Aniline Leather

Pure or Nude Aniline Leathers

This is the highest quality leather available. Its color is only derived from the Aniline dye process. This dying process on aniline leather can be comparable to the way a stain reacts to bare wood. Some parts of the leather receive the dye more readily than other parts. As a result, you get a depth of color tone patterns that make pure aniline one of the richest looking and most desirable leathers available. Aniline leathers are literally naked allowing the natural beauty of the grain to show through.

All leather hides will have some flaws, even aniline leather. Hair follicles, slight scratches, bug bites or surface marks are part of the make-up of natural leather and each piece should be regarded as completely unique and original. These flaws or character marks will not affect the durability or performance of the leather.

Only the finest hides in the world fall in the category of nude aniline leather. People who truly love natural products are particularly fond of this type of leather. Through the years, nude aniline leather develops a patina which adds to its value as a focal point in any room. Only 5% of the world's hide supply falls into this category. This is generally the most expensive leather available.

Full Aniline

Some of the finest hides in the world fall into this category, slightly inferior to pure aniline. The only difference is that these hides have just a few more blemishes and color variations. A slight protective finish is applied by roller or is introduced in the tanning process to give the leather additional stain resistance and serviceability.

Oil and Wax Pull-up Leathers

Oil and wax pull-up leathers are basically aniline leathers that are coated with a certain wax or oil on the surface of the leather to produce a finish that gives a unique feel and response to wear. Some oil pull-ups have a slight sticky or a clingy feel to them. Wax pull-ups have a slick, waxy feel to them. Wax pull-ups also have a distinctive look about them; the natural lines in the leather are distinctly lighter than the rest of the surface of the leather, almost appearing like slight cracks.

How can you tell the difference between a wax pull-up and a full or pure aniline leather?

If you push on the surface of the leather firmly with your hand and the surface gets lighter, it is probable that you're looking at a wax pull-up. Now rub the same area briskly. Does it darken due to the friction and heat you just created? If it does, it's a wax pull-up. Oil pull-ups react in a similar fashion but are not quite as responsive. Surface scratches on oil pull-ups require more work and respond with more difficulty.

All of these types of leathers can scratch or mar easily, although most of these problems can be corrected. The properties of oil and wax pull-up leathers are very similar to pure and full aniline leathers; they sun fade and soil easily. These problems can be corrected. Most sun fading can be avoided by keeping your leather furniture from being exposed to direct sunlight.

Aniline Leather Conclusion

All aniline leathers are repairable to varying degrees. However, aniline leather is more difficult to repair than most other leather types. Scratches, abrasions, small tears (depending on location of tear), burns (depending on the severity of the burn) and most cuts can be repaired.

All aniline leathers are highly susceptible to sun fading and staining. As a result, you should not consider this type of furniture for placement in front of a large window. Similarly, it should not be located in a high wear area such as a family room, dining room or kitchen where children and pets will have unrestricted access. This can only lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction with your leather furniture.

As a result, you could come to the conclusion that leather is too expensive and is not durable. Both of these assumptions would be inaccurate. Choosing the proper type of leather for the situation is very important.

Most all aniline leathers can be cleaned and some stains can be removed (ball point ink, for instance), although there are exceptions to this rule. There is no way of truly knowing until one of our technicians attempts to clean or remove the stain. Over 95% of all pure and full aniline leathers can be effectively cleaned and most stains removed, restoring the natural beauty of the leather.