Full grain leather is one of the highest qualities of leather available. Full grain leather has not been weakened by being split, and is the complete thickness of the hide. This type of leather is used for better upholstery and footwear. During the processing of full-grain leather, little is actually done to change the hide. The hair is generally removed, but that is all. After the hide has been tanned to preserve it against decay, it will basically be left as it is.
Whereas other types of leather hide are formed by sanding or splitting the hide, making several thinner layers of leather, full-grain leather is the whole hide, unsplit. Anything that incorporates full-grain leather in its making is bound to last a long time. The strength and durability of this leather is well known and it is this that contributes to the higher cost of anything made with full-grain leather.
Because this leather is not sanded and the surface is not treated in any way, the imperfections of the hide will be apparent. Any scars or surface irregularities will visible. However, most people who buy furniture covered with this leather find these imperfections to be desirable. They add to the character and individuality of the piece, and give it more of a ‘history’ than there would be with a highly processed hide.
Minimal processing leaves full-grain leather able to breathe more easily, and makes any garment that uses this leather more comfortable. It also means that any furniture upholstered with this leather will also make relaxing on it more of a pleasure, especially in hot weather. If the leather has not been dyed, it will gradually acquire its own soft, attractive patina in time. Undyed full-grain leather is sought out for this reason.
However, this leather can be dyed and the dye most often used is aniline dye. This type of dye penetrates through the entire thickness of the hide, and as it is a transparent dye, any imperfections, as mentioned above, will show through. Sometimes, what is called a semi-aniline finish will be used on the leather. This finish does not penetrate the whole hide, but is basically a surface dye. This dye often adds a pigment to it, so that the surface of the hide will be an even color. A clear semi-aniline finish is also available.
Although full-grain leather is very durable and long lasting, it can develop cracks over a long period of time. These generally will not affect the quality of the leather, and many people consider that they just add more character to a favorite piece of furniture.
