ABC of the leather: how many leather types are there?

Moving through the complex landscape of leather definitions can seem like a journey through the labyrinth of Knossos, amidst numerous terminologies and paths to take.

Indeed, the leather is classified in different ways and, depending on the criterion of distinction, takes on various names. This is why we have devised a new column 'ABC of Leather' with which to explore together the different types of leather finishing.

What is meant by leather finishing?

In the production process, leather finishing takes place after the tanning and drying operations that lead to the so-called "crust" and have the objective of improving the performance or modifying the appearance and hand of the leather. They can be mechanical, chemical or combined Mechanical finishing is carried out by buffing, which leads to the partial reduction of the grain, modifying the leather's defects, until a velvety surface is obtained: the so-called Nubuck. Another mechanical finishing is carried out with fulling, a drumming operation, which consists of turning the hides quickly when dry in a drum to soften them, swell the grain and make the typical grain pattern more evident and marked, as for our Lord product.

Chemical finishing involves the use of products or films that cover the surface of the leather. Spraying involves the application of products such as dyes, resins, pigments and waxes with the aim of giving the leather particular aesthetic effects and physical-mechanical properties. The application of more or less thin films, which adhere to the surface layer of the leather, can give different characteristics and effects. The films can be transparent, colorless or colored, contain pigments (which conceal the typical grain pattern), and other auxiliaries to obtain shiny, matt, silky touch, waxy, etc. leathers. 

After the film has been applied, the leathers can be subjected to mechanical operations (plating, dry milling, glazing, etc.) to finally obtain combined effects.

Begin this journey of discovery with us:
Aniline and semi-aniline leather (Read the article)
Pigmented leather (Read the article)