Is there lead in vintage leather pigment?

[Deleted member 16736]

Not veg-dyed but spray finished. Just wondering.

 

[Worf]

Good question... very good question.

Worf

 

[Plumbline]

There may have been in actual vintage pigments ( probably at much higher levels than currently) .... and there is certainly some still used now in modern reproductions. There are other heavy metals in pigments and tanning materials ( Chrome tanning ... there is a clue in the name ) currently used .... and some of these are potentially environmentally damaging but all materials currently used by leather tanneries would have to meet current leislative and regulatory requirements e.g. the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 which sets lead limits for dyestuffs, fuels and explosives.

Indeed I'd go so far as to say that some less dilligent areas may still use fairly high levels of lead in leather dyes. Indeed research by the LRL ( US Leather Research Laboratory ( yes such a place exists) has found that lead still exists in many of the leather products manufactured GLOBALLY ( not just China for example)


The reason Lead based dyes are still used are - (1) stabilization of the formulation; (2) reduced drying time; (3) anti-mold properties; (4) extremely vivid colors; (5) exceptional covering power; (6) excellent light-fastness; (7) low cost. ( they really are very effective dyes).

This unique combination of price and performance is a strong selling point, maintaining the presence of lead-based pigments within leather manufacturing industry.

As a general rule of thumb the deeper or more vivid the colour the greater the likelyhood of a lead based dye ( sweeping generalisation but broadly correct)

Will you get lead poisoning from them .... highly unlikely ( this is a non comittal term to satisfy even the most litigious of our bretheren) ... HTH

 

[Sloan1874]

Interesting stuff!

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Thanks, Plumbline. Great answer. Does veg-dye use lead or only spray finish pigment?

 

[Plumbline]

Veg dyed typically does not contain lead ....

although some lead pigment dyed veg TANNED jackets can be found.

Equally the lead is usually in the PIGMENT DYE and not typically the TANNING liquors ( although these can contain other heavy metal salts e.g. Chromium (III) Sulphate in Chrome tanning liquors). This is not just spray finished, aniline or semi-aniline leathers ... it's about the pigment dye not the finishing per sae.

Either way ... it shouldn't have ANY material effect on you wearing a jacket IMHO.

 

[Justhandguns]

Will you get lead poisoning from them .... highly unlikely ( this is a non comittal term to satisfy even the most litigious of our bretheren) ... HTH

I think this is the take home message for us. So avoid grilling/baking or deep frying your jackets just in case the you breath in the vapour lads!
And probably avoid leather underwear at all cost.

 

[Dr H]

although some lead pigment dyed veg TANNED jackets can be found.

Equally the lead is usually in the PIGMENT DYE and not typically the TANNING liquors ( although these can contain other heavy metal salts e.g. Chromium (III) Sulphate in Chrome tanning liquors). This is not just spray finished, aniline or semi-aniline leathers ... it's about the pigment dye not the finishing per sae.

Either way ... it shouldn't have ANY material effect on you wearing a jacket IMHO.

Not to mention the aniline (a probable carcinogen) used in this particular finish...

On the other hand, if you have a vintage, wartime painted jacket (painted using aircraft paints, such as PbCrO4, "chrome yellow"), then you probably do have lead in the formulation - so don't chew on the leather.