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Aniline leathers are top quality natural leathers in which the actual surface grain markings of the true leather (hide) are visible. They have no protective treatments applied. Natural leathers can be classified as Natural, Pure, & Un-Protected and are usually colored with a semi transparent leather dye. Aniline finishes allow the natural leather markings to show through the finish.They require a high degree of preventative maintenance because they are susceptible to surface scratches and easily absorb stains. Aniline leathers require using a milder cleaning process than protected leather due to its porous nature. Aniline leather is prone to sun fading.
Identifying characteristics: very easy to scratch; water drops will darken the color and then dry back to natural color. |
Semi-aniline Cleaning code A
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These are aniline leathers than have a protective top coating. The natural characteristics of the leather aniline hide still shows through while offering color consistency and increase durability. A Variety of finishes that may be added to the top of the leather to create a semi aniline are: pigmented coating, wax, oil, urethane and nitrocellulose lacquer coating.
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Pigmented/Protected/Top Coated/Painted -- Cleaning Code P |
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This is the most common leather type used in furniture, approximately 90% of the market. This leather has a uniform appearance and color. The leather has an intense color and a definite pattern (grain). You cannot see any natural leather markings through the top coatings, because a pigmented leather paint coat is applied to the surface. It is then sealed with a durable finish. Properly maintained, this finish will provide years of cleaning ability and durability.
Identifying characteristics are: uniform color and grain patterns; will not scratch easily; water drops will not change color. |
Sauvage
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Can be a semi aniline or pigmented leather with multiple layers of color or tones. Often used to create hand wiped, distressed, antique, and multicolored appearances. The color layer may be very subtle or have a drastic color change. A savauge leather should have a top coat applied over the color layer for durability.
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NuBuck/Suede -- Cleaning Code N |
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These are natural Aniline leathers that have been surface brushed or buffed on the grain side of the leather creating a nap and leaving a texture similar to velvet (softess of all leathers to the touch). Usually Nubuck has a natural finish, but may have a light protective coat and a transparent leather dye for color. This process increases the leathers surface exposure making it extremely absorbent to body oils and soil, and difficult to clean effectively.
Identifying characteristics: very soft to the touch, will scratch or scuff very easily; water drops will darken the leather but it returns to its original color after drying. |
Pull-Ups
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There are two catoglories of pull up -- wax and oil. Oil Pull ups are found on aniline leathers only, giving the leather a wet oil look and feel ( Example australian drover coat). The wax pull up finish can be applied over aniline or pigmented leather. This will leave a slick gloss feel and sheen to the surface of the leather.
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Bycast(Bicast)Leather
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Bycast is made from low quality leather or leather parts and a polyurethane coating is applied to the top. This finish is commonly found in the low-end furniture market. There are many different grades of bycast and we recommend refering to the manufacturer for care insructions
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Mircofiber
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Man made fibers are are extremenely fine, soft, and have excellent water resistance. These fibers are finer than a silk fiber and are made from polyester or poly-made nylon.
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Vinyl |
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This is a man-made fabric of plastic and cloth. You can identify vinyl by its highly uniform grain pattern. The surface will have a slick feel to it. The backside of the vinyl is lined with a cloth/fabric backing. If you have any cracks or cuts, you can see the fabric backing (usually white in color). | | | | | |