The Legacy of leather goes back to thousands of years. It is used to make different types of accessories and due to it’s properties leather items are used in wearables and other essential items. Leather is loved by many and it is made from different tanned hyde and skin of animals.
In reality there are unlimited number of leather grades present out there. In general leather are distinguished in five grades. The greats of leather is basically distinguished on the fact about how it is manufactured, what layer of hyde is used, the usage of material and the tanning process.
What are leather grades
Cowhide Leather:
Cow is an animal which has a very thick skin. Not only that but the skin of cow has many properties for instance it has many layers. The two of its layers may be distinguished as grain and corium. The corium is the lower skin layer and it has the ability to get thicker with time. The collagen levels in the corium are very high which makes it perfect to be used in making flexible cowhide jackets. The lower most layer is taken out to be made into a type of leather called suede. Now coming on to the two most upper layers which are called grain and are distinguished into two types that is full grain and top grain. The grain contains a large amount of collagen and consists of tightly packed collagen bundles. The top side of skin of the cow is slightly rough due to the environment in which the cow lives. It is rough as it contains scars, insect bites or other blemishes. Tanneries often remove the most outer layer due to its roughness or hide out the scars with paint or other techniques. Having a depend knowledge about the grades of leather is very important in choosing the right leather product for yourself.
As we have discussed the greats of leather does not depend upon the quality of leather but it depends on which part of the animal skin the leather is taken out.
Leather Quality
There are many tanneries present all around the world. Each and everyone of them process leather in their own way keeping in mind Different techniques different Technology and different manufacturing methods. The quality of leather solely depends on following what standards or steps a tannery has processed a leather product. For instance we use different products each day where some products are of low quality, some consist of higher quality. Same is the case with leather, where there are different manufacturers present there are different qualities present.
Leather grade history
It was best identified by the manufacturers that in order to avail leather the process of leather splitting will be the best technique to sort out the desired leather. During the earlier times when the technology that could display the leather was invented, the leather which was commonly used was full grain. After the Boom of industrialisation, the advancement of Technology allowed the invention of many characteristics of leather grades were created such as bonded leather.
When the leather is wet at the initial stage the tanneries split the cowhide, before the tanning and processing so that after processing the leather would be even on all sides and so that the chemical, color, waxes and dyes would penetrate easily during the process.
The grades of leather are discussed below in detail.
Full grain leather:
This type of leather is processed keeping the hyde intact. When full grain leather is made the hair is removed but the surface remains untouched. Therefore it contains all the scars, blemishes, bug bites and stretch marks naturally present on the cow skin. But this is the exact reason why it is considered the most unique and rare form of the leather. The top most layer contains large amount of collagen to produce fine grain. This type of leather is expensive and it is the most durable. It lasts a lifetime and it is mostly used to make products such as upholstery, saddlery and footwear, due to its toughness and thickness.
Because it is a natural form of leather, it is going to get better with time if taken care of properly. The moisture and oils will be better observe by the fabric making it more flexible and Shiny.
The texture of a two would be such that it would contain different Shades across the leather material such as pigmentation and guys will very across the product. It is even possible that the hair fossils will be visible, in some products of this type of leather.
Top grain leather:
Top grain leather is similar to full grain leather, but the main difference is that in top grain all the imperfections of cowhyde are removed. It goes through sanding process so that the tanneries can easily tan or shape it. The process removes all the scars and uneven colouring or dyes, while making the texture even on all sides, so that no variation in colour remains.
It is considered a high end form of leather. The fabric feels like wax and it is less breathable. It looks more uniform and smooth on the surface.
Split grain leather:
This is also called suede leather. This type of leather is made from the lower layer of the cow skin. It is free from all the perfections. It is made after seperating the grain from the corium part. The material is quiet flexible. It can be moulded into different things mainly suede jackets, shoes, sofas or purses made out of suede. Split grain leather goes by other names as well such as napa leather, corrected leather, coated leather, embossed leather and also painted leather. This type of leather may serve the purpose of a leather but it is not as strong or as durable as other types of leather. The split leather may not be water resistant, dust resistant or stain resistant as compared to other types of leather. It has a plastic feel to it. It has a uniform texture and zero breathability.
Genuine leather:
Genuine leather according to its name is not so genuine as it is a mixture of seceral layers of bonded leather along with a coated vinyl layer to make it stronger. It is extracted from the most lower layer of the hide. The leather goes through further processes after which it loses its natural charm. It is less breathable and all the scratches and scars are removed from the leather after the buffing or sanding process. This type of leather is used in several accessories,clothing, belts and footwear.
Bonded leather:
When scraps of different leather are manufactured into one by latex or polyurethane coating and reconstructed with the filler then bonded leather is created. It is mainly used in making various office supplies, books, couches and furniture. It is ofen known as blended leather as it is not the original form of leather, just the shredded scraps coming together, mainly PVC fiber and 20% leather. It is not so much breathable and gives the feel of plastic. Due to its lower quality it has a short life and it has a uniform texture with spray painting for the glossy look.
Which leather is right for you
Cowhide leather is considered one of the best due to its properties. Each and every grade of leather has its own personality and style which provides each consumer with a different aura and variety of product to choose from. After reading this guide you may be now well familiar with leather and different types of leather grades and you can now choose and buy according to yiur requirement. A good grain of leather may cost a lot of money but it will last a lifetime. Therefore it is necessary to amke your investment in leather worthwhile.
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