Types of Leather
One can ask the question – why are there so many different types of leather? Its simple, and all down to cost. Some chairs, for example in bonded leather, will be much cheaper than a semi-aniline chair; or, put another way, the Europa (bonded leather) would be perhaps twice the price if it was made in full grain aniline!
Aniline Leather
Aniline leather is the most natural looking leather with the unique surface characteristics of the hide remaining visible. Aniline leather is coloured only with dye and not with a surface coating of polymer and pigment. A light surface coating may be applied to enhance its appearance and offer slight protection against spillage’s and soiling. Aniline is usually the most expensive leather for use on furniture.
Semi-aniline Leather
Semi-aniline leather is more durable than aniline whilst still retaining a natural appearance. The increased durability is provided by the application of a light surface coating which contains a small amount of pigment. This ensures consistent colour and imparts some stain resistance.
Pigmented Leather
Pigmented Leather is the most durable and is used in the majority of furniture upholstery and almost all car upholstery. The durability is provided by a polymer surface coating which contains pigments.
The surface coating allows the manufacturer more control over the properties of the leather, e.g. resistance to scuffing or fading.
The thickness of the surface coating can vary but if the mean thickness is more than 0.15mm then the product can’t be sold as leather in the United Kingdom due to consumer protection legislation.
Full Grain Pigmented Leather
The grain surface is left intact before applying the surface coating.
Corrected Grain Pigmented Leather
The grain surface is abraded to remove imperfections before the surface coating is applied. A decorative grain pattern is then embossed into the surface. (Indistinguishable from full grain pigmented leather to the naked eye)
Finished Split Leather
The middle or lower section of a hide with a polymer coating applied and embossed to mimic a grain leather. Finished splits should only be used in low stress applications because they are weaker than grain leather.
(Indistinguishable from full grain pigmented leather to the naked eye)
Antique Grain (two-tone or rub-off)
A special surface effect has been created to mimic the unique ‘worn’ appearance of traditional leathers. This is achieved by applying a contrasting top-coat which is applied unevenly or partially rubbed off to reveal a paler underlying colour.
Pull-up Leather (also known as waxy or oily pull-up)
A special surface effect has been created to mimic the unique ‘worn’ appearance of traditional leathers. This is achieved by applying a contrasting top-coat which is applied unevenly or partially rubbed off to reveal a paler underlying colour.
Bellissimo Bonded Leather
A superior grade of reconstituted leather used in the manufacture of upholstery. The material is leather that is “left over” or otherwise not in its original form, pressed together and adhered to other leather via a bonding agent. Bonded leather is not classed as artificial leather or synthetic leather. Bonded leather is an option that includes real leather.
The difference between bonded leather and genuine leather, in terms of quality and looks, can be hard to see. The grains and textures of bonded leather look very close to that of genuine leather. In some cases, the only difference may be that the texture of the bonded leather may not be quite as pronounced as that of natural-grained genuine leather. However, the function, smell and overall appearance remains much the same as genuine leather because it is tannery made, and manufactured on the same equipment using the same methods as genuine leather.
The other major difference with bonded leather is in the cost. It is often available at a substantial discount over genuine leather. This is because the leather scraps, or leather fibers, would have no other value, or very little value, if not made into a bonded form. Therefore, it is still considered a good deal for the manufacturer to sell it at a reduced cost.
Nubuck
Aniline dyed leather which has been lightly abraded on the grain surface to create a velvety finish or nap. In some cases the grain pattern is still visible. The nap is very fine because of the tight fibre structure in the grain layer.
“Faux Leather” or “Leather Match”
Dont be fooled by these terms – it is all Polyurethane! However, dont be put off by the use of PU, it is a way to REDUCE the price of a chair, is hard wearing and tough, and is an excellent match with the leather. Mostly it it used on the non-contact areas of a chair, with the sole purpose of reducing the price – saving you money!
