Yes, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is indeed bad for leather.
The Harmful Effects of Sun on Leather
Leather, being a natural material derived from animal skin, reacts to sun exposure in ways surprisingly similar to how human skin does. According to the reference, the effect of leaving it in the sun will be similar to leaving YOU in the sun. Just as excessive sun can harm your skin, it significantly damages leather.
The primary issues leather faces from overexposure to sunlight include:
- Premature Aging: Sunlight's UV rays break down the fibers in the leather, accelerating its aging process. This can make the leather look old and worn out faster than it should.
- Discoloration: Direct sun can cause leather to fade unevenly or change color entirely. Darker leathers might lighten, while lighter ones can yellow or darken in patches.
- Drying: Heat and UV rays strip the natural oils and moisture from the leather, making it dry and brittle.
- Cracking: As leather dries out, it loses its flexibility and becomes prone to cracking, especially in areas that bend or receive stress. Drying, and cracking are the main tragedies your leather will endure from overexposure to sunlight.
Why the Comparison to Human Skin?
The similarity lies in the organic nature of both materials. Just as sunlight can cause wrinkles, sunburn, and long-term damage to skin, it degrades the protein fibers and natural fats in leather. Premature aging, discoloration, drying, and cracking are direct parallels to the effects of sun damage on skin.
Protecting Your Leather from Sun Damage
Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your leather items from the sun's harmful effects:
- Limit Direct Exposure: The most effective method is to keep leather furniture, clothing, bags, and other items out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
- Use Protective Covers: For furniture near windows, consider using throws or covers during peak sunlight hours.
- Regular Cleaning and Conditioning: Keeping leather clean and regularly applying a suitable leather conditioner helps maintain its moisture and flexibility, making it more resistant to drying and cracking caused by sun.
- Apply UV Protectants: Some leather care products offer UV protection, creating a barrier against sun damage.
By understanding the potential harm and taking preventative measures, you can significantly extend the life and beauty of your leather goods.
