Leather Terms Guide

Some terms frequently used in the leather processing and production process are very important for those who want to be knowledgeable in the industry. In this article, we will examine the meanings and areas of use of basic leather-related terms.

1. Leather Types

Full Grain Leather

It is the highest quality leather obtained from the outermost layer of the animal's skin. Its natural structure is preserved and it gets more beautiful over time.

Top Grain Leather

It is a type of leather whose top surface has been sanded and smoothed, aesthetically smoother but with reduced durability compared to full grain leather.

Split Leather

It is a more economical type of leather obtained from the lower layer, generally used in suede production.

Bonded Leather

It is a low-quality product obtained by bonding genuine leather scraps with adhesives and synthetic materials.

2. Leather Processing Methods

Tanning

It is a chemical process carried out to prevent leather decay and increase its durability.

Vegetable Tanning

It is an environmentally friendly process carried out with tannins obtained from natural plant extracts.

Chrome Tanning

It gives results in a short time. It is the most commonly used tanning method in industry.

3. Leather Surface Treatments

Aniline Leather

It is a soft and luxurious type of leather that preserves its natural appearance, whose surface is unpainted or coated with a thin layer of paint.

Semi-Aniline Leather

It is a type of leather containing a protective coating, providing both aesthetics and durability.

Pigmented Leather

It is a type of leather that is completely painted and coated, durable but with reduced natural texture.

4. Other Important Terms

Patina

It is the change in color and texture that develops over time in leather products, which is considered aesthetically valuable.

Grain

It is the natural pattern or texture on the leather surface. It is an important factor determining the quality of the leather.

Nubuck

It is a type of leather that gives a velvety feel, obtained by lightly sanding the leather surface.

Suede

It is a type of leather with a soft surface and matte appearance, obtained by processing the lower layer of the leather.

Conclusion

The leather sector, along with its terminology, is a very broad field. The terms listed above are important concepts to have basic knowledge in this field and to be able to evaluate products correctly.

You can view all our genuine leather product models in our genuine leather products collection — they are produced by hand in our workshop in Gerede.