintain the natural oils in the leather, preventing discoloration and keeping the leather supple.
Easy to use: Leather sprays are easy to use, and can be applied to your leather products with a simple spray application.
When looking for a leather spray, it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for use on leather and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also important to test the spray on a small inconspicuous area before using it on the entire piece. Regular use of a leather spray will help to protect your leather goods and keep them looking new for longer.
Leather Conditioner
Another way to stop brown leather from turning black is to use a good quality leather conditioner to maintain it. Leather conditioners are specially formulated to nourish and protect leather, keeping it soft and supple, and preventing discoloration. Here are five ways that using a leather conditioner can stop brown leather from turning black:
Nourishing the leather: Leather conditioners can contain oils and other ingredients that nourish the leather, keeping it soft and supple, and preventing discoloration caused by dryness.
Protecting the leather: Leather conditioners can also contain ingredients that protect the leather from water, UV rays, and other environmental factors, preventing discoloration.
Replenishing natural oils: Leather conditioners can help to replenish the natural oils in the leather, preventing discoloration and keeping the leather looking its best.
Maintaining the natural color: Regular use of a leather conditioner can help to maintain the natural color of the leather, preventing discoloration.
Easy to use: Leather conditioners are easy to use and can be applied to your leather products with a simple application process.
When looking for a leather conditioner, it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for use on leather and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also important to test the conditioner on a small inconspicuous area before using it on the entire piece. Regular use of a good quality leather conditioner will help to keep your leather goods looking new for longer and prevent discoloration.
Keep Leather Away From Moisture
One of the most effective ways to prevent brown leather from turning black is to keep it away from moisture. Leather is a porous material that can absorb water, which can cause discoloration, cracking, and other damage. Here are five ways that keeping leather away from moisture can stop it from turning black:
Avoiding prolonged exposure to water: Keeping leather away from water, such as rain or spills, can prevent discoloration caused by prolonged exposure to moisture.
Drying leather properly: If leather does get wet, it’s important to dry it properly and evenly to prevent discoloration.
Using a waterproofing spray: Applying a waterproofing spray or wax to leather can help to protect it from water damage and prevent discoloration.
Storing leather properly: Storing leather in a cool, dry place can help to prevent discoloration caused by moisture.
Avoiding humid environments: Avoiding storing or using leather in humid environments can help to prevent discoloration caused by mold and mildew growth.
It’s important to remember that even though leather is treated, it’s not completely waterproof, and keeping it away from moisture is important to maintain its color and shape. Properly cleaning, conditioning and protecting your leather goods can help prevent discoloration caused by water and other environmental factors.