FAQ

Yes, leather requires sturdy needles and waxed thread to ensure durability.

Monday to Friday: 8 am - 4:45 pm, Saturday: 8:30 am - 1 pm.

It’s best to use leather shears for clean cuts, especially on thicker hides.

Beginners should start with basic cutting tools, stitching needles, a pricking iron, and an edge beveler.

Hole punches allow for clean, even holes for belts, straps, and other attachments.

Use tool rolls or organizers to protect your tools from wear and tear.

While not essential, rotary cutters make cutting straight lines easier and more precise.

Choose a beveler based on the thickness of the leather you’re working with. Woodheads staff can help recommend the best tool.

Specialized embossing tools ensure clean and lasting impressions; it’s best to use them for quality results.

Burnishers smooth and seal the edges, giving leather a polished, professional look.

Woodheads offers a wide range of leather care products, from cleaners to conditioners, perfect for all types of leather.

Store it in a cool, dry place and avoid damp areas. Using a dehumidifier can also help.

Store them in a breathable bag, away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Yes, Woodheads stocks waterproofing sprays that provide an effective barrier against moisture.

Avoid direct heat as it can dry out and damage leather. Allow it to air dry instead.

Sunlight can cause fading, drying, and cracking over time.

Regular cleaning, conditioning, and using UV-protective sprays can help protect leather upholstery.

Regular conditioning and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can prevent cracking.

It’s best to use a specialized leather cleaner from Woodheads to prevent drying or discoloration.

Gently blot it dry and let it air dry. Avoid direct heat as it can damage the leather.

Use a Woodheads leather cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid scrubbing, as this can damage the leather.

Yes, suede requires a gentle cleaner. Woodheads carries products specifically for suede care.

Absolutely! We offer color restoration kits that can bring vibrancy back to faded leather.

We recommend conditioning leather every 3-6 months, depending on its usage and exposure to the elements.

No, leather needs to breathe. Use a cloth bag or breathable cover for storage.

Real leather is flexible and softens with use, while fake leather can feel stiffer and less responsive to movement.

Look for natural grain and feel the texture. Real leather should feel soft and supple, with slight imperfections that add character.

Yes, examining grain and other visual cues can help, but touch and smell are the best indicators.

Genuine leather often has a suede-like backing, while fake leather may have a fabric or plastic backing.

Yes, real leather may scratch, but these marks can often be buffed out, adding character over time.

Yes, genuine leather has an earthy, natural aroma that fake leather cannot replicate.

Real leather absorbs a small amount of water, which will darken the area slightly. Fake leather typically repels water.

Yes, real leather chars rather than melts, but this test is risky and may damage the leather.

Absolutely. Real leather not only lasts longer but also develops a beautiful patina with age.

Real leather has natural imperfections and a unique grain pattern, whereas fake leather tends to look uniform and smooth.

Yes, with proper care, real leather can last for decades, whereas fake leather tends to wear down faster.

Use specialized cleaners and conditioners like those available at Woodheads, designed specifically for maintaining leather.

Some synthetic leathers resemble genuine leather, but close inspection will usually reveal uniformity and lack of depth.

Woodheads provides detailed descriptions and images for each product, ensuring you’re purchasing authentic leather.

Visit Woodheads for a wide selection of genuine leather, with knowledgeable staff ready to assist you.

Top-grain and corrected-grain leathers are often used for jackets due to their durability and smooth finish.

Yes, split leather is highly absorbent, making it ideal for dyeing in various colors.

Yes, corrected-grain leather is genuine leather, but it undergoes processing to create a uniform surface.

At Woodheads, we prioritize ethical sourcing to ensure our exotic leathers meet high standards of quality and responsibility.

Nubuck is made by sanding the outer side of the leather, while suede is created from the underside, resulting in different textures.

Higher quality leathers like full-grain and exotic types tend to be more expensive due to their rarity and durability.

Yes, corrected-grain leather is durable and suitable for many uses, though it may not age as gracefully as full-grain.

Full-grain leather retains the entire grain of the hide, showing natural imperfections, while top-grain is sanded for a smoother surface.

Full-grain and top-grain leathers are ideal for furniture due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Full-grain leather is generally the most durable, retaining its strength and structure over time.

Yes, suede is a popular choice for bags, offering a soft, luxurious texture that’s perfect for stylish accessories.

Split leather, especially when made into suede, is one of the softest types of leather.

Yes, full-grain leather can be embossed, but it may not retain patterns as well as corrected-grain leather.

Exotic leathers require special care products; Woodheads offers care solutions to help maintain their unique qualities.

Vegetable-tanned leather has a natural appearance and develops a unique patina over time, adding to its beauty.

Vegetable tanning uses natural plant extracts instead of chemicals, making it a safer and more sustainable option for leather processing.

It’s durable, has a natural aesthetic, and is free from toxins, making it safe for home use.

Absolutely. Woodheads offers eco-friendly leather suitable for bags, shoes, furniture, and other projects.

Yes, vegetable-tanned leather is biodegradable, unlike leather processed with heavy chemicals.

Woodheads offers a range of sustainable leather options, from vegetable-tanned to ethically sourced hides.

Yes, eco-friendly leather can be dyed with natural dyes that do not harm the environment.

Yes, eco-friendly leather is often more durable because it is processed in a way that retains the hide’s natural strength.

Eco-friendly leather is responsibly sourced, uses natural tanning processes, and is durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Yes, sustainable leather retains the natural texture and appeal of high-quality leather.

Woodheads provides leather conditioners and cleaners free from harsh chemicals, perfect for eco-friendly leather maintenance.

Eco-friendly leather is genuine leather processed sustainably, while synthetic leather is made from plastic materials that often harm the environment.

Look for indicators like vegetable tanning, responsible sourcing, and minimal chemical use.

While it can be more costly, eco-friendly leather’s durability and low environmental impact make it a worthwhile investment.

Use natural conditioners and avoid harsh chemicals. Woodheads offers eco-friendly care products designed for sustainable leather.