Glossary

Aniline FiberDyed®: The dyeing process that results in true color permanence. Transparent dyes penetrate the cell layers throughout the thickness of the hide, producing deep, vibrant, and durable colors. It conceals none of the natural characteristics or markings. Look for the Fiberdye® logo when purchasing quality leather.

Antiqued / Distressed: Common descriptive terms for leather that shows signs of natural aging and wear that have been artificially created.

Enhanced Grain: A leather that is buffed to remove undesirable blemishes and embossed to simulate an attractive grain or to add decorative texture.

Full Grain: A top-grain leather with no corrections or alterations to the natural grain pattern.

Natural Markings: Common leather markings include: shading variations, healed scratches, neck wrinkles, insect bites, barbed wire marks, stretch marks, vein marks and brands. Although useful in distinguishing real from fake leathers, and "naked" leathers from pigmented ones, new finishing techniques make it possible to simulate natural markings.

Nubuck: A top-grain, aniline dyed leather that is buffed to create a soft nap. NOT a true suede, which is made from the less desirable split hide. Especially vulnerable to stains, nubucks are often lightly finished for protection.

Patina: A luster or shine that develops with use over time. Usually associated with fine antiques and vintage furniture.

Pigmented Leather: A leather that is finished with a solid pigment coating for consistency of color and texture. Pigment may be used to cover imperfections, as well as add protection. Generally used to denote a more promotional leather. Sometimes called "painted" leather.

Pull-Up: A full grain, aniline dyed leather that is waxed or oiled. When pulled, the oils/ waxes cause the color to migrate and become lighter in pulled areas. A look associated with quality leather.

Pure Aniline: A top-grain leather that is aniline dyed and receives no additional coloring. Also called full aniline, naked aniline or naked leather.

Sauvage: A mottled, tone-on-tone effect created by blending similar colors. Used to add depth and character to leather.

Semi-Aniline: Also called aniline-plus or protected aniline. A top grain leather that is aniline dyed and coated with matching pigment and/or other topical finishes to even out the color and add protection.

Split: The bottom layers of the hide that have been split off from the top-grain leather, then pigmented or sueded. Generally stiffer and less durable, splits may be used on promotional leather furniture - particularly in areas of less direct use - to contain costs.

Top Coat: A transparent, protective coating applied to the leather surface. May also impart luster to the surface.

Top Grain: The uppermost layer of the hide. This is the highest quality part of the hide and the most preferred for upholstery applications.