Leather Facts

Please visit our "leather info center" for everything you ever wanted to know about leather...

Introduction To Encyclopedia
Always remember that leather is a natural product. The variations in hides are a part of the beauty that only leather can produce. Because of dyeing techniques and certain qualities, some hides will vary more than others. We are providing you with a brief glossary of some of the most important leather terms to help you evaluate leather qualities for your clients.

We are also going to provide you with a leather maintenance, care and tip guide to further increase your knowledge base.

The most confusing term used with leather is the term "top grain". Ironically "top grain" is the definition used when grain is not genuine. In fact, real grain has been removed and "top grain" leather is typically embossed. Keleen leathers (unless otherwise noted) are all FULL GRAIN. Full grain refers to the natural, unenhanced epidermis of the animal.

The better the quality of hides, the less it has to be treated. In premium quality hides the full natural grain is retained and exposed. You can see "fat wrinkles" and natural markings and scars. This is the BEAUTY of natural leather, NOT flaws.

The second most confused term is aniline dye. Full aniline leathers have no pigment substances applied to the surface. Aniline leathers offer a soft, mellow hand and are considered to be the most luxurious of upholstery leathers. This process typically has few barrier substances to protect against spillage or staining. Full aniline dyed leathers should be selected with this in mind.

Male animals are, as a rule, used for upholstery leather. Females are used for breeding and tend to have a stretched belly with a stretchy grain and are unsuitable for this use. As well, the age of the animal can influence size and suppleness. In addition, younger animals will typically have less scaring.