Leather is a durable and rot-resistant product. It is obtained by tanning animal hide. This transformation is made possible by the expertise of tanners and leather dressers. By definition, all materials not derived from animal hides are therefore excluded from this designation.
Everything you need to know about the finest leather!
The top layer of the skin, that is, the dermal structure where the hairs are rooted, is called the "grain." Full-grain leather is the densest part of the hide, the part that, once tanned, has undergone no further alteration. It is the finest treatment that can be applied to a hide.
Are there several varieties of full-grain leather?
For connoisseurs and leather professionals, there are primarily 3 qualities:
- Full-grain aniline leather is made from hides with very few imperfections and retaining their full thickness. A thin, transparent finish is applied to preserve the leather's natural appearance. These are high-quality leathers with an inimitable look, showcasing the natural grain.
- Pigmented full-grain leather: here again, the full thickness of the hide has been preserved. However, to conceal certain imperfections, a more or less thick opaque finish has been applied. The result is a well-protected leather that is very easy to care for, but with a slightly less natural appearance.
- Corrected grain leather with a pigmented finish: the grain of the leather has been sanded to improve its appearance and conceal major imperfections. A thicker, opaque layer is then applied. The natural look and feel are partially lost. This type of leather is described as "coated."
