POSTED BY JAKE HAWAT (AUTO ARMOURY) ON 12TH DEC 2022
Leather is a durable and versatile material that has been used for centuries for a wide range of applications, from clothing and accessories to furniture and interior design. The unique characteristics of the leather are determined by the type of animal it comes from, the tanning process it undergoes, and the finish applied to it.
There are many different types of leather available, each with its own distinctive look and feel. Here are some of the most common types of leather:
- Full-grain leather: This is the highest quality and most expensive type of leather, as it retains the natural grain and markings of the animal hide. Full-grain leather is strong, durable, and develops a beautiful patina over time.
- Top-grain leather: This type of leather has the top layer of the hide sanded and buffed to remove any imperfections and create a smooth, even surface. It is less expensive than full-grain leather and is commonly used in furniture and upholstery.
- Corrected-grain leather: This type of leather has an artificial grain applied to the surface to hide any imperfections or blemishes. It is often treated with dyes and finishes to give it a uniform appearance.
- Bonded leather: This type of leather is made by bonding together pieces of leather scraps and fibers with a polyurethane or latex backing. It is the least expensive type of leather and is commonly used in low-end furniture and accessories.
In addition to these main types of leather, there are also many different finishes and treatments that can be applied to the leather to change its appearance and properties. Some common finishes and treatments include:
- Aniline: This is a transparent dye that is applied to the surface of the leather to enhance its natural color and grain. It is a popular choice for high-end leather furniture and accessories.
- Pigmented: This type of finish is applied to the surface of the leather to create a uniform color and protect it from stains and fading. It is commonly used in car upholstery and other applications where durability is important.
- Nubuck: This is a type of top-grain leather that has been sanded to create a velvety surface. It is often used for shoes and accessories.
- Suede: This is a type of leather that has the grain sanded off, resulting in a soft and supple surface. It is often used for clothing and accessories.
Tanning process
- Vegetable tanning: This is the oldest and most traditional method of tanning leather, where the hides are soaked in natural tannins extracted from tree bark and other plant materials. This process results in strong and durable leather that is resistant to moisture and decay and has a natural, earthy look and feel. For example, a horse saddle would be veg tanned.
- Chrome tanning: This is a modern method of tanning leather using chromium salts, which produces a softer, more flexible leather that is resistant to fading and discoloration. Chrome-tanned leather is often used for clothing and accessories, as it is easy to dye and has a smooth, consistent finish.
- Aldehyde tanning: This method uses chemicals such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde to tan the leather, resulting in a strong and durable material that is resistant to water and rot. Aldehyde-tanned leather is often used for heavy-duty items such as saddles, harnesses, and boots.
- Oil tanning: This method uses oils and fats to tan the leather, resulting in a soft and supple material with a natural shine and lustre. Oil-tanned leather is often used for gloves, bags, and other items that require a supple and flexible material.
In conclusion, there are many different types of leather available, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Whether you are looking for high-quality, full-grain leather for a piece of furniture or a more affordable, corrected-grain leather for a bag or accessory, there is a type of leather that will suit your needs.
TAGGED: LEATHER, LEATHERACCESSORIES, LEATHERCRAFT, LEATHERFASHION, LEATHERGOODS, LEATHERINDUSTRY, LEATHERQUALITY, TYPESOFLEATHER
SHARE
