www.heritagewoodcare.co.uk , www.heritageleathercare.co.uk

I am proud to announce the launch of 2 new websites - www.heritagewoodcare.co.uk and www.heritageleathercare.co.uk Each site does, as it says on the tin, brings together all the information about each polish with the eventual aim to be to stock a greater range of products relevant to the theme of the individual websites

Each site has its own shop so you will now be able to make your purchases either by visiting the individual sites or by visiting www.heritagepolish.com which will continue as now. Although each site has its own blog with posts being confined to the theme of the site, this blog will continue and will carry the same range of posts as now ie there will be no changes to the existing sites, just that you will have greater choice.

Leather floor and wall tiles - did you know about them?

Earlier this week I came across a reference to leather floor tiles. Now, I don't know if you are like me, but I had never come across leather floor tiles before and, like the No 9 bus, the subject cropped up a couple of times more. I thought then that I ought to find out a bit more about them. One thing that became clear perhaps explained why I had not come across them before - price. It appeared they started at around £100 per sq. mtr although you can get cheaper fibre board versions, so they would not be used in the circles I mixed in! And did you know you can also get leather look porcelain tiles. I didn't

So, what are leather floor tiles. Well, it appears you can get 100% leather (buffallo hide / cow hide) or leather fibre board (leather fibres bonded together probably on a backing such as cork). Leather, whatever it is used for, is essentially a by-product of the food industry.

Although I researched leather floor tiles, it does seem that these tiles are also used as wall coverings and for furniture. I wiuld guess that having leather on your wall is the hight of luxury, leather being sound absorbant as well as looking warm and comfortable. Having a real leather top on your desk is also luxurious and, to some extent, quite decadent!

It would appear that leather floor tiles are, surprisingly durable and, like some woods, do get better as they age, especially if they are looked after. That is where I come in! Using Heritage Leathercare in the usual manner, will keep your leather products, including floor and wall tiles looking good and in good condition and will also extend their lifetime.

Heritage Leathercare can be bought online, visit http://heritagepolish.com/shop/heritage-leathercare/cat_4.html

How to remove bird droppings from a leather coat (part 2)

In my last post I was telling you how to remove bird droppings from a leather coat and said that I would discuss what to do if the finish was damaged.

In order to restore the finish and colour of your coat it has to be clean. Now, you can buy propriatory cleaners, but I find that washing the damaged area with PURE soap (Simple soap, baby soap, soap flakes, Dreft, etc.) can do the job just as well. Do NOT use washing up liquid or detergents - they can dry leather out and may damage the colour and finish even more..

You then need to make sure that your leather is absolutely,totally dry. Having made sure your leather is clean and dry, take a pot of Colour Restorer and apply in circular motions. If necessary you may need to apply to the whole section of your coat so that you keep the colour even. The last job is to THOROUGHLY buff up, and I mean thoroughly - otherwise it will come off on other items of your clothing.

Colour Restorer is not yet available online but will be shortly. It comes in a range of 23 colours. Until it is available online, contact me on 07967 139636 to discuss your requirements.

All other HERITAGE POLISH products are available online at http://www.heritagepolish.com/shop.html

How to remove bird droppings from a leather coat

I had an interesting, if somewhat slightly bizarre, request in my inbox this week - how to remove bird droppings from a leather coat.

The first thing to bear in mind is that droppings are acid so remove them quickly to prevent damage to the finish of your coat. (If there is damage to the finish, I will deal with that in my next post.) Wash the area of your coat in clean water.If there is still a residue left then wash using a clean cloth soaked in a pure soap solution (Simple soap, baby soap, soap flakes, Lux, etc.). Squeeze the cloth so that it is not over wet and wash in circular motions.

Having washed your coat ensure it is totally dry.The next stage is to apply a quality polish i.e. Heritage Leathercare. Take your tub of Heritage Leathercare and wipe the sponge provided across the surface taking any excess off by wiping on the inside of your tub. Then wipe the sponge in circular motions on your coat, ensuring it is not left greasy (if it is you have used too much and will need to buff up using a soft, dry cloth or a sheet of kitchen towel)

Heritage Leathercare cleans, polishes, and protects your furniture and will leave a water resistant finish. It is also colourless so can be used on any colour.Heritage Leathercare can be obtained online, visit www.heritagepolish.com/shop/heritage-leathercare/cat_4.html

looking after leather bound books.

Interesting request in my inbox this week asking for help on looking after leather bound books. There is an interesting site out there, http://www.tomfolio.com/CollectingInfo/caringforbooks.asp which gives out some good information. One thing it doesn't advise against, though, when talking about bookmarks, is not to use your breakfast rasher! Don't laugh! Talk to any Public Librarian, it does happen!

The article does say that current thinking advises agaist using leather preservatives for the preservation of leather bound books. Instead it advises using a plastic cover in the short term but not to store your books in plastic as they need to breathe. They are, therefore, suggesting that preservation looks after itself. I will take issue with the author on this point. I have seen leather that hasn't been preserved and it dries out and crumbles.

Leather does need feeding and books are no different. Any difference comes in handling. The books must be handled carefully. Keep any preservative away from the paper and use it only on the leather. Use it very very sparingly. All this, though is just common sense.

I recommend Heritage leathercare. As I say, use it very very sparingly - your books should not be left be left greasy! In fact, after use, you should be able to wipe over the surface with a soft cloth and not have any marks on it.

Heritage Leathercare is available online, visit http://www.heritagepolish.com/shop/heritage-leathercare/cat_4.html

How to care for wood furniture

Have you checked my new blog, www.heritagewoodcare.co.uk/blog yet? Obviously, as the name implies, it is all about Heritage Woodcare in particular and wood in general. The latest post, (posted on February 7th) 'How to care for wood furniture' looks at what is out there on looking after your wood furniture. Go on, check it out, you never know, you might it interesting.

How to keep warm using Paston Crafts' Heat Reflecting (Retaning) / Self Heating Cushions

The weather is cold and forecast to get colder! Cuincidentally I have received some requests for information about the Heat Reflecting (Retaining) / Self Heating Cushions produced by Paston Crafts so I thought it would be useful to put them under the spotlight.

They work by using the body's own heat and are especially suitable where there is no access to a microwave, e.g. wheelchair, car, coach, caravan, etc., and are great when attending outdoor events such as fishing / music shows & sporting events (whether outdoor or indoor), etc..

They can also be used at home. Multi-purpose you can sit on them, use them as a back rest or neck rest, etc., They can also be put under coats or jumpers when going out in cold weather.

Another great use is for your pets. Dogs and cats love them when they are put in their beds, under a blanket as they also benefit from their heat retaining properties.

They are available online, visit http://heritagepolish.com/shop/paston-crafts/cat_3.html