| FACTS ABOUT LEATHER QUALITY |
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ANILINE
Only the finest hides in the world fall in this category. Lovers of truly natural products are particular fond of
these leathers. Through the years this type of leather develops a patina which adds to its value as a focal point
in any room. Only 5% of the total world hide supply fall in this category.-Only "A" grade hides meet this criteria.
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FULL ANILINE
Some of the finest hides in the world fall in this category. The only difference is a slightly lower selection of
hides can be used here. A slight protective finish (usually micropigments)is applied by roller or in the tannage
to give the leather some serviceability.
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SEMI ANILINE / ANILINE
These leathers are processed a little more, first by aniline dying in large drums like the leathers above, but then
also finished on top. Spray pigments of color are applied to the tops of the hides to even out the finish and
camouflage natural occurring imperfections. These leathers are light resistant and scratch resistant and are easily
cleaned. The next 10 - 15% of the world hide supply fall in this category. "B"grade hides meet this criteria.
FULL GRAIN LEATHER
Just as the grain, texture and markings of wood should reveal the nature of the tree from which it came, leather
should display the natural markings and grain characteristics of the animal from which it was taken. The best upholstery
leathers are clear, clean, and supple. They are also dyed through with transparent aniline dyes. The full natural
grain is retained and they are called "full grain leather." Cheaper leather have the natural or genuine grain sanded
away and an imitation grain pressed or embossed into the surface.They are stiff and "boardy" with a heavy coating of
pigmentation to cover up imperfections and they look and feel much like plastic.The better the quality of hide or skin,
the less it has to be treated.The natural grain variations should be exposed.
One should see the "fat wrinkles" and the feel, or hand, should be supple and natural to the touch. So when choosing
your leather, make sure it looks natural, smells good, and has a soft hand. Inspect your leather carefully. Make certain
that it retains the full natural grain. Full grain leather is the best quality!
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TOP GRAIN LEATHER
The most confusing term used in the furniture industry is the term "top grain". It can be a contradiction because it
often implies what it is not. "Top grain", is the definition that is generally used when the grain is not genuine: when
the real grain is sanded away and an imitation grain is stamped into the leather. When the genuine grain remains, the
leather is called, "full grain", or "full top grain", not simply "top grain." Top grain is a generally regarded as a
economy leather!
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