Leather Types

Leather Type: Rub-Off

Rub off is a variety of pigmented leather where the surface is made more attractive by the application of a contrasting topcoat, which can be partially removed (rubbed off) to reveal the underlying colour. This effect relies on a very thin top layer, which will have a more limited durability. This leather will be subject to colour change in use.

Rub-Off is available in the following:

Crest Leather Antique Leather

Leather Care

A damp cloth and a pure mild soap solution will remove most stains. Care should be taken not soak the leather. Do not use detergent. A number of proprietary leather cleaners can be purchased, for this type of leather.

Technical Specifications for Rub-Off

Charac­te­ristics: Colour fastness to dry & wet rubbing.

Dry: 500 cycles min grade 4 grey scale.

Wet: 250 cycles min grade 3/4 grey scale.

Perspiration: 80 cycles min 3/4 grey scale.

Colour fastness to light: Min 5 Blue Scale EN ISO 105 - B02

Finish Adhesion: Min 2N/10mm ISO 11644 Dry Adhesion.

Tear Strength: Min 20N EN3377-1


Leather Type: Shelly

Shelly is made on corrected grain hides finished with a pigmented topcoat, which is embossed with an artificial grain pattern. This type of leather is available in many solid colours, and offers better light fastness and stain-resistance and is more easily cleaned than its semi-aniline and aniline cousins. Shelly grade leathers offer excellent durability and will stand up to more robust use.

Shelly is available in the following:

Crest Leather Shelly Premium Leather

Leather Care

A damp cloth and a pure mild soap solution will remove most stains. Care should be taken not to soak the leather. Do not use detergent. A number of proprietary leather cleaners and foods can be purchased, to care for this type of leather.

Technical Specifications for Shelly

Charac­te­ristics: Colour fastness to dry & wet rubbing.

Dry: 500 cycles min grade 4 grey scale.

Wet: 250 cycles min grade 3/4 grey scale.

Perspiration: 80 cycles min 3/4 grey scale.

Colour fastness to light: Min 5 blue scale EN ISO 105 - B02

Finish Adhesion: Min 2N/10mm ISO 11644 Dry Adhesion.

Tear Strength: Min 20N EN3377-1


Leather Type: Vele

Vele is a high quality grain hide which has been carefully milled to bring out the natural look of the leather. It is finished with a super soft pigmented topcoat, and has a smooth silky touch. No artificial grain print has been used, so the hide has a smooth natural look with a variation in grain density. Vele hides offer excellent light fastness and stain resistance, and are easily maintained.

Vele is available in the following:

Crest Leather Vele Premium Leather

Leather Care

Vele is easily cleaned. Usually all that will be required is a wipe over with a damp cloth, If necessary a pure mild soap solution will remove more stubborn stains. Care should be taken not to soak the leather. Detergents should not be used as these may damage the leather surface. A number of proprietary cleaners can be purchased, but we recommend that these are tried on the underside of cushions or in an area of the suite that is not normally seen, to check compatibility before use.

Technical Specifications for Vele

Charac­te­ristics: Colour fastness to dry & wet rubbing.

Dry: 1000 cycles min grade 4/5 grey scale.

Wet: 250 cycles min grade 4/5 grey scale.

Perspiration: 80 cycles min 3/4 grey scale.

Colour fastness to light: Min 5 blue scale EN ISO 105-B02

Finish Adhesion: Min 2N/10 mm ISO 11644 Dry Adhesion.

Tear Strength: Min 20N EN 3377-1


Leather Type: Old English

Old English is semi-aniline leather, tanned to ensure a pleasing distressed or aged finish from new. Extra fat liquors are applied during tanning, to give the leather a slightly waxy feel. These leathers are designed to allow the natural marking variations of the leather to show through to the finish coat. Pull-up leathers do not have a consistent colour density across the whole hide. They are designed to change colour and sheen when pulled or stretched. They are not as colour fast as pigmented hides and are designed to allow furniture to age and relax through use and over time. Furniture should be protected from direct sunlight and not placed next to radiators. Evidence of marks and scarring will be seen through the surface finish. Each hide will be unique, and so will the furniture on which it is used. Therefore swatch samples should be regarded as no more than a guide, for these types of leather.

Old English is available in the following:

Crest Leather Old English Premium Leather

Leather Care

A dampened cloth and a pure mild soap solution can be used for light marks. However, extra care should be taken, as this type of leather can easily be damaged by spillages and soiling. Do not wet the leather as water staining may occur. Do not use detergent products. Read carefully the labels on proprietary cleaners to check that they are suitable for this kind of leather.

Technical Specifications for Old English

Charac­te­ristics: Colour fastness to dry & wet rubbing.

Dry: 50 cycles min grade 3 grey scale.

Wet: 20 cycles min grade 3 grey scale.

Perspiration: 20 cycles min 3 grey scale.

Colour fastness to light: Min 3 blue scale EN ISO 105-B02

Finish Adhesion: Min 2N/10mm ISO 11644 dry adhesion

Tear Strength: Min 20N EN3377-1