Leather tanning is the process of treating animal hides to make them suitable for use in clothing, furniture, and other items. The process involves soaking the hides in a solution of water and chemicals, which helps to remove the hair and fat from the hide. The hides are then treated with a variety of chemicals, such as tannins, which help to preserve the hide and give it a desired color. The hides are then dried and stretched, and then treated with oils and waxes to give them a soft, supple feel. Finally, the hides are dyed and finished with a variety of treatments, such as embossing, to give them a unique look and feel. Leather tanning is a complex process that requires a great deal of skill and knowledge, but the end result is a beautiful, durable material that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Leather finishes are the final step in the leather tanning process and can be used to create a variety of looks and textures. The most common types of leather finishes are aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented, and nubuck. Aniline leather is the most natural looking and has a soft, supple feel. It is dyed with soluble dyes that penetrate the hide and allow the natural grain and markings to show through. Semi-aniline leather is a combination of aniline and pigmented leather. It is dyed with aniline dyes and then coated with a thin layer of pigment to provide a more uniform color and greater protection from stains and fading. Pigmented leather is the most durable and is coated with a thick layer of pigment to provide a uniform color and greater protection from stains and fading. Nubuck leather is a type of aniline leather that has been buffed to create a velvety texture. It is more susceptible to staining and fading than other types of leather, so it requires more care and maintenance.