Tear Strength
Fish leather has a natural cross-fibre structure, unlike cattle leather for instance, in which the fibres run only in one direction. This natural cross-fibre pattern makes fish leather stronger than “ordinary” leathers, when compared with the same thickness of leather.

The tear strength of fish leather is as high as 90 Newtons.

Light-fastness
With time the sun may affect the colour of the leather, but that is quite normal, as with so many other natural materials and colours. This is mainly an issue if goods are on display in a shop window for many weeks, in which case colours may fade slightly. The colours which have the least light-fastness are Dark blue, Bordeaux and Red.

Colourfastness
Like other natural materials, fish leather may lose dyed colour when wet. This mainly applies to such colours as Bordeaux, Red and Dark Blue. This should be noted if the intention is to use the fish leather in areas which are likely to be exposed to water. The Red colour, Bordeaux and Dark blue, can be protected by using a lacquered finish.

When dyeing fish leather, internationally accepted standards for colour fastness are applied. These standards are graded from 0-5, where 0 is the lowest/worst and 5 is the highest/best value. All the colours we offer are graded 4, except Bordeaux, Dark blue and Red, which are graded 2.

Heat-tolerance
Salmon and Cod  80°C, Perch 100°C +, Wolffish 60-65°C.

Maintenance and care
Normal leather-cleaning methods should be suitable for fish leather. Salmon leather labelled WASHABLE can be washed in a washing machine at 30°C.

Equipment
Nylon thread is recommended. Never use cotton thread. Leather needles should be used. Normal industrial sewing machines should be capable of sewing the leather.

Usage
It is strongly recommended, whenever possible, to use the leather with a good backing material, as this relieves most of the stretching stress on the leather and helps the leather to stay in its designed/intended shape.

The leather is well suited for use outside, for example for shoes and clothes. Wearing/using the leather in or near salt water – for instance on the beach or where streets have been salted in winter – should be avoided.

If using the leather in rainy or snowy areas/countries, the fish leather (finish and colour) can be protected by using silicon spray.

So far as we know, fish leather does not become unusually smelly or sticky in a hot environment.

When the leather is used e.g. for seats or chairs, or other items where the leather is under constant use and stress, leather with a lacquered finish is recommended. Lacquered-finish leather is very durable and can maintain its look (finish and colour) for long time, even many years.  Other finishes can, of course, be used, but these may not be as strong/durable.

All leather finishes should be suitable for light-use items such as handbags, wallets etc.  This is more a matter of the customer’s taste/fashion than the suitability of the fish leather.

Non-CITES
Many people believe that all exotic leathers are from endangered species, entailing complicated procedures for international transport. But that is not true. Fish leather is Non-CITES – exotic leather without the fuss.