What is Leather?
Leather Types
Leather Quality
Leather Cutting
How do I take care of my Leather?

What is Leather?
Leather is a renewable natural resource which, if not produced, would have to be replaced by synthetic materials derived from non-renewable resources. The leather industry utilizes hides and skins which would, if the industry did not exist to process them, create an enormous waste disposal problem and accompanying health hazards.

Leather is produced from the hides and skins from animals that have been accepted as fit for processing for human consumption, at approved slaughterhouses, where the handling and treatment of cattle fully meets animal welfare and hygiene requirements. Tanneries recognize that the quality of the hides and skins they receive generally reflects the health, welfare and husbandry conditions, which have applied during the life of the animal. A tannery’s efficiency and profitability depends, in large part, on the quality of the raw materials it sources.

Used in everything from children’s shoes to aircraft seals, for centuries leather has contributed to the quality of our everyday lives. Back to top

Leather types
The principal types of leather used by the upholstery industry are:

a. Corrected Grain
This leather is produced from a lower selection of hides that are dyed and machine buffed to remove defects and imperfections from the surface layer. After being heavily coated with pigments, a replacement grain must be embossed to recreate their natural appearance and look.

This product is highly resistant to wear, light and stains. It can be cleaned quite easily, although it is always advisable to clean any spill or stain as soon as it occurs.

b. Semi-Aniline
Produced from the finest raw hides, semi-aniline leather is fully aniline dyed in drums. The leather is lightly covered with organic pigment, which makes the dyeing more uniform and increases its resistance to wear, light and stains.

c. Full Aniline
Full aniline is one of the softest leathers to the touch, and is typically produced from the finest selection of raw hides. Dyeing takes place in large wooden drums where the hides are bathed until the desired colour is achieved. The natural surface of these hides remains unaltered, and their structure is easily recognized.

d. Suede
Suede is produced from the under layer of the hide that has been split. The split side is aniline dyed and buffed to create the typical velvety effect. Suede splits are typically used in upholstery, shoes, garments and handbags. Back to top

Leather Quality
Raw material quality is a prime concern of tanneries the world over. For its raw materials, the tanning industry is entirely dependent on cattle hides, sheep skins, as well as a small number of goat and other skins. For the tannery, the raw hides and skins represent 50% to 60% of the cost of producing a piece of leather.

For competitive reasons, many companies in the leather industry specialize in producing specific types of leather. These companies are dependant upon the tannery to supply hides and skins of the appropriate quality to suit their target markets.

The quality of leather that the tannery can produce is determined primarily by the quality of the raw hides that it buys. However, the quality of the hides cannot truly be fully assessed until after the hair or wool has been removed, and after the completion of the tanning process when the hide has been turned into leather. The value of the hide depends on the leather’s end use.

Like all natural products, leather is not always perfect. The quality of the hide or skin is largely related to the amount of damage to the grain (or “outside”) surface. The damage may be due to skin parasites, related scratches, husbandry practices on the farm or in transport of the live animal. Most types of damage can be reduced or avoided altogether by proper management of the animal or the hide. While most imperfections are typically removed from the finished hide, the following types of markings can appear on the leather’s surface:

• Brand marks
• Insect bites
• Healed scratches and scars
• Stretch and vein marks
• Wrinkles due to age

Parts of a hide
The following parts of an animal hide can all be used in the production of leather:

a) Cheek b) Face c) Shoulder d) Fore shank e) Belly f) Bend g) Butt h) Belly middle i) Hind shank

Leather Cutting
Different areas of the hide are typically categorized as either “A”, “B” or “C” areas, depending on their quality and end use. Based on this categorization, the leather is then cut appropriately.

"A" Areas

• Premium portions of the hides are used
• Used in visible areas and parts most likely to come in contact with the user
• Small scars that are completely healed-over can be used
• Neck and flank wrinkles are not acceptable

"B" Areas

• Middle grades of leather
• Used in areas seen but not normally touched by the user
• Larger, healed-over scars will be used
• Neck and flank wrinkles more prevalent
• Small, finished-over brands are acceptable

"C" Areas

• Lowest grade of leather used by CTL
• Used in areas not normally seen or touched by the user
• Large rough areas and imperfections are acceptable
• Heavy shade and grain variations are acceptable

Back to top

How do I take care of my leather?
Leather is a versatile and durable material with a wide range of desirable attributes including, flexibility, strength, and breathability. It can also be treated to be resistant to both heat and water. With proper care, quality leather products will maintain their look and feel over long periods of time. However, the correct method of care may vary, depending on the type of leather. Use the following tips to care for your leather furniture and garments:

• Regular dusting and wiping for most leathers is sufficient to keep them clean. Occasional wiping with a moist cloth is also recommended.
• If the leather becomes soiled with grease, beverages or other liquids, it should be wiped immediately in a circular motion using a sponge or chamois with lukewarm water and a small amount of soap. The leather should then be dried gently using a cloth.
• For full aniline leathers, regular vacuuming with a soft brush is recommended. Do not use water or other liquids.
• If you plan to use a leather cleaning kit, the directions on the package should be followed.
• Never use shoe polish, vinegar, saddle soap or any other chemical substance to clean leather. If you have damaged leather, contact a professional cleaner.

Back to top