Questions and answers

Questions about caring for nubuck leather

Posted on by Christine Fischbach
02
Jan

Frequently asked questions about nubuck leather care

Frequently asked questions about shoe care:

Nubuck leather belongs to the category of suede, a generic term for types of leather whose surface has been roughened. In addition to nubuck, suede and suede also belong to the rough leather category. In contrast to split leather, which is usually made from cowhide or calfskin and has a less fine surface, the grain side of the leather (i.e. the outer, original side) is roughened in nubuck leather. This roughening process gives nubuck leather its characteristic soft texture and velvety appearance, which lends it an elegant and luxurious character.

Cleaning and impregnating nubuck leather

Nubuck leather is known for its fine, velvety surface, but requires special care to maintain its beauty and longevity. With Tapir products, which are made from natural raw materials, you can clean nubuck leather gently and impregnate it effectively. Find out how to do this here.

Cleaning with the Tapir outdoor cleaner on the go

  1. Preparation:

    • First treat the leather with the Tapir suede eraser, which removes dirt and dust from the fibers through movement. The harder side made of natural rubber is suitable for stubborn stains. The foam rubber is used to clean the entire surface.

  2. Cleaning:

    • Shake Tapir Outdoor Cleaner well before use.
    • A shot of the cleaner in a bucket of warm water and one on the moistened spring sponge from Tapir.
    • Movement creates a foam that should completely wet the surface of the shoe, then gently massage in and clean the fibers.
    • Finally, wipe off again with a damp sponge and allow to air dry.

Impregnation with Tapir impregnation for nubuck leather

  1. Impregnate:

    • Shake the Tapir impregnation for nubuck leather well.
    • Apply the impregnation evenly to the leather. It is best to massage it evenly into the leather with a cloth or a Tapir application brush.
    • Take care to distribute the impregnation evenly to avoid staining.

  2. Let it soak in:

    • Allow the leather to dry completely at room temperature. It is important that the impregnation is well absorbed to ensure optimum protection.

  3. Follow-up treatment:

    • After drying, you can lightly brush or roughen the nubuck leather again to restore the velvety surface.

With the right care and high-quality products from Tapir, your nubuck leather will stay beautiful and protected for a long time. So you can enjoy your leather products and extend their lifespan.

Nubuck leather is an elegant and high-quality material that impresses with its unique look and feel. It is a special type of cowhide that is lightly sanded on the grain side to create a velvety surface. But how do you recognize nubuck leather?

Nubuck leather first catches the eye with its velvety and soft surface. Compared to other types of leather, it has a matt, velour-like texture that is very pleasant to the touch. If you run your hand lightly over the leather, this often leaves visible marks or color changes, as the fine fibers of the material change direction.

Another indication of nubuck leather is its susceptibility to water and stains. A drop of water falling on nubuck leather is quickly absorbed and can leave a dark stain that only disappears after drying. Nubuck leather is therefore more sensitive than many other types of leather and requires special care products from Tapir to preserve its beauty.

The smell can also be an indicator. Nubuck leather often has a characteristic, natural leather smell that synthetic materials lack.

Finally, nubuck leather can be recognized by its fine grain structure. Unlike suede, which is made from the flesh side of the leather, nubuck leather comes from the grain side, which gives it a smoother and more uniform appearance.

Overall, nubuck leather can be easily identified by its velvety surface, the visible traces when touched, its sensitivity to water and its fine grain structure.

Regular shoe cleaning is essential to prolong the life of your shoes and keep them looking their best. The frequency of cleaning depends on various factors, including the material of the shoes, the frequency of use and the weather conditions to which the shoes are exposed.

Leather shoes for example, should be cleaned at least once a week if they are worn regularly. Leather is a natural material that absorbs moisture and dirt. Regular cleaning and care keeps the leather supple and protects it from cracking. After regular cleaning with a dirt brush and cleaneror saddle soap, we recommend Tapir’s wide range of products for greasing, protecting or shining.

Shoes made from syntheticmaterials or fabric require different care depending on the degree of soiling. With regular use, cleaning every two weeks with Tapir cleaner is often sufficient. Here too, the coarse dirt should be removed first. And then impregnate with Tapir moisture protection to keep dirt and moisture out.

Sports shoesthat are exposed to intensive use should be checked for dirt after each use and cleaned if necessary. Especially in bad weather or off-road, more frequent cleaning is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the materials.

Overall, it can be said that regular shoe care is an important part of general shoe hygiene. In addition to cleaning, shoes should also be aired regularly and stored in a dry place to prevent the formation of odors and bacteria. This not only keeps your shoes looking good for longer, but also keeps them hygienic and functional.

The correct application of Tapir impregnation is crucial to ensure the best possible protection for the leather. Tapir waterproofing, made from natural raw materials, offers an environmentally friendly and effective solution to protect your shoes, bags and clothing from moisture and dirt. But how long does Tapir impregnation need to be left on to achieve optimum results?

After evenly spraying on the Tapir impregnation and massaging it in with the Tapir application brush, the treated material should be left to dry for at least 24 hours. This exposure time is necessary so that the natural ingredients can fully penetrate the fibers of the material and develop their protective effect. It is important that the impregnation has sufficient time to set and form an effective barrier against moisture and dirt.

Nubuck leather is characterized by its velvety, suede-like surface, which gives it a sophisticated look. To maintain this look and remove stains or dirt, the right care is crucial. Special tools such as the Tapir suede eraser and the Tapir brass brush are used to effectively clean and roughen the leather.

Use of the suede eraser:

The suede eraser is a small, handy tool that has been specially developed for cleaning and caring for suede, nubuck and velour leather. To use it, proceed as follows:

  1. Prepare for cleaning: Make sure that the leather is dry. Moisture can make cleaning more difficult.

  2. Use the eraser: Take the suede eraser and gently rub the soft side over the soiled or shiny areas of the nubuck leather. Be careful to work with even, circular movements so as not to damage the velvety surface. For stubborn stains, use the harder side made of natural rubber.

  3. Removing residues: After using the eraser, there may be small eraser residues on the leather. These can be easily removed with a soft brush or cloth.

Use of the brass brush:

The brass brush is another useful tool for caring for nubuck leather. It is particularly suitable for roughening and restoring the original texture of the leather:

  1. Prepare for cleaning: Make sure the leather is dry for best results.

  2. Use brushes: Hold the brass brush at a slight angle and brush gently over the nubuck leather. Work in one direction and apply only light pressure so as not to damage the leather. The brass bristles lift the fibers of the leather and remove dirt particles, restoring the velvety surface.

  3. Post-processing: After care with Tapir impregnation and drying of the leather, the fibers can be set up again with the brush.

Regular use of the suede eraser or brass brush keeps the nubuck leather in a well-groomed condition. These tools help to remove stains and preserve the characteristic velvety texture of the leather. This keeps your nubuck leather clothing or accessories beautiful and attractive for a long time.

Nubuck leather is a particularly sensitive material that impresses with its velvety surface and elegant appearance. Proper care and stain removal are therefore of great importance in order to preserve its high-quality appearance. There are two tried and tested methods for cleaning nubuck leather: dry cleaning and wet cleaning.

For dry cleaning, we recommend using the Tapir suede eraser or a Tapir brass brush. The suede eraser has been specially developed for treating stains on nubuck leather. With gentle, circular movements, stains and soiling can be effectively removed without damaging the sensitive material. The fibers of the leather are moved and the dirt can be “rubbed out”.

A brass brush can also be helpful to remove stubborn stains and restore the fibers of the leather. You should work carefully and without strong pressure so as not to damage the leather.

Tapir’s cleaner made from natural raw materials is an excellent choice for wet cleaning. This cleaner is specially formulated to gently clean and care for the material at the same time. To remove stains, apply a small amount of the cleaner to the enclosed Tapir soaking sponge and carefully wet the stain. Leave to work and only then carefully rub off. The leather should then be wiped with a clean, damp cotton cloth to remove all cleaning residues. It is important to allow the leather to dry slowly and at room temperature after cleaning to avoid deformation.

Regardless of the method chosen, it is advisable to regularly care for the nubuck leather in order to protect the material and prolong its life. In addition to stain removal, nubuck leather should also be impregnated regularly to protect it from moisture and further soiling. This preserves the elegant appearance of the leather and allows you to enjoy your nubuck leather shoes or accessories for a long time. Tapir recommends impregnation for suede, nubuck and suede leather.

Nubuck leather and suede are often confusing terms when it comes to leather products, as they are similar in look and feel. Nevertheless, they are different materials with their own properties and production methods.

Nubuck leather:

  • Nubuck leather is made from the outer side of the hide (the grain side), which is lightly sanded to create a velvety surface.
  • It is usually made of cowhide and is known for its fine, velvety texture.
  • Nubuck leather is generally more resistant and durable than suede.
  • It is more sensitive to stains and moisture and requires special care products.

Suede leather:

  • Suede leather, also known as suede, is made from the inner side of the skin (the flesh side).
  • It has a softer, less structured surface compared to nubuck.
  • Suede is often made from the skins of animals such as sheep, goats or deer.
  • It is generally somewhat less durable than nubuck, but offers a very soft feel.

Conclusion: Although nubuck leather and suede may appear similar at first glance, they differ considerably in their production and properties. Nubuck leather is made from the outer skin side and is more robust, while suede leather is made from the inner skin side and is softer but less resistant. Both types of leather have their own advantages and areas of use, and the choice between them depends on specific requirements and preferences.

No, its roughened surface makes it even more susceptible to water absorption and staining. Contact with water can cause it to darken, leave stains or even affect the structure of the leather. For this reason, it should always be impregnated. Our leather impregnation for suede, nubuck and suede is ideal for this.

No. The washing machine would be far too aggressive for nubuck leather and can damage the material. Machine washing would put a lot of strain on the leather – it could become deformed, lose its structure, dry out or even crack. The leather would also lose its color and shine due to the friction and contact with water, and unsightly stains could appear.

You can find cleaning and care instructions for your nubuck leather hiking boots on our blog.

There are two different theories here:

The name nubuck leather may be a derivation from the English language. In English, suede is referred to as “buckskin”. As nubuck leather has a similar appearance to suede, the term “new buck” was initially coined to describe the similarity. Over time, this term was shortened to “nubuck”. This is how the fine, buffed leather, which is known for its velvety surface, got its current name.

In another theory, the name comes from the Arabic word “nubuk”, which means “delicate” or “fine”. It describes the soft, velvety surface of the leather, which is created by sanding or brushing the outer layer of the hide. The term reflects the finely finished, luxurious texture of the material.

How environmentally friendly nubuck leather is depends on many factors. It can be more environmentally friendly than many synthetic alternatives, especially if it is vegetable tanned or from animal-friendly farming. However, there are also several negative environmental aspects, such as the use of chemicals in tanning and care and the limited recyclability of leather. If you want to make a particularly environmentally conscious purchase, you should pay attention to the following:

Overall, the environmental friendliness of nubuck leather therefore depends heavily on how it is produced, cared for and ultimately disposed of. Those who pay attention to sustainable practices can also make relatively environmentally friendly decisions when choosing nubuck leather.

Nubuck leather is generally more expensive than other leathers due to several factors relating to the manufacturing process, quality and care of the material. Here are the main reasons:

The elaborate manufacturing process, in which the outside of the leather is sanded or brushed, requires a great deal of expertise and high precision.

The higher material costs, as only the uppermost, full-grain part of the leather is used for nubuck leather. In addition, parts of the material are lost during sanding, which means that less leather can be obtained from the same hide.

Another reason for the price differences is the sensitivity and care of nubuck leather. Compared to smooth leather, nubuck is more susceptible to scratches and stains. Additional care products (e.g. leather impregnation for suede, nubuck and suede leather, special cleaning agents and brushes such as the suede brush with brass bristles) are therefore necessary to maintain the appearance and quality of nubuck.

Although nubuck is more delicate than smooth leather, with the right care it will retain its durability and beauty for years to come. Many buyers are prepared to pay a higher price for this durability and elegant appearance.

Conclusion:

The higher price of nubuck leather results from the elaborate processing, the use of high-quality material, the additional care required and the demand for luxurious and durable products. Anyone who chooses nubuck leather is not only paying for the material, but also for the exclusivity and special feel of this leather.