Understanding your leather:
Pigmented leather is the most widely used finishing technique, accounting for 95% of the worlds leather production.
This leather consists of a uniform surface by means of a basecoat of pigments and resins followed with a protective topcoat. They can be identified by their consistent colour and uniformity.
Bycast leather (also known as bonded, split leather or PU leather) is split leather with a layer of polyurethane applied
to the surface and then embossed.
Pull Up leather is a full grain, aniline dyed leather that is oiled or waxed. When pulled, the oils or waxes cause the colouring to migrate and become lighter in the pulled areas.
Semi-aniline hides have a light surface coating applied to the leather after dyeing. Hides in this category show fewer natural characteristics and are harder wearing than full aniline hides. Often used in sofa and upholstered chairs.
Leather - an introduction:
Leather is arguably the most desirable upholstery and automotive interior covering in South Africa if not globally. At present the South African market is one of the leading leather producers worldwide. The most popular of leather applications, is for the furniture and automotive industries.
The use of animal skins by man goes back thousands of years. It is undoubtedly true to say that the leather industry is one of, if not the oldest industries known to man. No one can be pointed to being a particular genius in the history of the industry and it is not a history of spectacular inventions or of outstanding contributions by great names, but a steady progress stemming from the experience, integrity and skill of innumerable craftsmen tanners over literally thousands of years. Leather is made from the skins of any animal, reptile, bird or fish, by a process called tanning. This process preserves the skin, which would
otherwise quickly decay or putrefy.From the primitive methods of early man, the industry today is highly scientifically based and constant research is applied towards improving leathers to fit in with modern living.
With a few exceptions, hides or skins are by-products. Animals are reared for meat, milk and wool and not for the value of their skins. As a consequence, the tanner is not able to control the supply of raw hides and skins, which he purchases in open markets all over the world and is in competition with tanners on a global basis. Many attempts have been made to create artificial leather however nothing can compare to the real article for durability, look and feel.
Leather is arguably the most desirable upholstery and automotive interior covering in South Africa if not globally. At present the South African market is one of the leading leather producers worldwide. The most popular of leather applications, is for the furniture and automotive industries.
The use of animal skins by man goes back thousands of years. It is undoubtedly true to say that the leather industry is one of, if not the oldest industries known to man. No one can be pointed to being a particular genius in the history of the industry and it is not a history of spectacular inventions or of outstanding contributions by great names, but a steady progress stemming from the experience, integrity and skill of innumerable craftsmen tanners over literally thousands of years. Leather is made from the skins of any animal, reptile, bird or fish, by a process called tanning. This process preserves the skin, which would
otherwise quickly decay or putrefy.From the primitive methods of early man, the industry today is highly scientifically based and constant research is applied towards improving leathers to fit in with modern living.
With a few exceptions, hides or skins are by-products. Animals are reared for meat, milk and wool and not for the value of their skins. As a consequence, the tanner is not able to control the supply of raw hides and skins, which he purchases in open markets all over the world and is in competition with tanners on a global basis. Many attempts have been made to create artificial leather however nothing can compare to the real article for durability, look and feel.
