The language of Leather Furniture:

Aniline

Transparent dye for fine leather hides. It permeates the entire hide and results in rich color.

Aniline Leather

Leather that has been dyed only with transparent aniline dyes;no opaque coatings have been added.The finest, full top-grain hides are aniline dyed.

Antiquing

Artificially aging a hide’s appearance. Usually hand-done; best suited for fullgrain leather.

Buffing

The mechanical process,before coloration, that minimizes the scars and scratches on a hide.

Corrected Grain Leather

Leather that has an artificial grain embossed onto it after the natural range marks have been buffed out.

Cowhide

In upholstery terms, the entire hide of a bovine–about 45-55 square feet.

Drum Dyeing

Also known as vat dyeing.Assures full dye penetration; hides are immersed in dye and tumbled in a steel drum.

Effect Coat

A smokey,marbled, two-tone look that adds surface interest and dimension.

Embossing

Permanent artificial grain patterns,added through heat and pressure to corrected grain hides.

Fat Wrinkles

Marks in leather grain caused by natural fat deposits.These marks are usually not seen in corrected grain leather.

Full Grain

Hides that the natural grain pattern has not been mechanically altered.All aniline leather comes from full-grain hides.

Glazing

Also called top-coating.The application of protective transparent resins to the leather, resulting in a high-gloss or matte finish.

Grain

The natural pattern of pores and wrinkles on a hide.

Hand

An industry term for the feel of leather. For example,“The hand of this pure aniline leather is excellent–very soft.”

Kela Sauvagé

A mechanical process that adds a sauvagé look during the finishing stage. A relief roller creates a marbled look and enhances the finish’s character.

Milling

Massaging of hides, through tumbling to ensure softness.

Nubuck

Leather which is lightly buffed after dyeing (usually aniline dye) to produce a suede-like nap.Generally it features a moisture repellent.Should be brushed regularly to maintain nap.

Patina

The luster or shine that develops on leather surfaces with time and use.

Pigmenting

Colorings and coatings to the leather to cover imperfections, resulting in wearand fade-resistant hides.

Premium Select

The finest leather hides available, exhibiting few imperfections.About five percent of all hides are premium select quality.

Sauvagé

Adding depth to a hide’s finish, this marbled appearance comes from blending similar colors during the dyeing process.

Semi-aniline Leather

Hides that have been dyed throughout and have a surface finish applied. These leathers offer both a soft hand and protective benefits.

Splits

The under layers of leather,generally finished as suede,or embossed with corrected grain for use on secondary surfaces of upholstered furniture.

Top Grain

The uppermost layer of a hide.This is the highest quality part of a hide, applicable for fine upholstery leather.

Tumbling

A mechanical process that softens the texture and enhances the grain of hides.Hides are tumbled in drums for several hours.