Leather finishing is an essential step in the manufacturing of leather products. It involves treating animal hide with various techniques to enhance its texture and durability. This article will guide the different types of leather finishing and their purposes.
What is Leather Finishing?
Leather finishing refers to treating the leather’s surface to enhance its appearance and texture. It is the final stage in leather production, where the leather uses various techniques to achieve the desired properties. Leather finishing involves coloring, embossing, buffing, polishing, and coating. These treatments aim to improve the leather’s aesthetic appeal, protect it from damage and wear, and give it the desired texture and feel. The leather used for footwear requires a different finishing technique than furniture. Finishing in leather treats animal hide to elevate its texture, appearance, and usability. The process is crucial in manufacturing leather products as it ensures that the leather looks appealing and lasts longer.
The Motive of Leather Finishing
The purpose of leather finishing is to produce high-quality leather products. Leather finishing aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal and durability of leather products. Finishing can involve applying various chemicals and coatings to the leather surface. In the case of cowhide leather, finishing can create a beautiful patina, which is natural discoloration. Leather enthusiasts seek a well-crafted leather patina because it gives the leather a unique character. Here are some of the critical reasons why leather finishing is necessary:
- Protection: Leather finishing helps to protect the surface of the leather from damage and wear caused by daily use. The finishing can include coatings or treatments that repel water and resist stains.
- Aesthetics: Leather finishing can enhance the appearance of the leather by adding color, texture, and shine. It can also create unique patterns or designs through embossing, stamping, or laser engraving.
- Durability: Leather finishing can improve the durability of the leather by making it more resistant to abrasion. The finishing can also help to prevent the leather from becoming stiff or brittle over time.
- Functionality: Depending on the use of the leather, finishing can create specific functionalities. It includes adding grip to a leather steering wheel or making a leather jacket more breathable.
What are the Types of Leather Finishing?
Leather finishes are the final touches that give leather products a unique appearance and feel. The finish is the process of the leather’s surface to create a desired texture or look. For those who prefer a more durable and easy-to-clean option, microfiber leather finishing may be a great choice. Here are some common types of leather finishes:
- Burnishing Leather: Burnishing is a finishing technique that gives the leather a polished and smooth look. This finish uses a wood slicker on the surface of the leather, after which beeswax is applied. Burnishing gives the leather a soft shine that sometimes gives off an oily look.
- Antique Grain Leather: This type of leather has an aged and worn-out surface. It gives more than one layer of an application. This type of finish can produce antique products, giving them a unique and vintage look.
- Bicast Leather: Bicast leather from split leather with an added layer of embossed and polyurethane. Its patterned appearance identifies it and comes with a shiny finish. Bicast leather is often used in furniture because of its durability and ease of maintenance.
- Embroidered Leather: As the title shows, this is the type of leather finish with embroidery. Colored leather is a decorative technique that uses thread or yarn to stitch designs or patterns onto the leather. The embroidery can be done by hand or machine and applied to various leather goods such as men’s leather pants, leather shorts, and Leather Vests.
- Faux Leather: This is synthetic leather from vinyl or polyurethane. This type of leather is faux, but it looks like genuine leather. It is often more affordable and more accessible to maintain than natural leather.
- Nappa Leather: Nappa leather is high-quality leather made from the top layer of a lamb’s skin. It is known for its soft, smooth texture and durability and uses such as luxury car interiors and designer handbags.
- Nubuck Leather: Nubuck leather is a type of leather that has been sanded or buffed on the outer surface to create a soft and velvety texture. It is made from the top layer of cowhide and is like suede in its appearance and feels. Nubuck leather is durable and water-resistant but requires special care to avoid staining.
- Pull-Up Leather: This type of leather finishes as pull-up or waxy weather. Pull-up leather, also known as oil-tanned leather, has been treated with oils and waxes to give it a distressed and rugged appearance. The oils and waxes move as the leather is stretched or bent, creating a unique, natural patina. It has a silky and matte texture.
- Patent Leather: Patent leather has a glossy appearance, and it is due to the coating of linseed oil. Recently, the linseed oil finish has been replaced with a plastic coating. Patent leather is often used for formal shoes and accessories.
- Pigmented Leather: The top coating of this leather has been done via paint. It helps even out the surface and adds a protective layer to the leather. Pigment leather seals the leather used in car interiors and furniture.
- Suede Leather: Suede leather has a similar process to Nubuck leather finishing. Suede is often used for shoes, bags, and jackets. Many different leather textures are available, each with a unique appeal. Some popular options include smooth leather with a sleek and polished appearance and suede leather with a soft and velvety feel.
High-Quality Leather Finishes are Available At Grainy Leather Jacket
At Grainy Leather, we offer a range of leather finishes for your custom grainy leather jacket. Opt for a semi-aniline or aniline finish achieving a natural, full-grain look. If you prefer a more consistent look, we also offer pigmented finishes. Additionally, we provide embroidery finishes to add a touch of personalization. Besides, our bespoke services allow customization to cater to your preferences and style.
Final Thoughts
Leather finishing is a crucial process in the manufacturing of leather products. It enhances the appearance and durability of the leather, making it more appealing and long-lasting. Aniline, semi-aniline, pigment, nubuck, suede, and pull-up are some of the popular types of leather finishing used in the industry. Men’s leather jackets can last for years with proper care and maintenance.