LEATHER FINISHES
TOP-GRAIN LEATHER
• The outer layer of the hide( like fullgrain), but lightly sanded or buffed to remove blemishes
• Usually finished with a pigment or coating for uniformity
• More durable and stain-resistant than full-grain, but still soft and supple
• Slightly less breathable and loses some natural character
• Common in high-quality furniture, gloves, and accessories
NUBUCK
• Made by sanding the grain side of fullgrain leather
• Has a velvety surface, like suede but more durable
• Used in premium gloves and footwear
• Prone to staining; needs protection or DWR
SUEDE
• Made from the flesh side( inner layer) of the hide( usually split leather)
• Soft, fuzzy texture
• Used in fashion gloves, linings, casual wear
• Less durable and absorbs moisture easily
TANNING METHODS
CHROME TANNING
• Most common method( used in 80 – 90 % of leather today)
• Uses chromium salts, especially chromium( III) sulfate
• Fast process( about 1 day)
• Produces soft, supple, water-resistant leather
• Vast variety of colours available Resulting leather is blue-gray in raw form(“ wet blue”)
• Less eco-friendly due to chemicals involved
CHROME-FREE TANNED LEATHER
Leather that has been tanned without using chromium salts, particularly chromium( III), which is commonly used in conventional tanning but raises environmental and health concerns. Instead, chrome-free tanning relies on alternative substances like vegetable tannins, synthetic agents, or aldehydes
VET-TANNED LEATHER
Vegetable tanned leather is a type of leather produced using natural tannins found in tree bark, leaves, and other plant materials, rather than the chemical tanning agents used in other processes. This method results in a durable, strong, and flexible leather with a unique patina that develops over time