Leather: Uncovered?

Real, untreated leather is a natural, organic product and as such, it should be considered along the same understanding as when buying marble or natural wooden products: no two hides of real leather will look alike. 

Choosing leather for upholstery can prove to be a confusing and unnerving prospect for some customers we meet here at Aram Store.  Full or Semi-Aniline?  Grain Sueded?  If these terms have you baffled, we hope the following guide to leather and the different ways it can be finished will help you.

Full Aniline (or Full Grain), untreated leathers have little or no foreign substance or protection applied to the surface therefore providing the most real, natural and luxurious appearance and feel.  All of the natural characteristics are visible and its properties are intact allowing the leather to breathe and maintain a high moisture content which, if cared for correctly, will provide a beautiful patina and softness over time.

But, there is no barrier against staining or bleaching caused by direct sunlight and Full Aniline leathers should always be selected with this in mind.

The recommended cleaning method for full aniline leather is to wipe the entire surface with a soft wool or cotton cloth dampened with cool water and not to not rub but rather wipe evenly over the surface. The idea is to attempt to even out smudges, abrasions or stains.  Never use any feeds, oils or waxes on full grain leather as these agents will seal the surface preventing breathability, forcing the natural fibre structure to break down.

Semi-Aniline (or Finished Leather) will be coated with a breathable protective finish which provides a very practical and easily maintainable upholstery surface.   But, this finishing will of course mask all the natural characteristics of leather providing a very uniform surface with some tanneries actually embossing a “grain pattern” onto the surface of the hide.

Recommended cleaning method for finished leathers is to use a cloth soaked in a mild soap/water solution (not detergent) and wring it out until damp.  Apply the cloth to the surface of the leather in a light circular motion, turning the cloth regularly.   Avoid aggressive rubbing action.  Repeat with a damp cloth rinsed in clean warm water.

And, again, as with Full Grain leather, never use any oils, feeds or waxes on finished leathers as these agents may open up the protective finish.

Grain Sueded leathers are just Full Grain leathers that have been lightly buffed to raise the nap of the surface.  This finish will, again, disguise any imperfections in the surface of the leather but also provide the softest feel of all.  This finish will also provide a greater soiling resistance and durability and this is formed within a resistant treatment in the manufacturing process which permeates the leather and bonds to its fibres without clogging the pores to repel dirt and liquid.

Accidental spillages should just bead and roll off the surface.  However, any spillages that are not blotted up immediately and are allowed to puddle will cause irreparable damage.  For normal care, sueded leather should just be brushed occasionally with a suede cleaning block to help remove general soiling.  This will restore the nap of the leather in areas such as armrests or headrests where a patina can develop from heavy use over time.

With regards to the visible “natural characteristics” mentioned in the description of Full Grain leather, the origin or causes of these naturally occurring textures and markings can be explained as follows:

Scarring - The scarring that can be found in leather is usually formed as a result of cattle brushing against barbed wire or the horns of their fellow cows but in no way should it be seen as a weakness in the hide. They should be viewed as more of a hallmark of authenticity and simply show the natural origin of the animal.

 Growth marks (veins) or 'fat lines' - The growth marks and ‘fat lines’ are merely an indication of the age of the animal and therefore should be viewed in the same way you would the graining in a piece of timber.  Quite pronounced growth marks will often be found in the neck and belly area of the animal as opposed subtler indications that will run along the backbone. 

Grain and shade variation - Grain and shade variation throughout a hide of leather will be apparent due to fibre texture and, as with growth marks, will vary greatly from the loose belly and flanks up to the tight areas across the backbone.  The variation in hair-pore structure is most noticeable in untextured leathers where clusters of open pores can sometimes be seen.

So, to put it simply for each discerning customer alike, all the natural characteristics of a real hide of leather are visible in the Full Aniline finish which will adapt, change and even improve in appearance over time with the proper care and attention.  The Semi Aniline treatment will mask these natural imperfections and provide a much more durable appearance and feel whilst a Grain Sueded leather will almost offer a little of the benefits of either of the aniline finishes: soft and luxurious in feel but durable and lightly protected by the raising of the nap.

We hope this short guide will provide you with some useful information when considering leather for upholstery but if you are ever in-store, please speak to any member of our experienced and knowledgeable sales team who will be happy to provide you with further assistance.

MYLES BROWN