Understanding Leather
Leather is the skin (small) or hide (large) from any animal that is preserved at a tannery for further use.
For furniture, the hides of cows and steers are used because they are large and plentiful. A key point to remember, and one that may reassure some customers, is that hides are a by-product of the meat industry. The hides are perishable, so they are sent to tanneries to be treated and prepared for use in different industries.
The quality of finished leather is affected by the source. Steer are raised for their meat and live a shorter life, so their hides are generally less scarred and worn. Cows on the other hand are raised for breeding and milk, so they live longer and their hides can have stretch marks and other visible signs of age.
Animals from colder mountainous regions have thicker and more durable hides. Open range animals have hides with fewer scars. Animals from wetter regions have hides with small bug bites over them. The hides with fewer scars, stretch marks and other small defects are worth more money, because they are more acceptable for the manufacture of upholstery.
LEATHER TYPES – A, P, N
The finishing process determines the leather type. All leather begins as Type A, Aniline. If the leather has been painted with a pigment, it becomes Type P, Pigmented. If the leather is sanded, it becomes Type N, Nubuck.
Type A – Aniline Leather
The hides that are large, almost defect free and have uniform dye absorption are dried, massaged, stretched and milled to become Type A, or aniline leather. These leathers receive their colours from dye and have no protective finish.
Care Tips: Anilines are extremely soft, scratch easily and fade quickly in sunlight. Correct care and protection is essential.
Type P – Pigmented Leather
This type is named for the process of applying a pigment or paint to the hides where there has been uneven dye absorption or where the removal of defects has been necessary. A clear finish is applied to seal the colour and create a consistent finish that is scratch, stain and fade resistant.
Care Tips: The leather is not as soft to touch as anilines, but is more resistant to the wear and tear of everyday life. Correct cleaning and protection is essential to prevent stains and cracking.
Type N – Nubuck leather
Nubuck starts out as aniline and is then sanded to create a velvety nap. It does not have a finish and is incredibly soft and sensitive. Consumers are drawn by the rugged look and soft feel of the leather, but are sometimes disappointed that the leather darkens where touched from hand and body oils and stains easily.
Care Tips: Cleaning and protection of nubuck must be constant and vigilant.