Complete Guide to Different Types of Leather Finishes

Different Types of Leather Finishes:

Leather is used widely in many industries and companies as it is a valuable material that can be used to make clothes, furniture, shoes, bags, belts, and other accessories. That is why it is popular not only for its hardness but also for the ability to vary the texture that changes the appearance of the material.

There are various categories of leather finishes which every consumer of leather products and producers should have adequate knowledge about.

The proper leather finish is very important to the looks of leather products as well as their durability. This article provides information about different types of leather finishes such as furniture leather, edge finishing and special topcoats.

Types of Leather Finishes:

• Aniline Leather: Aniline leather is known to be one of the finest forms of leather available in the market. It is immersed in soluble dyes so the natural texture of the fabric is visible. This kind of leather finish has a very smooth texture and is very expensive but it blotches and fades easily since it is not coated. This is ideal for those who prefer a genuine leather look without removing the original texture of the material.
• Pigmented Leather: Pigmented leather is coated with pigments to bring in the strength and also work to withstand abrasion. This finish is applied on furniture because it can easily endure the various stresses that accompany everyday usage. It has no stain resistant effect, and it has a uniform color and is easy to clean, thus useful for families who have children or in areas that many people pass through.
• Nubuck Leather: Nubuck is one of the finished leathers that have been given a smooth outer surface through sanding techniques. Looks like suede leather but is tougher as a material. Because of its rich surface, the use of Nubuck leather is applicable in shoes, jackets and furniture. But it is not very resistant to water and may stain easily.
• Suede Leather: Suede leather is produced from the inner side of the animal skin and has fuzzy surface structure. It’s often applied in clothing accessories such as bags and shoes. However, suede leather is more tender and requires proper care if it is desired to keep such appearance. It can absorb water freely and therefore not suitable for regular use without being protected.
• Coated Leather: In coated leather, there is material which is applied on the surface of a piece of leather. This coating can give extra protection and gives it a better seal against water and it becomes more protected against scratches. It is well suited for products that undergo significant wear and tear, for instance, leather furniture or accessory items.

Types of Leather Furniture Finishes:

• Matte Finish: Leather matte finish gives the surface a non-glossy look and a soft touch feel. Those looking for a finish that provides a natural appearance to leather furniture select this finish most commonly in new age interiors. It is also less glossy and has a shiny surface that covers minor bumps and blemishes which makes it easy to maintain.
• Gloss Finish: Gloss finish to leather provides a shiny look or in other words makes the surface of the material shine. It is frequently observed on high-quality leather accessories, such as clutches and some black leather finishes. High-gloss surfaces look more glamorous but are prone to hiding the scratches. It is ideal for making statement furniture pieces or accessories.
• Semi-Gloss Finish: Semi-gloss is a middle ground between matte and glossy sheen. It is highly reflective but not too shiny, which makes it ideal as a binder with a slightly shiny surface. It is one of the types of leather furniture finishes in which this finish will give a stylish, yet elegant appearance.

Leather Edge Finishing:

Techniques and Tools:

Leather edge finishing is of great importance since it enables the Leather product to have a professional touch. Some of them are burnishing, applying leather finish spray and using edge paints. The required tools include burnisher, sandpaper and leather finishing process tool.

Importance of Edge Finishing:

An essential aspect about the use of leather products is how to finish a leather edge properly increases the durability of leather products. It avoids wearing out and also makes the item easier to handle. A good edge appearance can contribute to the looks of many products such as belts, wallets, and other accessories.

Acrylic Leather Finishing:

Benefits of Acrylic Finishes:

An acrylic finisher for leather gives a long-wearing, waterproof skin to the material. It is mostly applied on the leather to close dyes and paints, which creates a smooth texture of the leather. Some types of acrylic finishes give the leather a matt finish which resembles leather while another type gives it a glossy look when applying a certain product.

Application Methods:

The application of an acrylic finisher leather is easy. To paint a leather surface, you may use a soft brush or a sponge for applying the paint to create an even layer. Let it dry thoroughly to ensure that you form a protective layer that gives your leathers a better outlook and longevity.

Specialized Leather Finishes:

Black Granite Leather Finish:

A black granite leather finish is an exclusive coating with a rough feel like a stone. Today it is widely incorporated into interior designs of the new age to give that extra feel to leather furniture and other ornamental products.

Grey Granite Leather Finish:

Another version, the grey granite leather finish has a kind of grainy texture with an overall glossy sleek look. It is an ideal type of finish that will be attractive for both the residential and commercial building summer projects.

Marble Leather Finish:

The other interesting type is called the marble leather finish. It refers to a technique of giving the leather surfaces a marbled design to make it look luxurious. It is suitable for luxurious interior designs and exclusive furniture.

How to Finish a Leather Edge:

Step-by-Step Process:

• Prepare the Edge: Trim sharp edges with a cutter or rub the hard faces with sandpaper.
• Apply Edge Paint: Select a paint type that is perfect for the style of the leather you are trying to achieve. Put a thin coat and allow it to dry.
• Burnish the Edge: Take a burnisher or a piece of cloth and polish the edge up to a smoothening sheen.
• Seal with Finish: It’s recommended to use a leather finish spray or even an acrylic finisher in order to add a little more protection.

Recommended Tools:

• Burnishing tool
• Sandpaper
• Edge paint
• Soft cloth
• Leather finishing process kit

Conclusion:

This understanding of the different types of leather finishes will guide you on which option to take as per your requirements. Aniline leather retains the natural look, while coated leather boasts of other features which are however interesting. Leather edge finishing techniques and acrylic leather finishing add durability and style to the product.

While gloss finish is used primarily on leather, there are many specific types of finishes out there such as marble leather finish.

Want to upgrade your leather items? Learn about as many types of leather finishes as possible and find the best finish that will suit your next project.

FAQs:

What is the best way to finish leather?

The proper method of finishing leather is by using an appropriate leather finishing process depending on the type of leather to be used such as applying an acrylic finisher or a leather finish spray.

Do you need to put a finish on leather?

Of course, using leather finish helps to protect such material from further wear and also adopt the desired appearance.

Can you finish leather with olive oil?

Olive oil works well for restoring moisture in the leather but it serves as a finish and should not be used for the long-run because it dyes the leather.

How to finish leather edges?

For finishing, the edges of leather should be sanded, painted with edge paint and burnished to achieve a clean finish.

Can you stamp finished leather?

Yes, finished leather can be stamped but more often it is advised to dampen the leather for better motifs to be impressed on it.

How to dye finished leather?

When dying finished leather, there is a likelihood of having to use a deglazer to remove the finish before applying the dye.

How to finish cut leather edges?

They should use sandpaper to create the edge, paint the edge, and then go over the edge lightly with a burnisher for shine.