Glossary of Leather Terms
G l ossa r y of L eather Ter ms Altered Leather Back Boardy Leather that has had the original surface of the skin or hide removed, (usually due to imperfections in the original grain surface), and a new grain embossed into the leather. This is also called corrected grain. Most top-grain leathers have altered or corrected grain. (1) The main portion of a hide, obtained by cutting off the two bellies. An adjective applied to stiff, inflexible leather.
Corrected Grain Leather Embossed Leather Full Grain Grained Leather Leather from which the grain layer has been partially removed by buffing to a depth governed by the condition of the raw material and upon which a new surface has been built by various finishes. Usually corrected grain, in which a pattern is applied by extreme pressure in a press to give a unique design or imitation of full grain characteristics.
Matte Finish Nubuck Plating, Plated Leather Retan A flat or dull finish. A brushed, grain-sueded leather. Metallized Leather Patent Leather Pressing leather with a heated metal plate under high pressure. Most furniture leather is usually sanded, pigmented and plated to cover imperfections. A modifying secondary tannage applied after intermediate operations following the primary tanning. Leather given a metallic lustre by the application of metallic foils or powders.
Skive Suede Unfinished Leather To slice or split into a thin layer, or to reduce leather to a specific thickness. Leathers that are finished by buffing the flesh side (opposite the grain side) to produce a nap. Snuffed Sueding Normally defines aniline dyed, naked leathers with no additional application intended to finish, color or treat in any way that would alter the natural characteristics of the leather. The grain surface is abraded with brushes, emery wheel or sandpaper.
