The world of leather is very wide and varied, so there are also several technical words that, if you do not have some experience in the sector, are somewhat difficult to understand. One of the sections of these technicalities corresponds to the finishes of the skin.
We understand finishing as the set of operations and treatments, essentially surface, that are applied to leather as a final part of the manufacturing process.
Finished leathers can be classified as follows:
1.- Finishes according to the amount of pigment:
This classification is based mainly on its degree of transparency, quantity and the type of pigment used. We find:
Aniline finish: The leather is covered with a transparent film using transparent organic pigments and protein binders, resins and other products that do not provide covering effects. It is one of the finest to the touch, which makes it one of the most delicate. This finish is achieved when the aniline color penetrates through the pore, having the advantage that it does not change the surface or the lid. Color variations are inevitable, since each leather maintains its particular structure. But to your satisfaction, the skin preserves the traces inherited by nature and the life of the animal such as: enlargement folds, insect bites, scars, scratches, marks...etc.
Semi-aniline finish: Finish with a certain coverage power achieved by adding moderate amounts of pigment and appropriate products to maintain a not fully covering effect on the flower. Usually this type of leather is colored with aniline and then pigmented. They wear a colored cape to cover and protect them. It is common for their surfaces to be smooth and have scars depending on the model and finish.
Pigmented finish: These leathers are usually quite strong and show good lightfastness. The grain of the skin is covered with a layer made from inorganic colors. The surface is corrected for cleaning imperfections. Sometimes this type of skin is engraved in order to give it a more attractive appearance. The pigmentation gives the leather good resistance to light and durability, although it reduces its smoothness and softness to the touch. Excellent durability with minimal maintenance.
2.- Finishes according to the type of binders:
Protein finishes: It is the one that uses protein binders such as casein.
Thermoplastic finishes: It is a finish that uses acrylic, butadiene, polyurethane-based binders or other thermodeformable resins.
3.- Final finishes:
The protein binders and the polishing operation give the finishes their typical properties of high transparency, gloss, touch, natural appearance, excellent gloss and transparency.
The skins are placed in a drum, as its name indicates, where it spends approximately 8 hours circling, hitting the walls of the drum and breaking the fibers. When these fibers break, the skin, once it comes out of the drum, is very soft and droopy. The longer it stays in the drum, the softer and softer it will be. Throughout this process, the leather has acquired a kind of natural engraving or texture, unique to each leather.
It is a polyurethane finish with one or two components. It consists of obtaining a thick layer of polyurethanes on the surface of the leather that provides the typical shine of this article.
It is the finish that covers the leather with a pre-manufactured film transferred through a mechanical process and all kinds of fantasies and laminates are obtained in an infinite number of imitations and colors.
Florentique finish (novantique or brush off):
Full coverage finish that, by brushing, gives an effect of color contrast, fill and intense shine.
It is achieved by impregnating oil and folding the leather undergoes reversible lightening. Improves the impermeability and durability of the leather, giving it a unique aged look.
It is achieved by the impregnation of waxes and is gently removed by brushing. It is a rustic-style variation of the aniline or semi-aniline finishes with a special intensity and contrasting color distribution.
The finish is reduced to the application of waxes. The leathers have a completely natural appearance, they should darken and shine when brushed.
It is the finish that, by means of hot and molded irons, manages to imitate all kinds of textures, turning smooth skins into imitation animal skins or various shapes.
In certain articles, a final ironing is carried out to 'stiffen' the leather a bit and give it more rigidity.
4.- Plush finishes:
It consists of a sanding on the grain side that is given to any leather regardless of its origin. In this case we find split leather, nubuck and suede. If you want to be an expert differentiating between these three products with similar characteristics, you can consult our article Learn to differentiate between suede, split leather and nubuck.
At La Tendeta del Cuero we are professionals in the sector with more than 20 years of experience and we know a lot about leather and its different finishes. If you have doubts or questions, you just have to ask us your question through any of the means of communication that we have available. We will be happy to listen and help you.
Greetings and until next time!!