Leather: The Sturdy, Supple and Durable Material that is very loved and desired looking.
Leather: The Sturdy, Supple and Durable Material that is very loved and desired looking.
Leather is a durable and flexible material created by tanning animal rawhide and skin. It can be produced at manufacturing scales ranging from artisan to modern industrial scales. No hide is the same as the other. They can have similar characteristics but are different in appearance. Also, the technologies and manufacturing processes have created a variety of leather types with a broad range of uses. Here are just a few examples of the types of leather available and their applications.
FULL-GRAIN LEATHER is the most natural and expensive type of leather. It is made from the top layer of the hide and has a natural grain structure intact. With close attention, you can see the pores on the skin. Full grain is also called aniline leather. It is used for high-end applications such as upholstery, luggage, and shoes. It has a unique smell and a natural outlook that makes it the favourite for upholstery.
CORRECTED-GRAIN is the leather where the natural grain has been sanded off and the surface polished to remove imperfections such as scars or bites from the surface of the hide. Corrected-grain leather is less expensive than full-grain leather and is typically used for less expensive applications. Many brands use this type of leather to print their logos or names on it. It is heavily finished.
TOP-GRAIN LEATHER is similar to full-grain leather. The only variation is the removal of blemishes. Therefore, it is similarly applied in products where full-grain leather can be used.
SPLIT LEATHER is where the leather is split into two due to its thickness to enable it to be handled with ease. This is done using modern technology. The bottom layer is known as split leather. The splitting process reduces the strength of the leather, however, it can be improved through treatments. The split can be embossed with an artificial surface or buffed to finish it. This leather is lower in price because it is fragile The split can be used for different products such as gloves, and cheaper leather clothing.
When the splits are colored and processed on both sides, it creates a soft and rough-surfaced leather called SUEDE. Suede is less durable and less expensive. It’s soft texture makes it widely used for shoes, gloves, belts, and clothes.
GENUINE LEATHER is the overall term for all leather produced from animal hide. Hence, it consists of full grain, top grain, corrected grain and splits. There is a confusion with this term, overall in USA, where some businesses where using this term for less quality material that had some leather content on it like bonded leather.
NUBUCK LEATHER is made from the innermost layer of cowhide. It is buffed to create a velvety surface. Nubuck leather is used for high-quality upholstery, clothing, and shoes. It is less durable and extensive exposure to sunlight will cause it to fade.
Do you have any question, about the type of leather that we are using for our leather Art pieces, don't hesitate to contact us.