Leather Guide

Leather Guide

Please take time to read the following guidelines...

Natural Characteristics of Leather

Leather is a natural product - shade, grain, variation and natural markings all add to its charm. Each individual hide has its own characteristics. These are emphasised and even encouraged. Features such as origin, breed, age and sex of the animal can all be determined from leather hides. Growth marks and bruises are commonplace on leather furniture, and it is these features that distinguish leather from the substitutes that attempt to copy. These marks are features, not faults in leather.

We, on our part, accept the responsibility of matching all the hides to be used as closely as we can, but slight shading of colours can occur. Similarly, it is not possible to completely obscure all of the natural markings that show on the surface of leather, other than by coating it with a thick finish that would destroy the whole nature of the material.

Natural Markings

The marks we consider are natural to leather, are the following -

Flea marks and bites - Cattle can be attacked by insects that can leave bite marks. These appear as tiny scars on the surface.

Scars - Larger scars can be caused in many ways, often because of barbed wire fences. As with humans, the scars heal but often leave fine lines. The healed scars are not to be confused with open scars that are automatically rejected during manufacture.

Creases - These normally appear in the neck area of the hide. They can, because of their heavy grain, look attractive in prominent positions on furniture. However, in general use, unless we specifically intend to a make a feature of them, we either discard the area or place it where it will not have a detrimental affect on the appearance.

None of the above characteristics have a weakening effect on the hide. They are purely cosmetic, surface variations.

Categories of Leather

Corrected Grain

As many hides have a high percentage of natural occurrences like scars, tears and other defects, they are unsuitable for full or semi aniline tanning. To remove the imperfections, firstly the hides are buffed and sanded, then embossed to restore a natural looking grain pattern, finally a protective topcoat is applied. Ideal for every day living, corrected grain leathers are the most hard wearing leathers.

Semi Aniline

From the initial tanning process, the natural top grain leather is left intact. Natural marks, scars and colour variations are a feature of these leathers. Leathers are firstly drum dyed in penetrating aniline dyes, then a thin matching top coat is applied to even out the colour, this top coat also protects against fading and staining, yet still displays the leathers natural characteristics. A typical selection for family usage

Full Aniline

This is the most natural way to have leather. Only premium hides with the best colour and texture are selected for this process. Soft and velvety, they are a pleasure to touch, no natural features have been removed and all distinctive markings stand out. As these hides have a light transparent final topcoat or finish, the result is a luxurious look and feel. However, it will make the hides more susceptible to staining and fading, therefore more care is required.