Corrected Grain

This type of leather has been buffed during manufacture, to partially correct its surface of any blemishes and imperfections. Once these are reduced, a surface pigment is then applied to the leather. It is then embossed with an artificial grain print to achieve a uniform colour and look.


Rub Off

A variety of pigmented leather where the surface is covered by a darker topcoat, which can be partially removed (rubbed off) to reveal a lighter contrasting base colour. This effect relies on a very thin top layer, which will have a more limited durability. This leather will be subject to colour change in use and overtime. This type of leather is normally used for traditional furniture such as Chesterfields.

Semi Aniline

Semi-Aniline leathers have been dyed through, and then have only a thin finishing layer applied to their surface. Scars, marks and other imperfections which occur naturally are more noticable in this type of leather. Semi aniline leathers offer a good compromise between the softness and feel of full aniline leather and the protective benefits of finished surface leather. By dyeing the leather through before the final top coating is applied, an even colour is achieved with only a thin layer of finish coating. The leather therefore feels much softer and more tactile than corrected varieties as described above.

Pull Up or Waxy Leather

This is a type of semi aniline leather (described above) that has had oils and or waxes applied to its finish coat. These types of leather are designed to look "distressed" and will continue to look more used and distressed over time In places of heavy use, the oils or waxes will be pushed away producing lighter areas especially on seat cushions and chair arms. Scars, marks and other imperfections which occur naturally are more observable in this type of leather.It will also scratch easily but scratches can be smoother away by moving the oils and waxes around using the palm of your hand.

Aniline Leather

These are the most expensive leathers to produce because they are made on the best quality skins and have a very natural velvety soft finish. No pigments are used in finishing these hides and their colour is achieved by using dyes not pigments. Full aniline leathers are more susceptible to absorbing liquids because of their natural porosity. However because none of their pores are blocked with pigment, the leather is more luxurious, it breathes more easily, is more tactile, and cooler and softer to sit on.

By Cast Leather

This type of leather is produced from the lower split of a hide, as detailed above.  Special glue is then applied, to bond a film of coloured polyurethane over the surface of the hide. By cast leathers have become popular especially in contract environments. However it is easily scratched and more difficult to repair

Nubuck

Nubuck is actually an aniline leather which has had its grain surface brushed to create a texture similar to velvet. See aniline leathers above. Brushing makes the leather even more absorbent than aniline leathers, and great care should be exercised in using it.

These definitions are by no means exhaustive but give an over view of the different leather types.

General Information

As a natural product, leather will often display traces of its past such as brand marks, scars, growth lines, veins, and areas of differing fibre density and hair pore structure. These hallmarks in no way detract from its natural beauty. As a general rule the more corrected the hide and the more pigmented its finish coat, the less these natural marks show through.