Leather Glossary

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

Bicast leather: A synthetic upholstery product consisting of a thick polyurethane layer applied to a leather or reconstituted leather substrate. This process helps strengthen the leather and adds life to the furniture club chair piece.

Corrected Grain: Leather in which the grain layer or dermis has not 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 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 coating that covers minor surface defects but not sufficient enough to conceal the natural characteristics of the skin.

Split: A term used to describe the under portion of a hide or skin, split into two or more thicknesses.

Suede: Generally the inner side of the hide or skin next to the meat of the animal, buffeted to a smooth finish. Suede may also be split from a thick hide.

Tanning: A chemical process converting a raw hide into a stable product which is no longer susceptible to decay.