Monday, June 22, 2009
Leather is one of the most useful materials to the humanity. There are different types of leather or imitation leather which are used for furniture. Bar stools, dinning chairs, sofas and casual furniture - these objects get a decorative look due to covering by leather. From full grain leather to faux leather - there is a wide range of applications.
Full Grain Leather:
Premium raw material is the main source from which full grain leather is made of. Aniline is another name given to this leather. If it is dyed, it is called semi-aniline. This leather has its own natural attributes and distinctive smell. It is mainly used for upholstery. This soft and smooth, yet strong texture matures well with age to give a pleasant appearance with passage of time. As it is hard-wearing, it will serve for a longer period. It is considered to be an ideal selection for home furnishings.
Aniline or semi-aniline finish is attributed to full grain leather. When the leather is immersed in a transparent dye, the aniline finish is created. Because of this coloring process, the leather gets transformed to a new look, with its natural grain kept intact. The semi-aniline finish resembles that of aniline. Its additional feature is a thin layer of protective coating which is aimed at preventing stains. Upholstery industry is instrumental in promoting this brand of leather despite its higher price tag.
Merits:
De-Merits:
Split Leather:
A particular piece of leather that has been split from the skin of a hide is referred to as split leather. It can be split further to get desired effect. Although it is fragile in nature, it is made to be hard - wearing. To create the effect of suede, it is either embossed with a pattern or gets buffed.
Pros:
Cons:
Suede has another name also - nubuck or buffed leather. By removing the grain or by a splitting operation between the hide & skin, suede is made. Buffing or brushing lends it a soft and stylish surface. It is cheaper than full grain leather. It has to be protected carefully. Or else, it can get damaged by liquids. Due to its fragile quality, it is not used in upholstery sector.
Pros:
Cons:
Regenerated Leather:
Regenerated leather has an extremely soft texture. When the leather is subjected to a technical process, due to compressing fibres, this particular finish is obtained. It is also widely employed in contract markets, especially in bars & restaurants.
Pros:
Cons:
Smooth matte finish
Bicast Leather:
Regenerated leather which has a thick coating of polyurethane is known as bicast leather. It becomes highly durable & strong, suitable for permanent use. It is widely used in upholstery sector & also in furniture making.
Pros:
Cons:
To be noted:
Faux Leather:
It is made from synthetic materials. It is durable & widely applied in upholstery industry.
Pros:
Cons:
Full Grain Leather:
Premium raw material is the main source from which full grain leather is made of. Aniline is another name given to this leather. If it is dyed, it is called semi-aniline. This leather has its own natural attributes and distinctive smell. It is mainly used for upholstery. This soft and smooth, yet strong texture matures well with age to give a pleasant appearance with passage of time. As it is hard-wearing, it will serve for a longer period. It is considered to be an ideal selection for home furnishings.Aniline or semi-aniline finish is attributed to full grain leather. When the leather is immersed in a transparent dye, the aniline finish is created. Because of this coloring process, the leather gets transformed to a new look, with its natural grain kept intact. The semi-aniline finish resembles that of aniline. Its additional feature is a thin layer of protective coating which is aimed at preventing stains. Upholstery industry is instrumental in promoting this brand of leather despite its higher price tag.
Merits:
- Original leather
- Stain preventing nature
- Distinctive smell
- Hard-wearing
- Sleek & stylish with passage of time
- Contains ingrained attributes
De-Merits:
- Exorbitant price tag
Split Leather:
A particular piece of leather that has been split from the skin of a hide is referred to as split leather. It can be split further to get desired effect. Although it is fragile in nature, it is made to be hard - wearing. To create the effect of suede, it is either embossed with a pattern or gets buffed.
Pros:
- Original leather
- More hard wearing look
- Lesser price
Cons:
- Lighter than full grain leather
- More fragile comparatively
- Prone to get damaged by liquid
Suede has another name also - nubuck or buffed leather. By removing the grain or by a splitting operation between the hide & skin, suede is made. Buffing or brushing lends it a soft and stylish surface. It is cheaper than full grain leather. It has to be protected carefully. Or else, it can get damaged by liquids. Due to its fragile quality, it is not used in upholstery sector.
Pros:
- Original leather
- Smooth surface
- Less priced comparatively
Cons:
- Not easy to protect
- Can get damaged by a liquid
- More fragile
- Wearing fast
Regenerated Leather:
Regenerated leather has an extremely soft texture. When the leather is subjected to a technical process, due to compressing fibres, this particular finish is obtained. It is also widely employed in contract markets, especially in bars & restaurants.
Pros:
- Hard-wearing
- Strong & sturdy
- Smooth finish
- Less priced
Cons:
- Not classified as original leather
Bicast Leather:
Regenerated leather which has a thick coating of polyurethane is known as bicast leather. It becomes highly durable & strong, suitable for permanent use. It is widely used in upholstery sector & also in furniture making.
Pros:
- A thin layer of leather
- Protected from damage from liquid
- Strong & durable
- Hard-wearing
- Less priced
Cons:
- Smooth plastic finish
- Not classified as original leather
To be noted:
- Normal leather
- Creams to be avoided
Faux Leather:
It is made from synthetic materials. It is durable & widely applied in upholstery industry.
Pros:
- Hard-wearing
- Looks like original leather
- Not susceptible to damage by liquid
- Cheapest brand
Cons:
- Not genuine leather
<< Austin Speciality coatings