FAQs
About the Leather
Are marks, tonal shifts, and stress patterns normal?
Yes. Pull-up behavior, tonal variation, and surface marks that appear with use are all normal characteristics of genuine leather. They are not defects. If you receive a mat with a mark that concerns you, contact us — but in most cases, what looks like an imperfection is simply the leather being leather.
Why does leather vary naturally?
Every hide is different. Grain pattern, tone, surface markings, and texture vary across a single hide and between hides. This is evidence that the leather is genuine and minimally processed. We consider natural variation a feature, not a flaw.
Will my leather age and develop a patina?
Yes — and it will look better for it. Both Dublin and Essex develop patina with use. Dublin's transformation is more dramatic; Essex's is quieter and more gradual. Either way, the leather improves with time.
About Ordering
Are these made to order?
Yes. Every mat is engraved individually to order. We review your artwork and confirm all details before production begins.
What are your lead times?
Production typically takes one to two weeks from artwork approval, not including shipping transit time. Lead times can vary depending on current demand and project complexity. If your order would exceed this window, we'll reach out before production begins. If you have a specific deadline, mention it when you contact us — we'll tell you upfront whether we can meet it.
What file formats work for engraving?
We work best with SVG and Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files — vector formats that give us clean, scalable artwork to work with. High-resolution PNG is also acceptable for simpler designs. We're happy to assist with minor file adjustments to make your artwork engraving-ready. If your design requires significant graphic design work — redraws, vectorization, or complex manipulation — we may assess a small design fee. We'll always let you know before proceeding.
Corporate & Bulk Orders
Do you do corporate or bulk orders?
Yes. We work with companies on branded leather mats for offices, events, client gifts, and vendor displays. Bulk orders have longer lead times and may have minimum quantities depending on the project. Contact us to discuss your needs before placing an order.
Can I get a sample before ordering in bulk?
Yes. Contact us and we can discuss sample options for larger projects.
Contact
How do I get in touch?
Email us at info@merlinworks.net