Leather is a timeless material with a long history of use in fashion, furniture, and accessories. Its classic appearance and luxurious feel make it a sought-after material in several industries.
While leather is an exquisite material to use, it is crucial to comprehend the diverse kinds of leather finishes available. When it comes to leather finishes, there are a few different options to choose from.
These include aniline, semi-aniline, nubuck, and pigmented. Each finish has its own unique properties and is appropriate for different uses.
In this infographic, we will look at the different types of leather finishes available, their unique properties, and which finish best suits your requirements. With this information, you can decide what sort of leather finish you need for your leather jacket.
Different Types Of Leather Finishes
Purchasing leather is not meant to be an impulsive verdict. There are several elements to check its quality to guarantee the item you are purchasing is suitable for the intended use and is incredibly durable.
Various things matter to evaluate the leather’s quality, including the leather finish applied during the production procedure. Let’s get acquainted with different sorts of leather finishes.
Aniline Leather
It is the most luxurious leather. It is ultra-soft to the touch. Aniline leather is dyed using transparent, soluble aniline dyes. These colors permit the leather’s natural grain to become visible, as well as any character marks on the animal skin.
It is susceptible to water, light, and mechanical damage because it lacks a defensive coating. Only full-grain and top-grain leather is used for this leather finish as they are of the greatest quality.
Semi-Aniline Leather
Semi-aniline leather is also produced from soluble dyes to maintain its authentic look. However, a thin defensive top coat is added to safeguard it from wear and discoloration. It is more damage-resistant because of the top coat.
Like aniline leather, it is generally made from high-grade animal skins with insignificant natural markings. It is suitable for light to medium wear use. Besides, it is soft and frequently shows the hide’s natural marks, like growth marks and healed wounds. It has huge and unique pores.
Pigmented Full Grain Leather
Pigmented full-grain leather is considered the most practical for upholstery leather. Pigmented finish or top coat is a method where a heavy coat of colors is used to treat the leather surface.
Due to the heavy coat, the leather’s roughness is concealed, so this leather finish is ideal for corrected grain leather. Moreover, pigmented leather is sturdy and resistant to stains, with the coating over the leather shielding it against wear and tear.
Nubuck Leather
Nubuck is aniline leather slightly sanded to elevate short protein fibers to produce a smooth, soft, velour-type finish. The sanding also eliminates any imperfections or noticeable marks on the animal’s skin. Light airbrushing with pigments can be used to dye it further.
Nevertheless, it does not have any shielding coating. Its medium ultra-violet resistance may stain and oxidize if you keep it under direct sunlight for a long time. Nubuck leather is extremely durable, obtained from top-grain leather with minor alternations.
Suede Leather
Suede leather has an identical procedure as Nubuck leather. The only distinction is the technique it has been sanded. It sands the surface to leave it with a trivial nap of short protein fibers. It is extracted from split-grain leather, which is the leather’s third grade. Suede leather has a fairly rough surface.
Embossed Leather
This leather finish is made when leather is stamped with high pressure and heat to generate a particular design, texture, or pattern. Popular embossing designs include floral, alligator, and geometric designs.
It is typically used in combination with other finishing procedures to generate outstanding visual effects and texture in the leather.
Pull-Up Or Oil Leather
Pull-up or oil leather finish is the sort of finish where a considerable amount of oil is applied to leather, making it softer and suppler. Oil leather’s distinctive quality is that it is lightened in the shade where you pull, stretch, or bend it.
Pull-up leather is durable and resistant to water. On the other hand, the natural wax finish can be used to treat the leather to give it the same water resistance and pull-up quality.
Dry Milled Leather
Dry milling is a procedure of putting the leather in drums and subjecting it to heat and rotation. Consequently, a pebbled texture is created on the leather imitating a lived-in look. The procedure also makes the leather smoother and softer.
Leather finish is an essential part of leather manufacturing. It is basically the application of a top coating that shields the leather surface and inhibits it from deterioration or damage.
Picking the correct finish for your jacket might be the contrast between failure and success. Therefore, scan the market cautiously and choose a finish that is plausible for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions about Types Of Leather Finishes
What is the best leather finish?
The best leather finish depends on preferences. Aniline for a natural feel, pigmented for durability, and nubuck for a soft, velvety touch. Choose based on desired aesthetics and maintenance level.
What are the five kinds of leather?
Five types of leather include aniline for a natural feel, semi-aniline for some protection, pigmented for durability, nubuck for a velvety touch, and full-grain for a durable, natural look.
What is the best category of leather?
The best leather category depends on preferences. Full-grain offers durability and a natural look, while pigmented provides enhanced protection. Choose based on desired aesthetics and functionality.
What is the weakest leather?
The weakest leather is typically bonded leather, which is made from leather scraps bonded together with polyurethane. It is less durable and prone to peeling or flaking over time.
Conclusion
Leather finish is one of the most important steps in the leather creation process as it decides the leather’s feel, toughness, and look. Diverse kinds of leather finishes are used to provide the leather with a level of protection from deterioration and preferred textures and colors.
Aniline leather is the finest quality and most expensive, but it is prone to mechanical damage and stains. Pigmented full-grain leather is the sturdiest leather finish used in luxurious products. Opt for semi-aniline leather if you want a particular amount of resilience without losing quality.
