What Is a Distressed Leather Couch?

Distressing Process

• The distressed look is the result of a process that artificially creates a worn and aged appearance. Scratches, cracks, and natural aberrations in the hide's surface are enhanced and considered desirable. Before the leather is used to cover the couch frame, it is crushed, folded, sanded, or brushed with a wire brush. Pigment may also be applied, and the entire surface is rubbed with alcohol, a drying agent.

Leather Grades

• Though a wide range of leather grades is used in the manufacture of leather couches, aniline leather is traditionally used for distressed leather couches. To make aniline leather, a hide is tumbled in a vat with dye that permeates the leather. The result is a soft, supple leather with a natural appearance. Aniline leather maintains its color and softness during the distress process. Lower-grade hides such as semi-aniline and pigmented hide are usually treated with a protective sealant, but lack the suppleness of aniline.

Care

• Because distressed leather is not sealed with a protectant, dirt, animal hair and dander, oils, stains, and perspiration can seep into the cracks. Additionally, leather couch manufacturers caution against the use of traditional leather cleaners on distressed leather. The best way to maintain the beauty of distressed leather is to wipe it daily with a dust cloth. A vacuum with a hand nozzle should be used to suction crumbs, animal hair, and dirt from the seams. If ink or oily stains drip on the surface, use an absorbent piece of paper to blot up as much of the stain as possible. Then use a professional cleaner made for distressed leather, one that neutralizes the stain. If a pet urinates on the couch, use a specialty enzymatic cleaner available at many pet supply retailers.

Disadvantages

• Because distressed leather is considered an unprotected surface, it can be difficult to clean and protect against spills and stains, particularly those relating to animals. Animal urine, especially cat urine, can permanently damage the leather. If you have a distressed leather couch and a family pet, it might be prudent to invest in a pet pad or a full-size couch cover with a waterproof backing.