Understanding Leather
There are many considerations in buying leather for furniture or any other use. This article will cover the differences in softness, surface grain, and special effects of top grain leathers. Other articles will cover other aspects of buying leather.
Softness
Softness is a defining characteristic which affects the hand or feel of fine leather. Softness is sometimes described as four different levels of softness. Starting with the most expensive and moving to the least expensive these categories are:
Natural Soft – This is the rarest and most expensive.
Technological Soft – The suppleness in this leather is created by technology.
Flexible Soft – Leathers that are enhanced by mechanical action.
Firm – Leathers that are firm or hard to the touch and provide tremendous value.
Leather Grain
Surface Grain is similar to softness in that the more intact the original surface grain, the more natural and soft the leather. The more grain removed the lower the cost. Again going from the finest quality (most expensive) to the less expensive grades they are usually listed in four categories.
Full Grain or Full Top Grain – “Full” in this case means 100% natural grain. This is the most expensive of all the leathers.
Top Grain – Full grain which has been altered with light sanding which is barely noticeable.
Corrected or Embossed Grain – Top Grain leather that has been sanded, then embossed with a natural looking but uniform grain pattern.
Split and Embossed Grain – The second layer split from a full grain hide, which is heavily embossed with a less natural uniform grain pattern. Because it is so uniform it sometimes looks almost like vinyl.
Leather Effects
Four special effects will be discussed and the cost of each is directly related to the degree of difficulty in creating the special effect. These are effects such as Multiple effects, Active effects, Mechanical effects, and Uniform color.
Multiple Effects – Two or more special effects such as hand-rubbing, heavy texture or metallic finishes that create and upscale look and a upscale price.
Active Effects – Injection of oil or wax that creates a color burst when stretched while upholstering.
Mechanical Effects – Color or surface effects created with automated techniques. Effects like two tone, reptile, embossed and distressed finishes.
Uniform Color – This is created by spraying with a pigmented coating to produce a very uniform color throughout the hide.
For More Great Leather Information Stop By Broadway Furniture and Ask For Jerry
Broadway Furniture
228 NE Broadway
Portland Oregon 97232
503 — 281 — 5555
“Your Doorway To Values”
We Are Locally Owned and Family Run For Over 70 Years!
Our store carries over 50,000 square feet of furniture and accessories on 5 floors.
If you don’t see it on our showroom floor, we can order it for you
Related Blogs
- Preparation Of Furniture For Transportation « Simple Way to Life
- The Softness of Fog « Flandrum Hill
- Softness on a grand piano?
- Necta Sweet Saccharin Sugar Substitute 1.0 Grain Tablets – 500 Each – Diet & Weight Loss Books : Diet Losing Weight Guide & Articles
- UPDATE: More On Mullally’s Broadway Exit – Deadline.com
Related posts:
{ 0 comments… add one now }