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Here are some of our commonly used leather terms:
Aniline
Leather that is tumbled in vats so the dye is completely absorbed by the skin. There is no other colouring agents or process, thus the finished leather tends to look and feel more "natural" - the unique markings and character of each skin are apparent. By way of analogy, this treatment is akin to the "staining" of wood. Usually, the best quality hides are reserved for this process, as aniline leathers are valued highest by consumers.
Antiqued
The light application of one colour over another (usually a darker color over a lighter one), to create highlights.
Corrected Grain Leather
Leather whose natural surface texture has been altered.Drum-dyedA dyeing process in which leather is immersed in dye and tumbled in a rotating drum, allowing maximum dye penetration.
Dyeing
The application of colour, either by spraying, hand rubbing or immersion.
Embossing
A process in which design is added to leather by pressure to alter or correct the surface resulting in uniform imitation grain.
Finishing
Any post tanning treatment, such as: dyeing, rolling, pressing, spraying, lacquering, antiquing, waxing, buffing, embossing, glazing, waterproofing, or flame proofing.
Grain
The distinctive pore and wrinkle pattern of a hide; may be either natural or embossed.
Hand
A term used to describe the softness or feel of leather.
Hides
Skin of large animals, usually cattle.
Leather
A generic term for all hides and skins which have been tanned and finished.
Napa
A term used for leatherized sheepskins.
Nubuck
Aniline leathers on which the surface has been brushed to create a texture similar to that of velvet. It is often mistaken for suede, but suede is the flesh side of a piece of leather while Nubuc is an effect that is done to the grain side, making it considerably stronger.PatinaA luster that develops with time and use.
Pigmented
Leather that has been sprayed with a surface colour in addition or instead of the dye process and is analogous to the "painting" of wood. While generally less appealing to the touch than aniline leather, pigmented skins are required for applications such as motorcycle leathers where durability is the key consideration.
Premium select
A term describing hides with a minimal amount of scars or blemishes, usually less than 5% of all hides.
Sanding
Refers to the removal of scars and blemishes from a hide by buffing.
Semi-Aniline
Leathers which are a combination of both pigmented and aniline dyed; a very light pigment is added to even out the colour and increase the durability. Most garments are made with semi-aniline leathers.
Splits
Underlying layers of leather usually used for suedes.
Suede
Suede is the underneath portion of a hide after the splitting process. Compared to the durable top grain, this layer of the hide is much thinner and there for most commonly used for garments and small leathergoods - and not for furniture.TanningTreating raw hides to become nonperishable.
Tumbling
A process in which hides are tumbled in a rotating drum to soften the hand or enhance the grain. Hides selected for furniture are sliced to a uniform thickness on precision machines. Only the outer surface (top grain) is used. The lower portions or splits are weaker, due to the elongated cell structure. Splits are subject to stretching and therefore provide an unstable base, which results in cracking of the finishes.
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