Observation

This question was the least attempted by the candidates, majority of whom scored relatively low marks. Candidates were required to define conditioners, differentiate between conditioners and findings, giving an example of each and to state any three effects of conditioners on leather articles in the (a), (b) and (c) parts of the question respectively. Only few candidates had any idea what conditioners are and its effect on leather articles. The overall performance of candidates in this question was quite poor.
These candidates were expected to state thus to score maximum marks in this question.

(a)      Conditioners are liquid substances which, when applied on leather, soften, nourish and enhance the surface appearance.     

(b)      Conditioners are liquid materials which have the capability of nourishing and increasing the durability of leather when applied e.g. polish, wax, saddle soap etc. while findings are non-leather or functional attachments on leather articles e.g. studs, eyelets, D-rings, O-rings, zippers, press studs, swivels etc.
(c)      - it gives a glossy surface coating to a leather article.
- it softens and nourishes leather surfaces.
- it makes leather articles more durable.
- it makes leather articles water resistant.