Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types or grades of leather?
Full-grain: The highest quality of leather. It shows the natural hide and scars and gets a rich shine called "patina" over time.
Top-grain: A step down. The top layer is sanded to remove flaws. It is thinner and easier to work with.
Genuine Leather: A broad term. It means real leather, but it is often made from the lower-quality split layers of the hide.
Bonded Leather: Made from leather scraps mixed with glue. It peels and cracks easily.
All Beatnix products are made with full-grain leather.
How can I tell if a leather bag is real or made of full-grain leather?
Look at the leather's surface, which should exhibit the distinctive qualities of genuine full-grain leather. On full-grain leather, you can still see some hair follicles on the surface and, in some cases, stretch marks. There are ways to manufacture this and print it on the surface of the leather, but if you can see and feel it, it is definitely full-grain leather. This will always be distinguishable on Beatnix products which are genuine and full-grain.
Can a leather bag get wet? And what happens if it does?
The outside of Beatnix leather bags is sealed, so if they are left in the rain, they will not get damaged, especially if they are wiped off quickly. If they get soaked in water, it is best to let them dry in a cool place with no sunlight. Sunlight will harden the leather, which will crack over time.
How do I clean or maintain a leather bag or suitcase?
Clear it out, wipe it down, and treat it with shoe polish to maintain the leather and keep it sealed. Beatnix leather products are sealed, but the sealant can come off over the years, which means another sealant will help maintain the product for longer. Another element to keep in mind is that other chemicals such as hand creams can affect the leather over time, but this can be wiped off with a cloth and a bit of warm water.
How can I fix scratches on my leather products?
On Beatnix leather products, you can use shoe polish to fix and maintain scratches. We often use shoe polish such as Kiwi to fix and maintain scratches on leather products.
How long do full-grain leather products last?
The leather on Beantix handbags and other products typically lasts 25 years before it becomes brittle and might tear.
What is patina?
Patina is the natural, rich sheen and darkened colour that high-quality leather develops over time. It is caused by exposure to natural elements like body oils, sunlight, moisture, and everyday friction. Far from being damage, this ageing process makes the leather softer and gives it a unique, personalised character
What chemical should be avoided with leather products?
The most dangerous products for your leather handbags and suitcases are perfume and nail polish remover. These chemicals burn into the leather and can be very damaging to the quality and integrity of the product.
