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Glossary of Leather Terms

Antiquing: A method of aging the appearance of a hide.
Usually done by hand, this technique is best suited for full-grain hides.

Corrected Grain: Hides whose original surface pattern or surface structure
has not bee changed.

Full Grain: Leather in which the grain layer or dermis has no been altered. The grain layer
gives each type of leather its distinctive appearance.

Hand: Industry term for the feel of leather.

Nubuck: A top-grain, aniline dyed leather that is buffed to create a soft nap. Not a true suede, which is made from the less desirable split hide. Especially vulnerable to stains, Nubucks are often lightly finished for protection.

Patina: A natural characteristic that develops on full grain leather through normal use over a period of time.

Pure Aniline: An aniline dyed hide, which has no finish. This is the ultimate leather often referred to as a naked resistance.

Pigmented: Leathers that have been sprayed with a pigmented, opaque finish. This ensures uniformity of shade and resistance to fading.

Pull Up: A look associated with quality leather. A pull up leather is one which, when pulled tight, produces a brilliant burst of color. Pull ups are full aniline leathers that have had an oil or wax application.

Semi Aniline: Leather that has been completely dyed through and has received a nominal amount of manufacturing coated that covers minor surface defects but sufficient enough to conceal the natural characteristics of the skin.

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