What Is Aniline Leather?
Aniline Hide
Aniline is a soluble dyed product, it’s the highest grade and most natural of all leather types. Aniline doesn’t have any pigmented finish applied to the surface, this gives it a silky, warm, smooth feel and touch.
The pores in aniline are clearly visible and must be shown on the surface for this to be classed as an aniline leather.
This type of leather has all-natural marking displayed on the surface from the animal, the soluble dyes used in the dye process give the surface a transparent look retaining all the original characters of the hide. Any scars, or marks are left on the surface as no correction is taking place, so the grades selected here are only the finest grades of hides to ensure the finished skins are as near perfect as possible.
Aniline Leather Close Up
Aniline leather can be protected to avoid stains taking place, but this protective coating must not contain any pigments as the pigments will fill the pores of the leather making the leather not aniline.
Aniline Leather Hide
Some confusion arises when people see naked aniline or full aniline or pure aniline. Naked, full aniline and pure aniline means they have no soluble dyes applied and are left natural just like a crust is left with no dye or pigmented finish applied.
Aniline Leather Showing The Pores In The Hide
To identify your leather, to find out if you have an aniline, a simple water test can be carried out on a hidden area. Apply a drop of water to the surface and leave it, if this soaks in then you have an Aniline leather, if it sits on the surface, you have a pigmented leather finish item.
Aniline Leather Skin With Water Test
You can also use a linen tester to look at leather, again, you will see natural hair follicles / pores in the leather, again, this points towards aniline leather.
Aniline Leather Through A Linen Tester
A Linen Tester Looking At Aniline Leather
Aniline leather hides are used in many sectors of the leather industry, aniline leather is used in the luxury market due to its price tag and its velvety warm feel, with all-natural grain visible.
This type of leather is not as durable as pigmented / protected leathers, as it has no surface coating applied, leaving it open to the elements and possible staining from general day to day use. Much great care has to be taken with this type of leather to avoid stains and dirt and grime build up, regular care and maintenance is required with specialist aniline care products.