LEATHER UPHOLSTERY SHOPPING CHECKLIST |
Frame
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Seating Support
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Cushions
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Hide
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Scale - Room Dimensions _____ Feet & _____inches by _____ Feet & _____inches |
Aniline leather | A translucent dye applied to leather in vats. The translucent quality allows the grain to show through, but it can also show imperfections, therefore only the best quality hides are used for this process. May also be referred to as true aniline, naked aniline, pure aniline, naked leather, unprotected leather, or natural leather. |
Bi-cast | Split leather with a polyurethane coating that gives
it a high sheen and increases durability. |
Corrected grain leather | Leather that has been buffed and coated with pigments or other finishes to hide imperfections. Also known as protected leather. |
Full grain leather | Leather that has not been altered beyond hair removal. Leather match furniture upholstered with a combination of leather and vinyl. The vinyl is died to match the leather and is typically used on the sides and back. Leather is reserved for the cushions or "everywhere the body touches." |
Leather match | Furniture upholstered with a combination of leather and vinyl. The vinyl is died to match the leather and is typically used on the sides and back. Leather is reserved for the cushions or "everywhere the body touches." |
Pull-Up | Full grain leather that is treated with oil or wax so that it develops an aged patina over time. More common on traditional styles, it is also know as oiled or waxed leather. |
Pigmented leather | Leather with coloration applied to the top surface, as opposed to dyed. This process hides imperfections and adds durability. |
Semi-aniline leather | Aniline dyed leather with a layer of matching pigment added to improve color consistency and add protection. |
Split leather | The lower layers of a hide that are removed to create a uniform thickness on a top grain hide. These lower layers are also processed and treated with a protective sealant for use in upholstery. |
Top grain | Leather with the outermost layers of the hide left in tact. Generally considered high quality. |
Vegetable tanning | The process of making leather using tannins obtained from bark, wood, or other plants and trees. |