Choosing the most suitable leather

CHOOSING THE MOST SUITABLE LEATHER
Please find below more information about the types of upholstery leather that we hope will help you choose the most suitable leather for your requirements.

TYPES OF UPHOLSTERY LEATHER
There are 4 main types of upholstery leather in the world; Aniline, Nubuck, Semi-Aniline & Pigmented. Each type will perform differently.

ANILINE (ADVICE & DISCLAIMER)
All Aniline leathers are delicate and sensitive hides that are dyed through. Some Aniline leathers may have no protective coating at all yet others may have only a light surface finish/protection leaving a very natural feel and appearance but are also more vulnerable to marking, scratching and fading. The surface coating, if it has one, is not pigmented in any way. Nature’s markings are part of the appeal of this type of leather and should be appreciated. Healed scars, bug bites, neck & belly wrinkles all contribute to the character of these very elegant leathers. Colour variation is a natural characteristic of any Aniline leather and colours will vary from hide to hide and dye-lot to dye-lot. When pulled, stretched or used in tightly upholstered applications, expect the colour and sheen to vary on pull-up and distressed leathers. Anilines are not as colourfast as pigmented hides. Prolonged exposure to light and heat will cause Aniline leathers to fade. A more careful maintenance and understanding of this type of leather are required by the customer to ensure that the leather is fit for purpose. Please check that an Aniline leather will be suitable for your requirements.

FOR ALL ANILINE ORDERS
As a standard procedure, we strongly recommend that we send you a “Cutting for Approval” (CFA) upon order and before shipment as our current stock may vary in colour, texture, sheen and finish from the samples you have seen or received. No return of leather will be accepted for dye-lot variances if a CFA was declined.

NUBUCK (ADVICE & DISCLAIMER)
A top-grain Aniline leather (description is as per Aniline above) that has been buffed or sanded on the grain side, to give a slight nap of short fibres, producing a velvet-like surface. Nubuck is an unprotected leather and is more subject to staining than an Aniline due to the brushed fibres. These fibres may compact with prolonged use unless brushed occasionally. A more careful maintenance and understanding of this type of leather are required by the customer to ensure that the leather is fit for purpose. Please check that a Nubuck leather will be suitable for your requirements.

SEMI-ANILINE (ADVICE & DISCLAIMER)
These hides are dyed through and then given a light pigment coating. This maintains the natural look, luxurious touch and also makes the leather more durable and easier to care for than an Aniline. It is however still a fairly delicate leather so please check that a Semi-Aniline will be suitable for your requirements.

PIGMENTED (ADVICE & DISCLAIMER)
These hides undergo the same processes as Aniline and Semi-Aniline leather but are then given additional pigmented finishes and treatments to enhance the yield and durability to make the leather easier to clean and maintain.

The leather is a 100% natural product. Each hide is truly unique and individual bearing the distinctive marks and characteristics of its natural origin which will vary from hide to hide. These are its beauty and give leather its authenticity, luxurious good looks, style, comfort and will develop a patina over time.