Leather tanning was one of the most ancient activities in human civilization when people used leather to make intricate items such as gloves, armour and footwear. Over time the industry has revolved bringing new technological advances that have made tanning and finishing hygienic, environmentally friendly and highly efficient in producing different qualities of leather.
The quality of leather not only depends on the processing technology used but also the breed of the animal, the climate where the animal lived and the layer of the hide being used. Here are the different types of leather you need to familiarize yourself with before selecting one for your lounge suite.
• Full-grain leather
This type of leather comes from the top layer of the hide making it the highest quality of leather. It retains the original imperfections and toughness because there are no splitting or surface alterations done to it thus making it suitable for Saddleback. Because of its strength and durability, it remains a popular choice which makes it the most expensive option. It is the most natural form of leather since it is formed by removing the hairs on the hide's epidermis. Full-grain leather is immersed in a transparent colour that colours it uniformly, but it is done in such a way that it retains its natural look.
• Top-grain leather
Top grain leather is attained from the outer hide, but unlike in full grain, all its imperfections are removed by sanding the surfaces. It is coated with artificial grain to give it an unbroken finish by covering the imperfections, scars and the scrapes. Top-grain leather is smooth and flexible with staining or pigmentation which gives it an attractive look. It is ranked second after full grain leather because it is strong but not as durable. It is used in making high-end products such as a lounge suite.
• Corrected grain/genuine leather
Corrected grain leather is made from the remaining skin layer after the top is split off and its surface is painted with spray and embossed with a leather-like pattern to give a natural appearance. Its processing alters the breathability of the leather due to the polishing used to correct the scratches present on the grain.
Good quality leather is quite expensive because it is durable and offers you a long-time service. Furniture manufacturers make use of all the various types of leather which have their own unique appearance, feel, and different purposes. It is upon you to choose the one that suits your desires the best.
