Leather Types
Leather can be made from the skin of any animal but in the furniture, auto, handbag and garment industry we are generally dealing with cows, sheep, goat, and pigs.
There are many different leather types but the main ones that you will hear mentioned are:
- Aniline (including Pull up leathers) (A)
- Semi-aniline
- Pigmented (protected, finished, coated) (P)
- Nubuck or Suede (N)
Aniline leather (A)
This is the most natural looking of all leathers
There will be natural markings visible
It will be less resistant to soiling as there is little surface finishing
Aniline leather is coloured with aniline dye and does not have a surface coating of polymer or pigment but may have a light coating of finish which will make it slightly more resistant to stains and soiling
Aniline leather is subject to fading
Pull Up Leather are often referred to as Oily or Waxy Pull Ups which denotes the type of finish that has been used
Do I have Aniline Leather?
How do I clean Aniline Leather
Aniline Leather Care Products
Semi-aniline leather
Usually has a light surface coating of pigment or finish making it more durable
This leather is more durable than aniline leather but will still retain a more natural appearance
The light surface coating of pigment and finish makes the leather slightly more durable than aniline leather and provides some stain resistance
The surface coating provides a more even colour but natural markings may still be visible
The term Semi Aniline is widely misused in the furniture industry so should be used with caution
Pigment Coated (protected, pigmented) leather (P)
Has a polymer coating on the surface which masks all the natural markings
Pigment Coated Leather can be the most durable of all leathers if looked after correctly
It is used for a large percentage of furniture upholstery and nearly all car upholstery
The surface coating contains pigments and finish which give the leather its durability and more resistance to staining but may be more easily scuffed
Nubuck Leather (N)
Nubuck Leather is an aniline dyed leather that has been buffed on the top grain surface of the leather to create a nap with a soft velvety feel.
Very absorbent due to the open nature of the grain.
If you need any further help with your leather type please email enquiries@LTTleathercare.co.uk or telephone 01423 881027 where our expert leather consultants will be happy to help
