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Leather School is in Session
Just as any industry, the leather industry has its own unique set of terms and characteristics. This page has a short glossary, a short description of a hide’s markings and features, and an informative section on caring for leather.
Common Terms
- Aniline - a type of translucent dye that does not mask the grain or imperfections of the leather. Similar to the way that wood stain works.
- Full-Aniline - leather that has only been aniline dyed
- Semi-Aniline - leather that has been aniline dyed and finished with a clear topcoat. Also known as "Aniline plus."
- Bovine - meaning a member of the cow or ox family.
- Buffing - the process that scuffs or abrades the surface of the leather that masks imperfections on the leather.
- Chrome Tanning - a process of curing the leather hides with chromium salts.
- Corrected Grain - also known as "Top Grain," refers to leather that has been altered by pigments or other processes such as buffing in order to hide markings and other imperfections.
- Drum Dyeing - a process where the leather is sealed in a drum of dye and tumbled to insure that the leather is completely permeated.
- Embossed Leather - a process that presses the surface of the leather to create a pattern on the hide such as an alligator look.
- Full Grain - leather that has not been altered so that the natural grain of the leather is present.
- Hand - a term used to describe the look, feel and suppleness of leather.
- Liming - a process that uses chemicals to remove the hair from leather hides.
- Milling - a process of tumbling leather that softens leather.
- Nubuck - a type of leather that has had the top layer removed to create grain-sueded leather.
- Patina - a lustrous feature of full-aniline leathers that develops with time and wear.
- Suavage - a marbled effect achieved by using similarly hued dyes to create a contrasting or two-tone effect.
- Suede - fibrous leather made of the underside of leather hides.
- Table Run - Leather hides that have not been graded by quality. Also known as "TR."
- Top Grain - see "Corrected Grain."
Natural Markings
Because leather is a natural Product, the resulting upholster covering will bear individual characteristics from each hide's history. These natural markings in no way affect the strength or wearability of the leather and, in effect, provide nature's stamp of uniqueness.
- Graining - The grain, similar to human fingerprints, is unique to each individual hide. It is the hallmark of full grain leather hides and can vary from hide to hide of even within one particular hide.
- Branding Marks - Brand marks, or fire brands, are used as identification marks. These are seldom found on finished furniture, but are part of virtually every hide.
- Stretch Marks - Stretch marks occur as a result of giving birth and become a permanent marking on the cow.
- Healed Scars - Scratch marks are the result of the cow's unsheltered life and evidence that the hide is indeed top grain. Hides with fewer scratch marks are usually more expensive, but the marks do not affect strength or durability.
- Neck Wrinkles - Wrinkles occur naturally in the loose skin around the neck of all cows. The skin must be loose to allow the needed flexibility for grazing.
- Backbone - Natural furrows appear along the backbone of all hides due to the animals physiology.
- Urine Burns - Cows have never won any awards for hygiene, so it should come as no surprise to find acidic urine burns on the leg areas of full hides.
Leather Care
To protect your investment and ensure a long and pleasurable relationship, it is necessary to follow these recommendations when caring for your leather.
- Regular, gentle dusting or sponging with a soft brush or cloth removes abrasive grit and prevents build up of body oils and salts which can damage the protective topcoat of your leather.
- Gently wipe off stains and spills IMMEDIATELY with a soft damp cloth. Do not rub or scrub.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat to limit fading and dryness.
- Do not use saddle soap, cleaning solvents, furniture polish, oils, abrasive cleaners, detergent soaps, or ammonia water. If necessary for spots and spills, use clean lukewarm water only and let air dry naturally.
- Remember, pet claws can scratch and scar leather.
There are generally two types of leather: pigmented and aniline. Pigmented is a type of coloration that is applied to the surface of the leather and is more resistant to water base spills. Aniline is a color that perforates the entire leather and is very porous and very susceptible to all types of spills. Suede is similar to aniline in the fact that it is too very porous. Vacuuming on a regular basis is an important routine in order to delay the inevitable need for a professional cleaning. Also, if a spill does occur, the quicker you clean up the mess the less likely you are to receive a noticeable stain. There are also different types of repellent that you can use to protect the surface of your leather. Scotchgard and Teflon are two types of fluorocarbon materials and do well at protecting from both oil and water based spills. The other type of protection is silicone based, and it is good from protecting against water based spills only. Also silicone products may yellow with exposure to sunlight. |
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