Question:

We purchased a high grade (supreme) leather sofa set from SCS, as we had structural problems with the first purchase we received a replacement set approx. 15/16 months ago. Now the leather is beginning to peel, approx. the size of a flat hand. 

I spoke to SCS. They confirmed we purchased “supreme leather” – not bonded leather. The extended warranty we purchased states this is “wear and tear”…which I can not accept after such a short time and with “supreme leather.” What can cause the peeling? Thanks

Monika

August 22, 2020

Answer:

To the best of my knowledge the term “supreme leather” is not a description that is used by either the furniture or leather industries. It is not synonymous with “real leather” made from hides.

I am not very familiar with SCS since they are a U.K. company, but a brief look at the website shows that their leather sofas generally are less than $1000 US in price. Some of them are several hundred dollars less.

That indicates they are not using high quality leather on the entire sofa. They may be using a bonded or faux leather, but your furniture is probably “leather match.”

This is a combination of low cost corrected top grain leathers on the seats, backs and inner arms where you touch and faux leather (usually vinyl, but sometimes bonded leather) on the back, outer arms and base.

Problems with fabrics or leathers, such as the ones you describe are always considered “normal wear and tear” as defined in the fine print of the warranty document. (The bold print at the top of the warranty may seem to cover this problem, but there will be one or more exclusionary clauses further down that will void the broad coverage claims at the top.)

• Also, a careful reading of the warranty document will probably show that damages of any type are only covered if you can show that the damage was “accidental.”
• Any problem that occurs over time is almost never covered.
• “Accidental damage” can be difficult to show without revealing something that can be considered “customer abuse,” another common reason for denying warranty coverage.

You did not state where the damage is occurring on your sofa.

• If it is on the non-leather parts you probably have bonded leather on the parts of the sofa that do not have “real leather.”
• If it is happening on the sofa where you do have the corrected top grain leather it is probably the “corrected” opaque dye layer which has been scratched or has been exposed to sunlight or cleaning chemicals.

If the damage is not too deep it may be possible for an expert to repair the leather.

Although there are kits and videos for repairing leather yourself, matching up your repairs with the original finish is extremely difficult, even for experts.

Leather repair requires both an excellent eye for color and some artistic ability.

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