Nubuck Leather Care Kit

Understanding Nubuck – The Science of pH-Sensitive Leather Care by Leather Doctor®

Nubuck is an amphoteric leather, meaning it is pH-sensitive and chemically interactive. To maintain its integrity and longevity, a leather-safe product system within the pH range of 3 to 5 is highly recommended. This ensures that cleaning and restoration preserve its delicate chemistry without weakening the fiber structure.

Uniquely, nubuck is aniline-dyed through the reverse suede side, yet remains vulnerable to sun fading. Fortunately, the unexposed dyestuff deep within the structure can be reactivated with hydration, much like tea leaves releasing color when steeped. In the Leather Doctor® system, this is accomplished using Hydrator 3.3, which draws dormant dye particles to the surface, enriching the appearance naturally.

Fatliquoring with Leather Fatliquor 5.0 replenishes essential fats and oils that soften the leather, enhance flexibility, and restore a richer color vibrancy. Nubuck is both hydrophilic (water-loving) and oleophilic (oil-loving), making it the most absorbent type of leather. Its open nap structure easily absorbs moisture and body oils, which is why fatliquoring is essential—it helps resist water ingress, plumps the leather with fullness, and minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and creases.

As a top-grain cattle leather, nubuck is buffed on the grain side (outer surface) to produce a velvety, suede-like nap with an exceptionally soft hand and tactile appeal. Although it is dyed through, nubuck may also receive a light surface coating or micro-pigment finish to help even out natural blemishes.

While nubuck resembles suede in texture, the key difference lies in its origin: nubuck is from the grain side, while suede is from the flesh side. Due to their similar napped finishes, nubuck is often misidentified as suede; however, the two differ significantly in terms of structure, durability, and care requirements.

Leather Doctor develops a Nubuck Problem Solving Matrix that addresses the categories of Soil, Stain, Odor, Finish, and Structure problems with corresponding products in a holistic sequence of steps to achieve the desired result.