FULL GRAIN vs ENHANCED GRAIN vs TOP GRAIN vs SPLIT vs BONDED PART1

Full grain/Enhanced Grain/Top Grain/Split Grain/Bonded.
Part 1 of a 2 parts series. Facts explained by an industry veteran of over 37 years in leather furniture. Visit www.leathersho... for more information and brand ranking.

[@conservativeokie]

You may feel as though your KZbin video was a failure because it didn’t go, “viral” and you didn’t make a million bucks... However, you did what KZbin’s weakness is... You simply made a video to educate your fellow countrymen because you believed it to be right! I want you to know I for one appreciate it!!!

[@Leathershoppes]

Thank you for that, just trying to educate any one that is interested in learning more about leather.

[@ratdog9]

Been a hobbyist for a year or two making wallets and such. I never really learned about grains, but this video was exactly what i needed to have some stuff explained to me. Always wondered why some leathers appeared identical but one had a leather smell, and one didnt. Or one peeled, and one didnt. Cheers!

[@KinoStudentX]

As a furniture salesman, this info was invaluable. I had already heard a good bit of this, but you definitely added some much needed pointers.

[@badtexasbill5261]

I need a recliner. Are lazy boys worth buying?

[@dyzonndyjour7907]

I'm searching for a leather soda but all furniture stores I been to ONLY sale Top grain leather which the salesman stated. I been to BoBs discount furniture and the poster states 100% leather ,it does not state what type of leather and when you ask is this bonded leather or top grain respond by saying top grain but it cost $1,000. HUM! Everything else I seen is over $2,500 tp 3,400 per sofa.. I went to Furniture Row in Champaign, Il and there is a leather sofa brand name is Flexsteel manufactured company and the leather texture is real smooth no type of grain feel to it. Is this real top grain leather they are selling?

[@Leathershoppes]

Thank you for your question . Full grain leather is just an uncorrected grain and does not reflect thickness in a leather . The actual cut and weight reflects thickness. If you are considering using leather for a wallet a .90 -1.0 mm would be better. Consider a garment weight leather ... does not have to be cowhide , goat or lamb is generally thinner and maybe more suitable for this application.

[@Leathershoppes]

@Don Espoleto Full grain leather is an uncorrected ( unaltered) top grain, (top grain is the outer part of the hide where the hair was and if the cell structure was altered) . So this is the very best of any leather hide. Any process to hide imperfections, like sanding, buffing, embossing alter the original grain texture to camouflage the real grain. Think of it this way, the less that is done to a leather ( in the way of altering grain/finishing process etc) the more expensive it is. This is because leather is a commodity like a diamond or a piece of lumber. The finer the quality of the raw material the more expensive it is.Hope that helps.

[@NickM92]

Thank you for this. Just bought a “top grain” leather sofa and thought I was scammed because it was peeling on the non touch/ non visible area. Totally makes sense how they’d do bonded on some areas to cut down on cost.

[@Leathershoppes]

If it is peeling in those non touch areas, you have a vinyl or a laminate like bonded in those parts.

[@theblogauthority]

Thank you for explaining all of this so clearly. I knew what Top Grain leather was.. as well as Full Top Grain.. but was not sure exactly what split leather was.

[@Leathershoppes]

Thanks for watching!

[@GuitarlordJohnBurton]

Thanks for the video. Great information. Also, congrats on all your success as Alabama's head football coach.

[@Leathershoppes]

Thank you , and appreciate you noticing my other talent in coaching :)

[@macumbajc]

Excellent information given clearly! Thank you for educating us on leather!

[@MsZboogie1]

This is a great explanation about leathers, thank you

[@Leathershoppes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Martini_1981]

Thanks man, next time you could give a close shot of the leathers so we can see the differences you are talking about.

[@Leathershoppes]

Will do , that day I was filming alone! :)

[@danielletavano3389]

Your explanations are very thorough and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the subject! I appreciate your insight.

[@honestnewsnet]

That chair looks so comfortable that you're having to place extra pillows for your back.

[@Leathershoppes]

I have two ruptured discs, so I need for support in anything I sit in.

[@cdfaulk]

Thank you for this educational video

[@expatlifestyle6069]

This is so educational and useful as I’m currently looking for a custom leather sectional. Bonded leather = crap,

[@EUCme]

Wow. Best leather explanation video ever. I have a top grain leather recliner and unfortunately I did not separate it from my head and it has discolored badly in that area. Is there anything I can do to restore that damaged area? The leather is fine, it's just the coloring.

[@Leathershoppes]

Oils from head/hair/skin degrade the top coat which then exposes the dye coat. It can be cleaned and redyed. Contact leather medic or Fibrenew . In the future keep the areas clean where hands or head/skin touches on an aniline plus/ pigment leather.

[@EUCme]

@@Leathershoppes Thank you.

[@TomatoTomato911]

Anyone know how car makers managed to put high quality and durability synthetic leathers on their seats that offers real leather touch but with durability to flexing, heat and humid?

[@Leathershoppes]

Luxury car makers use a man made product, would be a vinyl, but expensive commercial grade . This is why it can last a long time.

[@jauharbilal4294]

Thank you very much for all the information, you have explained very well, as a beginner in leather industry this is very useful. Thanks again...... Keep sending videos like this....

[@MountainFisher]

You should also tell the differences on veg tanned leathers that have been tumbled tanned versus dip tanned. I ordered some "on sale" veg tan double shoulder that most of the reviewers gave 5 stars, but one guy gave one star and I should have paid attention to him. The leather's top grain was very good, but the consistency of the backside was awful. I bought it to make belts and I couldn't sell a belt made of that stuff. I have a reputation and it isn't halfassing my product. I cut it into strips and it was so dry I had to wet it! I ended up splitting the whole shoulder for linings as the top grain was good, so I lined my ostrich and croc belts with it. Of course I had to wet it to split it too, but to get to the consistent fiber I had to split it to 4 oz thickness. At 4 oz thickness I could only use it for ladies dress belts in ostrich, but luckily my croc supplier's hides were 3 to 4 oz thick, Nile crocs by the way not boney assed caiman skins.

[@alexdorand]

where do you buy you leathers from?

[@MountainFisher]

@@alexdorand Which ones?

[@alexdorand]

@@MountainFisher I am learning to make leather bags. I am trying to make extremely high quality bags. But I am looking for leather with small grains. Do you have a website? where can I see what you make?

[@MountainFisher]

@@alexdorand I only buy my veg tan leather from a Tandy store where I can pick it out myself after thoroughly inspecting it. Tandy's Oak Leaf leather is very good and is as good as Hermann Oak. If I buy online I buy from Springfield leather where l get my ostrich sometimes. As for Nile crocodile leather I buy belt strips from Pan Am Leathers of New York, NY and it ain't cheap. Nile croc is the most supple of the crocodilian leathers, even better than alligator, which is good too. Sorry I don't have a web site, I mostly sell through a local store and Farmer's market. This is a part-time retirement hobby for me. I should take some pictures and upload them to my knife album on Flickr. I make knives too and that's how I got into leather, the sheaths. If you run into any PETA types who try to berate you for using animal skins tell them to stop trying to shove their religion down your throat. Be as loud and angry as they are. I've had problems at the Farmer's Market, when you throw the religion aspect at them they don't know how to respond. Fuck them and the rainbow farting unicorn they rode in on.

[@alexdorand]

@@MountainFisher Thank you. Do you have a website or instagram?

[@RokOD]

Hello sir, I couldn't help but notice the dark spot on your right hand's middle finger. Are you familiar with the origin or when it presented itself? Unless you're absolutely certain that it is just dried blood, I would seriously consider seeing a dermatologist as that could be an Acral Lentiginous Melanoma forming. If it has gotten bigger, darker, or more irregular I would really urge you to see a medical professional considering how deadly melanomas are. Hope it's nothing serious, thanks for this excellent video!

[@Leathershoppes]

freckle

[@RokOD]

@@Leathershoppes You saw a dermatologist? Glad it was something benign!

[@RainbowSugarPop]

thank you so much for this informative video! you explained everything so well, and in easy to understand terms.

[@sikanderk8476]

Why change full grain to top grain? isnt even bad full grain leather still better than top grain? How does dying it or pigmenting it moe expensive because of labour?

[@kphillips7922]

Was wondering what kind of leather was used in the old jaguar car seats.love the smell of them.informative vid thanks

[@mcmickey3344]

Is it possible to find a nice full grain veg tanned leather sofa? If so where? Want something that patinas well over time. Seems all sofas are top grain and colored chromex dyed

[@Leathershoppes]

This product you can order this type of leather. leathershoppes.com/categories/leather-sofas-and-sets/shop-by-brand/american-heritage.html/

[@puzzlering1]

Thank you for a very well explained and presented video, very informative and interesting Take care Sam

[@Leathershoppes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gin7890]

Very informative video. Do you know anything about clothing? Is split leather good enough for cheaper boots? I once bought "leather boots", that started peeling off after two months, they were advertised as 100% leather. That was bonded leather, I'd imagine?

[@Leathershoppes]

Bonded is ground up leather materials where they use maybe 10-25% of leather for a backing only. What you had on Boots is Split leather. It does not hold a finish very well,. It has a laminate coating over the top of it and this is what peeled off. If you want them to last you will need to look for a "top grain" version.

[@dyzonndyjour7907]

I'm searching for a leather soda but all furniture stores I been to ONLY sale Top grain leather which the salesman stated. I been to BoBs discount furniture and the poster states 100% leather ,it does not state what type of leather and when you ask is this bonded leather or top grain respond by saying top grain but it cost $1,000. HUM! Everything else I seen is over $2,500 tp 3,400 per sofa.. I went to Furniture Row in Champaign, Il and there is a leather sofa brand name is Flexsteel manufactured company and the leather texture is real smooth no type of grain feel to it. Is this real top grain leather they are selling?

[@Leathershoppes]

If you are wanting a full grain leather you will need to avoid the regular furniture stores and focus on a Leather Specialty store. Regular stores, especially ones with the name "Discount" are not going to offer higher end brands. Not sure where you live, sounds like maybe upper east coast. You may need to go online, give us a visit, link is at top of this page.

[@CantrellLeatherGoods]

Thank you for making this video. Very good information here.

[@ChrisCanomi]

Great info

[@bharatyadav1538]

Which is best leather for jackets Which make it value a for money, everyday use, stylishrtable,appealing etc. Please reply Based on buget

[@markashlock8058]

Finally! Thanks!!

[@conservativeokie]

P.S. I do not think you clearly explained the difference between Full Grain and Top Grain well enough.... As I cannot find a true, full grain (saddle-leather) piece of furniture without commissioning a bespoke custom piece from any manufacturing entity. If I am wrong, please correct me!

[@Leathershoppes]

Full grain leather is the top grain but uncorrected or altered mechanically, which is the very best of the hide. Hair side of the hide. You would need to visit an upper end leather specialty online site or store to buy better leathers.

[@Kane-ib5sn]

very cool, man.

[@SamiyuruSenarathna]

Very useful information. Thanks.

[@search50]

Then when they said 100% genuine Italian leather ... what’s that should mean

[@Hattonbank]

No reason to think that it was not 100% genuine. Most of leather produced in Italy uses hides imported from the rest of Europe as well as South America. The area around Vicenza is the hub of leather manufacturing in Italy if not Eurpe. They finish over 100,000 hides in an average week in numerous tanneries there.

[@Leathershoppes]

Does not mean much, the raw material can come from any part of the world. Just because they say 100% genuine leather, may be more for marketing than anything else. I would need to know the brand and product in question to answer fully.

[@lilshortchick82]

I'm looking for a new leather living room set. After watching this video, I can save myself some money and stay away form the full top grain choices! Thanks!

[@dragonslayerex756]

Thanks for the video man, really informative and in-depth. I do have some question though. Where does genuine leather fall among all this? Watched another video which says it's a grade down from top grain leather. Is it still considered real leather or is it the bonded 1 u showed in the video. Also which 1 of these leathers most commonly go into suede?

[@Leathershoppes]

When someone says "Genuine Leather", that usually will mean the lowest grade and quality of leather, made from cow, goat, pig, or any other animal.

[@redeagle9312]

Thanks for your very informative video!!

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

Why is it you can draw with your finger nail lightly and mark up the coating of aniline on leather? It is super noticeable on dark leather. You can write your name with your finger nail very lightly into the leather and it clearly shows bright as can be. Why is this? How long will the coating of aniline lat for? It does not show on light colour leather. It acts almost like an magic edger sketch. What is the difference between semi aniline and aniline plus, or just aniline which I would think is the lesser? What is the aniline coating made of? Should the uniform grain on top grain look like lines only or some companies popular grain of top grain looks fake like tiny bubbles. It looks like glued textured and pressed on with glue, is it? How can aniline plus be also known as aniline leather? Either it is semi coated or more coated as in Plus. Don't make sense to me it is known as both. semi or plus. Plus means more, semi means half or lesser of the two?

[@Leathershoppes]

Hello, you do have many questions here, so I will try to answer some of these . I will also include a link to my website where you can read more in depth. Aniline is a translucent dye that is used to stain or color the leather. If it is a pure or full aniline, it will scratch easily from a finger nail, although some aniline leathers (pull ups) that are not oil based might not show this as much. The reason this happens because it is natural stain on it with little or no protectors. Usually a conditioner, damp cloth, of a wet finger will make those scratches disappear. If the leather is aniline plus ( semi aniline same thing) it goes thru an additional process of a micro pigment color is added to the surface of the hide ( over the original dye stain) and usually a clear coat to protect it. This is why these leathers do not scratch as easy. If a surface grain of leather is uniform in texture then it has been mechanically altered. A full top grain leather will have an irregular grain on the surface. Do not confuse heavy grain leathers with texture as altered mechanically unless the grain is uniform. Some leathers are cut thicker like a 1.2- 1.6 mm which will give the leather a plump grain, along with the drying process can exaggerate this texture. With leather, only the best quality hides are stained aniline only (top 3-5% of the world hide supply). Quality ranking in order 1st is Pure Aniline / Full aniline / Aniline Plus aka ( Semi-Aniline) / Pigment. The hide quality dictates the finish used. For years semi aniline was the term , (but was confusing,some took it to mean "part of" or "partial aniline"). So the industry coined the term aniline plus.. meaning aniline + pigments, which describes the color process. for For more information visit: www.leathershoppes.com/leather-facts.html

[@mirnasrullahkhan6588]

@@Leathershoppes Wow! Thank you so much! you're amazing!

[@psidran]

What do you think the normal wear and tear would be, in years, and daily use for a few hours of TV? Mine is 'wearing thin showing a fabric backing on the head rest, after about 40 months. Leads me to believe may not be Top-grain.. ( No chemicals used) on a a 'Top Grain" leather love seat,

[@Leathershoppes]

If you are seeing a fabric backing then it is not leather, more than likely a man-made material. Leather does not have a backing, if a hole was punched through real leather then you might see the filling (dacron/poly) inside the pillow.

[@theblogauthority]

Cows do not have a fabric backing on their hides. If you are seeing a fabric backing it is most likely the dreaded "BONDED LEATHER".

[@MaximumJoy]

Fantastic, just the information I wanted

[@thomasmanson1119]

Great video Derek, this was precisely what I was interested in, although I have another couple questions: When you specify full grain are you limited in the weights available? I understand that the value of full grain is the top surface, but I also understand that the leather immediately under to top surface looks like it includes a lot of intertwined fibers that would give the entire “sheet” much more strength. Is there any chance that full grain may suffer from weak areas that diminish the strength of the final product? Thanks, Tom KC3QAC

[@Leathershoppes]

Good question, Full grain just refers to an "uncorrected top grain", it does not relate to the weight of the article. Full top grain is the strongest portion of the upper crust of the hide. Any cut below that, is weaker to some degree. Top grain is still durable and strong but can be weakened by sanding, buffing, embossing or other alterations done to the surface. When we are speaking of top grain or full top grain upholstery leather, it is generally the top 1mm-1.5 mm of the hide. Any cuts below, are referred to as split leather, and are not nearly as strong and durable. Weight of the leather for upholstery is generally 3-4 oz or at least 3/64th of an inch thick.

[@bernadettedavis4567]

iLife this furniture how do you order and would love to see some prices

[@shirleya4510]

Great info, thank you!

[@oscarvestee]

What about a bonded leather bed frame such as Modani Giorgio Bed? Would you recommend buying a bed like that one?

[@Leathershoppes]

If it does not come into much contact with anything abrasive and is just for looks, no problem.

[@feraidoonashna6865]

Bravo

[@madiola1234]

what does natuzzi use? i just bought a sectional with protecta leather.. is it ok?

[@Pham-Bao-Hoa]

Hi, is there anyway to tell the type of leather of a jacket? Full grain, top, split, or bonded? When the description only says 100% lambskin...

[@Leathershoppes]

Thank you for your question, garment leather that says 100% lambskin should be made from only lambskin but could be laminates of that material. It will not be bonded because of the 100% moniker , could be a split or top grain, (would need to examine the cell structure closer). Usually sheepskin is thinner weight material and might not be able to make a split. .7mm-.9 mm. Would not be full grain otherwise that would of been advertised up front as 100% full grain lambskin since that would be the best of that material.

[@mikew742]

Thanks for the vid, very useful. Am I right in thinking that suede jackets would be made from the underside on the cut rather than the external top full grain?

[@Hattonbank]

Yes

[@Leathershoppes]

Maybe are could be the split.

[@sabujpattanayek8799]

what's the best cigar to smoke while sitting in my full grain leather recliner?

[@Leathershoppes]

Always been a fan of Macanudo !

[@tomjohnyudupuzha]

Hi, great work. I was designing a slim wallet that will age beautifully and is looking for the suitable leather type. I did some research and see that full grain leather is good but see that it’s thicker. What do you recommend.

[@MountainFisher]

Have you got a splitter? You can buy top grain that's been split thinner. Read my comment above, some leathers need to be thinned down like the double shoulder I bought. If I didn't have a splitter I would have had to throw that skin away. The top grain was excellent, but the flesh side wasn't because it had been tumble cured instead of dip cured.

[@davidwafulake]

Awesome content bro ❤️ I had a Question. If I’m building a leather couch and I want that soft leather, the one that’s comfortable on the skin, what should I buy? Top grain?

[@Leathershoppes]

Aniline Full top grain

[@henny1256]

Can’t see the leather very well at all.

[@carolinej3661]

"plate" it??? How about explaining what "plate" it means???

[@Leathershoppes]

That is where they emboss the leather with a press or heavy plate to mottle the grain and help conceal imperfections.

[@jonathanaton7149]

Does the top grain leather referred to at 4:20 have aniline in it?

[@Leathershoppes]

Thank you for your question, yes, all of these leathers are aniline dyed when first colored in the finishing process. The finer the hide, the less color finishing is done. Aniline only vs Aniline plus or pigment.

[@Ynotbuildit]

Thank you for your video, where would you suggest to get a full top grain leather couches from please?

[@Leathershoppes]

We specialize in leather furniture. Visit www.leathershoppes.com/ And ship nationwide for free.

[@paolomanalo4003]

Do these types of leather also apply to leather car seats?

[@Leathershoppes]

Generally what is used for auto leather is a top grain, although if there is a shortage of hides available a full grain may be used. Keep in mind ,these are usually highly pigmented to withstand heat and UV that is subject to a car interior. Most auto leather is a lower quality of hide than what is used for furniture upholstery leather.

[@tom73055]

Can you talk about the auto ind and what kind of fake leather material they use and claim it is real leather product for car or truck seating. Thank you

[@Leathershoppes]

Top grain and full top grain leather is used in the auto industry. Generally this industry (autos) is the largest user of raw material ( cowhide) due to the sheer number of cars and trucks. Many use a man made product and might refer to it as something other than "leather", like Faux, Leatherette, MB Tex (Mercedes Benz) etc.. Keep in mind in autos , unless it is a special edition or after market (ie: Ford King Ranch Truck) process the seats will not be in 100% leather. It will be "leather appointed areas" meaning where the body touches usually and vinyl (PVC) on sides and top/back areas. The leather in cars usually is a heavy pigmented leather due to high wear and UV that is subject to an auto interior.

[@williambryan6006]

What is semi-analine top grain? Much appreciated.

[@Leathershoppes]

Here is a link to our website for more information. www.leathershoppes.com/leather-facts.html

[@Hattonbank]

Yes, apart from aniline, it is about as best you can get.

[@peterphoenix6471]

choice!

[@dremtay8]

Keeping it real

[@carlosvejar3938]

what is genuine leather?

[@Thedude763]

❤

[@kingofslotsmillion3263]

Bought some top grain leather couches do I need to condition them

[@Leathershoppes]

Generally no, unless it is a pull up leather than this helps with scratches, or is exposed to the sun or a heat source.

[@sir_prize_ma_the_farcar4547]

Genuine Leather=Not Real Leather.😂😂😂

[@Hattonbank]

Same thing.

[@Leathershoppes]

Genuine leather refers to any part of the material, this terms is used when Leather parts below the surface of the outer grain, like splits (much weaker substructure and does not hold a finish). These are not recommended in furniture. If a product is using that as a description then it is more then likely not top grain or full top grain. If you are using top grain or full top grain you would not use the term "Genuine"

[@search50]

Then when they said 100% genuine Italian leather ... what’s that should mean

[@Leathershoppes]

"Genuine leather" usually means it has some leather in it. It usually is the split of the hide, not the top grain. Technically it is leather but the weaker cell structure of that.

[@comeonmate3743]

LeatherShoppes if my genuine leather bag has some imperfections then that’d mean its laminated? Half leather half pvc?