Leather Types Explained

Explains upholstery leather found on furniture and automotive. Important information about leather.
Go to Advleather.com to learn much more about leather. Ask questions, send comments, we will respond. Or, to learn all about leather repair and restoration, buy the e-book Comprehensive Guide to Leather Repair and Restoration. Go here: www.LeatherRepairBook.com
The video show the differences between unfinished, aniline dyed leather and finished, protected or pigmented leather.
Also explains the purpose of base and print coloring technique and protective clear coat.

[@lunar686]

This is so fascinating to learn. With 99% of the internet only discussing the quality of different “brands” it’s been hard to find anything to teach me about the qualities of the leather itself. Thanks for sharing this knowledge 😊

[@Olive_Chap]

looking at older videos make me realise how people then give real info no clickbait stuf..

[@spaceman022]

usually because they are monetized

[@TheDogsSide]

No need for Amazon links. Great comment 💕

[@brittanymckinney8579]

This video was very informational. Loved learning the differences between leather. I’ve always had a hard time trying to understand the differences between the coatings and dyes. Not many retailers can tell you the difference nor how leather is actually made. Thanks!

[@LiveOmkar]

This person seems very clever and has knowledge about leather... Good work bro

[@KevinGillan]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@syedafzalmahmud2229]

Hey Kevin , great job man! It’s very helpful, wish you continue making video on leather.

[@fazibio]

With this sort of detailed explanation it's suffice to have "A topic A day"...Thank you Mr. Gillan....

[@mr.gautam602]

Thanks this information was helpful for me. I m doing research on different kind of materials and there properties.

[@jch7807]

Very thorough explanations. Thank you.

[@sharonshih3792]

Thanks for sharing. easy and clear to understand!

[@rod1217]

this helped so much, thankyou for posting

[@jiykhan]

Good advice. Appreciate your knowledge base. I love leather n keep buying shoes etc in exotic skins. I'm in India. Best...

[@PharaSouffrant]

Thank you for that tutorial!

[@cheaneysaddles]

Thanks for the great video! It's amazing what I still learn about leather I have been working with leather for about fifty years... Bruce

[@KevinGillan]

Yes Bruce... Most people don't understand the inherent complexity of leather. As a medium for mass-market upholstery, it's only been around for a generation, so there is no deep-seated knowledge base. Whereas people understand that the word "wood" has huge variety built into it from veneers to solid ebony. But "leather" doesn't have that same breadth of deeper understanding. One of the reasons is the secretive nature of the tanning industry. Each has their own chemical process that is their trade secret for producing a particular characteristic of leather, from the soft supple nature of a chrome tanned calf-skin to the rigid tough characteristic of a vegetable tanned hide. The word "leather" applies to both examples yet their character are worlds apart. The reason for the video is to shed some light on the subject. I'm glad you appreciated. Thank you.

[@cheaneysaddles]

Thank You for the great reply. Keep up the good work! Bruce

[@yuki19700931]

Bruce Cheaney thanks.this film helps me a lot.

[@Dennissiple]

This was very informative. Thank you.

[@kennethhalianto5581]

thanks for sharing! great info

[@hatemaltahir3868]

I have learned so much from your video; thanks a million.

[@KevinGillan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sj0nnie]

Damn, great sales presentation. If I would need leather for my hypothetical company I would definitely call this guy.

[@colinmurphy2214]

Patrick Bateman if only it had a watermark

[@dduffee64]

Patrick Bateman i like huey Lewis and the news. do you?

[@palftorrenz]

Great video. Very informative.

[@choochootrayn]

We've picked up sectional from an owner who is moving overseas and didn't want to take with. It is full aniline, and very nice condition. We have a couple of pugs, and they have been allowed on previous couch for ten years, and of course, they want to be on this couch also. The couch is a chocolate brown. The claw marks do not damage the leather, per se, like a cut, but do leave some scratch marks in the top color. The general question is what kind of dye/colorant to use to touch up the random claw marks? My first thought was to get a chocolate brown leather shoe polish, apply it to the scratches, and then buff it out. Good idea? Bad idea? Other thoughts? We've talked about slip covers also, but that defeats the purpose of the feel and look of leather. Thanks.

[@NuruzzamanRony]

thanks a lot. so much Helpful

[@Pompnumber]

Thanks Kevin!! Much appreciated!! :-)

[@szililolabu]

good explanation!

[@kevinsews]

I learned something here, so thank you!

[@hannahLOLhehe]

vjykgnl0it2

[@volcommerce]

Informative video, thanks for upoading. I just spent 1k on a red leather jacket, very luxurious, I love the smell, texture and the weight, and most of all how it makes me feel when I wear it. Now if I can just get my friend's pitbull not to jump on me, I'd be a happy man, but it seems pretty durable

[@dilemasdeumdominiciante6196]

Great vid! I'll dive into the info on the website. Thanks! PS. How can I get a template of that "mini-hide"? That is just AWESOME!

[@wilsjane]

They are samples sent out from leather suppliers. Since they send them out by the hundred, they will have a die to cut them in a press, but once you get a sample, you can cut them out by hand.

[@watercolorarttirthashankar2094]

thank you so much... this video is very helpful..... please make video on leather jacket

[@janasourav90]

Quite informative. Thanks

[@kierangoddard2198]

Is that rat leather?

[@danbarb9728]

So when i buy a new leather jacket do i have to protect the leather with a spray before i wear it? Its made of "aged" soft sheepskin leather so i guess it has the protection layer you mentioned. I also wonder why the prices vary so much, you can buy a leather jacket for 150 dollar or 800 for example and they look like the same to me ^^.

[@georgewashington938]

good info - thanks

[@Randy2747]

Please read... I am 50 years old and talk (to people in leather shops & stores, and listen to a lot of videos where people had no clue what they were saying about leather. I use to work at Garden State Tannery in Williamsport, MD for 18 years making automotive leather for Mazda, Cadillac, rav4, Toyota and many more vehicles. I don't know this guy Kevin and never met him. I just ran a crossed his video. This guy is EXACYLY RIGHT with everything he is saying!! He is the first guy I listened to that wasn't wrong in something he said. I would definitely listen to this guy because he knows what he is talking about! Making leather was a very interesting process. I have done every job but two of them because they was dangerous and didn't pay enough. This was the process we used to make leather if anyone is interested. 1.Dehair the hide with Lyme and acids. 2.Remove Flesh with machine. 3.Shaved to certain thickness depending what the care line wanted. 4.Sorted good and bad hides depending on defects (scars, mange, pinholes, looseness) 5.Washed, dye, chromed with ammonia and a regulated recipe of chemicals. We used huge stainless steel washers. 6.wrung water out of hide with a machines called Set out machine. 7.Dried the hide weather a toogle unit or pasting unit. 8. Softened the hide called Drymilled 9.Vacummed /brusher 10.Spray painted 11. Softened hide agian. 12.Sometimes embossed 13.Perferated 14.Stamped & measured . 15.hide went to Cutting department to be cut into car seat, head rest, arm rest ect. 16 packed and sent to get sewn together. GREAT JOB KEVIN! I'M Impressed 👍and subscribed!

[@KevinGillan]

Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I agree, there is far more inaccurate information about leather than accurate. It's across a broad spectrum, with the internet being a conduit of massive mis-information. You worked at the front end of leather's life, I worked at the back end, repairing and restoring leather that has been in use for years, even decades and a few cases centuries. I recently finished authoring an e-book - Comprehensive Guide to Leather Repair and Restoration. I would like to send you a complimentary copy. If you send me an email --- [e-mail], I'll send you a PDF version of the book for your review for free. The book retails for $195. More about it can be found here www.LeatherRepairBook.com.

[@vbBegin1957]

I like the explanation but I have a question. I have a leather reclining sofa from Raymour and Flanigan. I have a faded area head of the sofa. How can I tell the difference. Still love the smell of leather after three years. How can I repair after I can determine the type of leather. Can use your help thanks.

[@Calz3n]

Where did you get those tiny cows?! Good video, thanks for the info :P

[@markk2745]

Its to expensive to let them grow and the leather stay's soft because they are midget cows. Similar to what they do with Veal.. :)

[@MrAnuar94]

Hi Calvary Zender . did u really serius about that question.?

[@colingraham2730]

I hate that I laughed at this

[@innocentoctave]

Those aren't cows - those are hamsters.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Those aren't cow hides, they are hides from pygmy ponies they raise on the dental floss farms in Montana. Frank Zappa wrote a song about them, titled Montana. :-D

[@andyrazi10]

this is educational :)

[@michelepennington6836]

Dear kevin, great information! Thanks. Researching before purchasing a soft leather sectional, high quality and comfort! Please help.

[@KevinGillan]

+Michele and Leon Pennington We are a leather repair and restoration company. For 28 years we've seen countless pieces coming through our shop. As such we know which are quality and which are less so. If you send me an email ([e-mail]), I'll reply with a preferred list of manufacturers that matches your specification of soft, high quality leather.

[@saifullahdurrani6322]

hey Kevin, I have been doing loads of research on leather, mainly because it's fascinating, but also because I would like to identify what grade my leather items are, them being my jacket and bag. despite my research, I am still scratching my head on exactly what grade they are. would I be able to send you some pictures via email or something and have you evaluate them? I would really appreciate it. thank you in advance!

[@kevin-xy3ms]

Helo sir may u tell is nubuck leather is expensive or not ?? Second question is that I want to purchased ksubi brand jacket it is good?

[@shahidkhalil1382]

hi kevin excellent explanation and work you do....I have a question...can u please describe what animals the leather comes from and how you can tell if its cattle or pig, or lamb or deer leaher?.. i read that different types of products use different animal leathers...for example pigskin is sometimes used in apparel. further a manufacturer should list this in the identification label thanks

[@KevinGillan]

+Shahid Khalil The texture (grain pattern) of the skin along with it's tactile presence can help you determine the animal. There are no rules dictating what animal is appropriate for what end product. I can't address your comment regarding what a manufacturer should or should not say about where the skin came from. The character of the leather is also heavily influenced by how it was processed at a tannery.

[@shahidkhalil1382]

+Kevin Gillan thanks, that makes sense...

[@rad0ri]

I was wondering how the part of the body that the leather comes from differs from different parts?

[@jaichandbhambhu3410]

Thanks sir

[@66Gordo]

Thanks for the video. I do upholstery but I been wanting to make my own motorcycle vest. What leather and weight is good and durable? Where could I get that from also.

[@KevinGillan]

You'll want a 3 - 4 ounce chrome tanned and fully finished leather for your application. An excellent source is the Hide House in Napa California (hidehouse.com/)

[@Hamad-Almass]

Hi Kevin, Could you tell me what is the best leather cream or liquid to protect the leather or make it live longer in a good condition? Regards

[@KevinGillan]

Look up SG-25 leather conditioner/protector. The key is to ensure proper pH consistency with your leather, through a non-greasy, or sticky chemistry that properly moisturizes and protects. SG - 25 meets that criteria. Check it out here: advleather.com/consumerproducts.html

[@Henkka0Bass]

Thanks for the video Mr Gilan, a simple question, I've got aniline leather (unfinished) with brown color, how could I harden the surface for my knives sheaths ?

[@KevinGillan]

I'm sorry to report that anything you do to "harden" your leather will also shorten it's life.

[@Henkka0Bass]

@@KevinGillan it's true, i tried to add bee wax but the result was very very bad Thanks one more time

[@ChintanPandya01]

Hello sir! A very informative overview. Thanks a ton! I have a question about leather conditioning. How often should i condition leather bags and wallets? Thanks in advance! :-)

[@KevinGillan]

It depends on the type of leather. A good average is 3 or 4 times a year with a LIGHT application. It does no good to over apply. If the leather is new, then wait a year before you begin conditioning. The purpose of conditioning is to replace lost moisture to keep the leather soft and supple. If the leather is new, it hasn't lost any moisture yet and like a sponge that is fully soaked with water, it can't accept any additional moisture.

[@ChintanPandya01]

Kevin Gillan Amazing! Thanks a lot for the info. I just bought a pull up leathet wallet and a messenger bag and was considering conditioning them as I thought new leather tends to be dry. Thanks again! :-)

[@aliffshunx5405]

Thanks!

[@KevinGillan]

You're welcome.

[@GUNESZEKI]

Thanks kevin for your videos great informative , i have a broker company in import and export business and just get a contract about exporting raw leather your videos are very helpful to me thanx again 👋

[@rad0ri]

Also i'm really curious about the shape of the fabric and why it is always shaped like that? (the red one) and if you could tell me where I would get that sample that you have? THANKS

[@gerryandterrygalvan1479]

rad0ri a

[@jerrywang3590]

Learned a lot from this. I have a quick question. I bought a used wingback chair in a very good condition. It has the old style with the nail heads. It scuffs easily and absorbs water right away which makes me think it is unfinished leather. but it also has a sheen to it. what kind of leather is this? and I think my daughter left a stain on it when her hair was wet with conditioner. is there a way to fix it?

[@KevinGillan]

Jerry Wang -- I would need to see photos of your chair before I can offer and opinion of what type of leather it is and what can be done

[@muzzammilkamle1750]

Hey kevin Need to know in raw leather can we analyse If the raw leather having grain or sued Can we analyse it in raw stage

[@KevinGillan]

top side of leather is top-grain, bottom side of leather is suede. So all leather is both top-grain and suede depending on what side of the leather you are looking at. Another way to hink of it, the top or outer layer is the epidermis (grain side), whereas the bottom or inside (suede side) of the skin is the flesh side.

[@BEACHYz]

thank you for sharing. I've been trying to understand this for years. Question,. Are car seats dyed or painted from the factory. I want to restore my seats but don't​ want a temporary fix.

[@KevinGillan]

Automobile leather is dyed and then has a pigment coating applied, so yes, the color you see is painted on using spray equipment for an even dispersion of the color. The only exception is the Ford King Ranch pickup. It has an unfinished leather (dyed only).

[@JamesBrown-lq8rm]

Kevin Gillan I’m curious how brand new white leather furniture can accept dye Transfer from 10 year old clothing. Secondly, how do I stop it? Thank you in advance.

[@1a2b3cdude]

I would love to buy those small model cut outs of hides. if you sell them or know where to buy them please let me know

[@deepaksinghbhati7231]

These are self made from the big skins

[@afshinkeshavarz2718]

Hi. Many thanks for your useful videos. May I ask where are you located because as a person who wants to trade in leather industry I need to get more information about leather and see something. Thanks Afshin.

[@KevinGillan]

We have two locations in the US. Our main factory is in Anderson, CA and our administration office is in Centralia, WA.

[@sman786sman]

Hey Kevin, I am very new to leather and was looking to buy some sofa's for my parents. They bought bonded leather sofas about 4 years ago and now they have started pealing. They hadn't done research and were very upset as they always love to keep their furniture for 15+ years. For their anniversary I was planing on getting them leather sofas but i want to make sure that this time they last. can you help me out with what type of leather i should invest in so that it not only looks and feels nice and modern but also lasts. Thanks!!

[@KevinGillan]

1. Be sure that what you buy is REAL leather, not a maunfactured product like bonded leather. 2. Be sure it's top-grain, sometimes referred to as full-grain, nothing less. 3. Be sure it's all leather, not a leather/vinyl combination. 4. If it's in an active household, to be used regularly, be sure it's a finished leather, that is a leather with a protective color coating.

[@euphoria156]

Top grain and full grain r 2 diff things pls dont give incorrect info. Full grain is superior as no sanding is done/needed on full grain leather.

[@vbBegin1957]

Been trying to understand variations of leather as to valcona leather and valetta leather and Nappa leather What are the difference? I appreciate your help

[@KevinGillan]

The three key words (Nappa, valcona and valetta) are marketing terms used by Audi. The only word that has significance is Nappa. It’s origin relates to soft leather. It’s roots are from a tannery in Napa, CA that produced leather for flight jackets used by the US military during World War I. The soft character of the leather was a marvel to the allies. So when they found out the leather was from Napa, the name stuck. Nonetheless, it has no technical significance. It’s all marketing spin.

[@KevinGillan]

This is the second time I received the same question from someone. The short answer is these are marketing words and as such have no technical definition. Its like calling leather portrazibe or mumblyfratz or some other made up name. Valcona, and Valetta sound fancy but its purely marketing. That said, in marketing spin, Nappa generally connotes soft, supple leather.

[@rsureshisaac]

Hi kevin..my question is which leather is best to make export leather jackets

[@KevinGillan]

I'm not the right person to answer your question. I know leather. I know nothing about the marketability of any particular products made with leather. This is for an international marketing wizzard to answer.

[@subhrasankarchakraborty2746]

Nice

[@shameelali2549]

So with this coating mean leather "conditioner" is null and void?

[@rajeevmehta5179]

Kindly send me crinkle leather finishing process

[@HamidRoshaan]

Hey Kevin, I have been doing a lot of research on leather and kinds of leather, preservation methods, etc. Mainly because I want to try a watch strap business, but I am still confused as to what kind of leather to use (cow/deer/alligator) also, I dont know what kind of preservation technique to use and what ingredients to use in what ratio, Can you help me a bit? Maybe a link to a guide? Or a general direction? Thanks in Advance.

[@KevinGillan]

Hamid... As a point of reference, the origin of the skin (cow/deer/alligator) is far less important than the quality of the tanning process. The tanning process determines the leather's characteristics including durability, feel, strength, chemical resistance etc. I'm not clear on what you mean by "preservation techniques." Send me an email to [e-mail] with more details about your goals and I'll reply.

[@HamidRoshaan]

I'll shoot an email when I get free from some work, sure, thanks :)

[@maryshort5887]

Hamid Roshaan q

[@krishnendhuchakra6358]

Hamid Roshaan hey bro,From where do you get leather of alligator and deer? I am also interested In the leather industry.

[@diffy9036]

W I C K E D !! THANKS MAN!

[@KevinGillan]

You're welcome. Glad it was of value to you.

[@lupi2055]

Mr. did you can tell me what a difference of crust leather, nabati leather and nubuck leather. Please made a video about it Thank you

[@Jones4Leather]

A crust is leather that has been tanned (preserved, softened, and dried) but not yet dyed. It will have some coloration just from the tanning agents, but is light in color. In chrome-tanned leather it's typically a pale bluish grey. In vegetable-tanned leather it's a light tan. www.leather-dictionary.com/index.php/Crust_leather NuBuck leather is a dyed leather with a micro-suede texture created by abrasion of the smooth side of the hide. Suede is the same thing, but has a rougher texture. Nabati means vegetable in Malay, Indonesian and other related languages. Vegetable-tanned leathers are the strongest leathers. Used for belts, straps, sling seats, laces, saddles, heavy boots, etc. Nabati is also a type of rug made with reeds and leather by the Tuareg people in northern Africa. (and the word refers to a type of poetry in Arabic)

[@lupi2055]

@@Jones4Leather thankfully for your answer and your information it's helpful for me.

[@idontplay9559]

I have lots of unfinished suede leather but want to know if it has to have a clear coat for protection from water etc and what is the clear coat called, I want to start making stuff but don't want to waste any of the leather.

[@KevinGillan]

A traditional clear coat is not appropriate for suede. It would convert the suede to a smooth leather. For protection use either fiber shield or fiber seal. While these products are effective initially, they must be re-applied regularly as they wear away. These products are best applied by professionals who know how to use them.

[@Gagasng]

Guys, I dont know why YT recomended me this. But hey I enjoyed watching this anyway

[@user-co4xl7wx3q]

What species(?) are the samples used here? They look like rodents but I thought *_leather_* was bovine. Please help, I am loving leather. This is an excellent and quick presentation, thank you 👍

[@KevinGillan]

It is bovine (specifically steer as leather is a by-product of the meat industry). The leather was simply cut into those shapes.

[@user-co4xl7wx3q]

@@KevinGillan Ah, okay👍 I was thinking like, "surely there is no such thing as _guinea pig_ leather...right?" 😉 Have a splendid weekend and All the Best!

[@maliknaeemawanleathertechn5845]

good

[@MasterofPlay7]

you are very knowledgeable about leather. do you happen to know if nubuck is top grain or full grain (I c timberland shoes use nubuck, but is watherproof; is it chemical treated?) And what about roughout leather?

[@KevinGillan]

1. For nubuck to be waterproof, it must be chemically treated, probably infused with a fluorocarbon, which is a ScotchGuard like chemistry. Else, nubuck is highly absorbant. 2. Rough out leather is essentially suede (the inside of the skin). 3. Technically, there is very little distinction between top grain and full grain. They both represent the unaltered epidermis. However, there is no legally sanctioned definition. There is an argument that can be rasied that says full grain will have a higher tensile strength. This presumes that full grain refers to only the strongest section of a hide while top grain can be any section, including the strongest section (which is across the shoulders and down the backbone). However this is mitigated dramatically based on the quality of tannage. A poorly tanned full grain will be considerably weaker that a properly tanned top grain. So beware, the terms are often used as marketing spin to imply strength and durability. Case in point.... top or full grain "nubuck" is an oxymoron. Nubuck is created by sanding the surface of the epidermis which raises a nape (tiny fibers sticking up). This clearly alters the epidermis, weakening it's tensile strength. In the case of a boot upper (not the sole), it shouldn't matter as there isn't a lot of stress applied to the upper section of a boot, unless your kicking rocks.

[@MasterofPlay7]

thank you so much for the explanation. But is the thickness of the leather a good indicator of the leather's quality with everything being equal (e.g came from same tannery, full grain, etc.)?

[@vincentlawrence677]

As it was explained to me by someone, the difference between top grain and full grain, is that full grain is un-altered, leaving scars and blemishes. Where as top grain has been lightly "shaved" to remove just the imperfections.

[@MasterofPlay7]

do u know if the thickness of leather a good indicator of leather's quality?

[@vincentlawrence677]

Full grain is going to be your thickest. Top grain next as it has been shaved "slightly" but will be of the same quality as full grain. Then there is split grain which creates 2 hides (half the thickness) a top grain hide and a genuine leather hide. Then there is bonded leather (crap) which is made up of the shavings when they shave the full grain to make top grain. The thickness is not nessecarily an indicator of quality as it is the tanning process that will actually determine the quality.

[@HMijailAntonQuiles]

It's a pity that the explanation got cut at 4:50!

[@KevinGillan]

+H. Mijail Antón Quiles I just played this video on my computer and it continued through to conclusion. So there is nothing wrong with the video. What you missed was our phone number and web-site place there for any questions you may have. 510-786-6059 and www.advleather.com.

[@HMijailAntonQuiles]

+Kevin Gillan , I can see the video finishing with your phone number. I rather meant that the sentence that you were saying got edited out: "...and consequently you end up with failure." I assumed the explanation was longer, and it sounded interesting :). Thanks anyway.

[@patoraro8772]

At the beginning, my reaction was "huh?", because I had no knowledge of the subject, and it sounded, "English teachers arguing over a comma placement". But very quickly I learned how much I, as a consumer, did not know. Thank you for a broad, yet succinct, explanation of a very important subject for consumers to know.

[@KevinGillan]

I appreciate your comment, thank you.

[@Closdmon]

Could you take a suede coat and make it smooth and waterproof????

[@KevinGillan]

You can covert it to a fully finished (smooth) leather with a lot of effort (and money) but nothing will make it truly waterproof and have it still feel and look like leather.

[@euphoria156]

Is suede and genuine leather the same thing? Except that Suede is not "made to look like full grain" and just left to looking like it looks after splitting? And Nubuck is same as Top Grain leather? And what is Nappa? Thanks.

[@KevinGillan]

Suede is the inside of genuine leather. It's the flesh side of the skin. Suede can be from the full grain or from a split hide. In either case its the inside of the leather. Turn a section of suede over and you'll see the top or full grain, if it's not a "split hide." If it is a split (meaning the leather was cut laterally creating two exact images where the lower part is separated or split away from the top grain) then it will be suede on both sides. Nubuck is full grain where the emidermal layer is sanded to raise a nape. It is also called "brushed leather." Nappa is a marketing term that is typically used to describe soft, supple leather. It is derived from flight jackets worn by American pilots during WWI. The French were in awe of how soft and supple the leather felt. In asking where the leather was from, they learned that a tannery in Napa, CA created the leather. The name stuck with a extra "p." That tannery no longer exists due to environmental regulations in California. Decades ago, it was converted into a leather distributor still in business today. They are called the Hide House.

[@euphoria156]

@@KevinGillan - thank you very much Kevin for the detailed reply and educating me ! I feel I should inform you abt "genuine leather" what I learnt abt from a vedio . That genuine leather is actually fake and is the throughout water after splitting the leather when creating full grain leather. The lower/flesh part (that attaches to muscles inside ) that is supposed to be thrown away, China makes it look like full grain leather. So we all must stay away from "genuine" leather. It's the name of that leather , it's not actually genuine.

[@euphoria156]

@@KevinGillan and please inform how can we tell if something like shoes are made from suede(on both side) or from suede(whose other side is full grain) ? Because it's hard to see inside a shoe. And the part which is visible to us they can stitch full grain just on the borders yo confuse ppl. I love 2 pair of shoes both are suede for $200, $300 . The $300 chakna ppl are complaining that they didn't last long ( because they are suede I thing. Actually I used to believe suede means suede "only" from both sides, and never upside down full grain ) the $200 ones ppl didn't complain Yet as they are I think new item. And $200 is a lot of money for me which I hope will last for decades then only wanna buy.

[@KevinGillan]

@@euphoria156 Your right in the sense that its not leather as we all understand it to be (top or full grain). It is still leather (from the skin of an animal) however though a very low grade. Instead of not buying someting that says "genuine leather" as that may exclude the real deal, rather, simply stay away from anything made in China as they don't know how to tell the truth.

[@sereneseaman-try5147]

what type of leather do I need to emboss with carvings?

[@KevinGillan]

The most common leather to use for embossing is vegetable tanned leather as it will accept a permanent emboss. While it is less available, syn-tanned leather will also accept embossing. Chrome tanned leather can be embossed however it doesn't hold the embossing well.

[@sereneseaman-try5147]

Thank you so much :D

[@vqfive]

is the print coat an acrylic paint?

[@KevinGillan]

It can be. Depends who manufacturers it. In our case, ours is a blend of urethane and acrylic. Regardless, as a binder, the more important point is that it is designed for a flexible surface. It has to "move" along with the leather as the leather stretches (flexes) from being sat on. An off-the-shelf acrylic doesn't not have flex characteristics. If it is applied to leather, it will crack as the leather flexes. So, the color has to stretch and flex with the leather. Advanced Leather Solutions coloring agents are engineered specifically for leather.

[@menglimarrero4296]

How can i send the pictures of my a2 pilot leather jacket for you to see if what kind of leather it is? Can you help me?

[@centraliawashingtonsimmanu8026]

A photo will not help me to determine the type of leather you have. I'd have to physically have the jacket in my possession for proper analysis.

[@mohdadil3406]

Assalamualakum I am a Indian leather manfuter of veg tanned leather based on buff Can you make vedio on different types of modern eco friendly tanning

[@lalbuatsaihapachuau4308]

Hallo sir, which leather is the bast for wallet?

[@icedcoldkilla]

Chromexcel Or any oil tanned leather. Why? Because if it scratches you can remove them by rubbing. Make sure its full grain leather and it will last a lifetime. Cordovan is the best of the best. Its made out of a membraine from the ass of a horse. Will be the most expensive. Completely waterproof and aslong as you use cordovan cream you will not compromise its longevity.

[@FEWCHURDAKING]

So What's the difference between Heavy leather Vs. Cowhide leather.. basically which is best!

[@centraliawashingtonsimmanu8026]

Most leather comes from cows. So heavy leather and cowhide are the same thing. If you mean thick leather... the thickness of the hide is NOT a measure of durability. Thickness is generally referred to as the leather's "weight." The thicker the hide the more it weighs. What matters is the chemical engineering behind the tanning process. A poorly tanned thick hide is FAR less durable than a properly tanned thin hide. Durability is a function of two things: 1. quality tanning and 2. full- or top-grain, not the weight of the hide. Full-grain and top-grain mean the outer epidermal layer of the skin is intact. "Smoother." Means nothing to durability. I assume you mean lack of grain pattern. That plays no role in durability. "Fading." The potential for fading is a function of the coloring process used. If it is a dyed only leather, expect fading. If it is dyed and then a protective pigment coating is applied, expect no fading for a very long time. To learn more, buy my ebook.

[@haromanuel]

Is finished leather the same as bonded leather?

[@KevinGillan]

No. Finished leather is real leather with a protective pigment-based color coating on it. Bonded "leather" is NOT real leather. It's a manufactured product made from chopped up leather mixed with an epoxy, just like cheap particle board is made from chopped up pieces of wood held together with glue. World of difference in durability between the cheap bonded leather and the real deal top-grain finished leather.

[@Stanly450]

Leather genius

[@KevinGillan]

Thanks for your kind words. Not so much genius as 30 years experience working on leather repair and restoration projects which is what led me to write the book on the topic: Comprehensive Guide to Leather Repair and Restoration. It's available on Google Books here: books.google.com/books?id=SSOsDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA27&dq=leather+repair&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjS04aV7LzlAhV5JzQIHcGPBsUQ6AEwAHoECAQQAg#v=onepage&q=leather%20repair&f=false

[@21mikeross]

I am dyed blond and colored light brown.

[@chaledadams5883]

My oxblood colored shoe has black color in the inside, not oxblood. Is that means my shoe is using a fake/ genuine leather?

[@KevinGillan]

The inside color does not determine the type of material (leather or not). It could be leather dyed black and then the oxblood color applied topically over the black.

[@hopeindirect4165]

Craftsmanship of the masters. When I put on ma leather I made, and rock to sum Metallica, Delta Parole, Foo Fighters or the Smashing Pumpkins I feel like I can do anything in the whole wide world.

[@DawnToDuskDesigns]

Great explanation! Thanks for sharing your insight! :) All the best, A u r o r a

[@deepaksinghbhati7231]

Are you from footwear industry

[@omerhassan181]

Hello sir Hru...I am doing Sheep and goat finished leather, plz share me any tips

[@KevinGillan]

You'll learn alot by watching all my videos on my KZbin channel: KevinsLeatherCareADV.

[@KevinGillan]

Another option is to download my book The Comprehensive Guide to Leather Repair and Restoration. This is a downloadable ebook with links to video to show how to perform specific tasks. You can download it from here: LeatherRepairBook.com

[@noon9140]

Explain glovetanned leather please

[@centraliawashingtonsimmanu8026]

Glovetanned is a marketing term. There is no technical meaning to it. From a marketing prospective, they are trying to convince you that the leather has a soft feel.

[@noon9140]

@@centraliawashingtonsimmanu8026 thanks a lot

[@faisal3398]

What about nappa leather, what's that? Generally what indicates the quality of a leather and do the little lines going mean anything because nappa leather doesn't have any of it.

[@KevinGillan]

1. Nappa is a subjective marketing term. It doesn't define any particular type of leather. It generally refers to leather that has a soft, supple feel. The origins of the word nappa comes from a tannery in Napa, CA USA. They created leather that was used to make flight jackets for US open cockpit fighter pilots during WWI. The Allies were impressed with the leather's softness. They added a 2nd "p" and began to refer to any leather that had a soft hand as nappa leather. 2. Leather's quality if determined by the nature of the skin (ie. Full Grain) and the chemical engineering used in the tanning process. Quality leather can have a defined, pronounced grain pattern or be glassy smooth. The presence or lack of grain is not an indicator of quality.

[@faisal3398]

@@KevinGillan Thanks a lot for the reply, so both leather with a clear defined grain and leather with no grain at all can be equally soft if they're made in the same way? I'm buying some leather parts for my car and they charge extra for what they call nappa which looks much smoother with less grain, they also advertise having very thick leather does that have any affect at all?

[@KevinGillan]

@@faisal3398 1. The use of the word nappa equals marketing spin. It may or may not be higher quality. 2. The thickness of a skin is NOT an indicator of quailty or durability. A poorly tanned thick leather won't outlast a well tanned thin leather. There is a lot more to the story. Bottom line --- best leather is full grain (epidermis is still intact) and properly tanned. Period. The rest is spin.

[@faisal3398]

@@KevinGillan I see, thanks a lot for the info!

[@AathifNihas]

hit this nice man a like

[@KevinGillan]

Thank you

[@WayneDavisDA_ILLESTalive14]

So the first one is raw leather?

[@KevinGillan]

The frist swatch presented is raw leather that has been tanned and subsequently dyed. As there is no finish coating on it, it is considered unfinished.

[@andrewthejester9782]

some dont do a great job on the clear coat... that explains the cracking on genuine leather..

[@ericharvey9456]

With our leather suite it's the coating that is failing, suppose you couldn't expect much else considering where it was made. Out next furniture is going to be material covered and probably winged armchairs from a British company.

[@KevinGillan]

It's unfortunate that a leather furnitrue retailer wouldn't alert a consumer that they are buying an inferior product. There are "leather" products being sold that should not be classified as leather as they are a composite or blended material that's not the real deal. Be sure to ask lots of questions about the nature of the leather you are buying. If the answers sound fishy, walk away. This has been a decade old problem. Ten years ago I wrote a blog entry to help guide a consumer with the right questions to ask. Its still valid today. advleather.blogspot.com/2009/07/is-it-real-leather.html

[@LSR6501]

what is half leather ? what is aire leather?

[@KevinGillan]

Half leather is a term used in book binding where the cover is a combination of leather and cardoard, cloth or paper. Aire leather is a synthetic, painted fabric made to look like leather so it is fake leather.

[@LSR6501]

@@KevinGillan what is better as a sofa in house -leather/ half leather/leatherette

[@KevinGillan]

Depends on what's important to you. If you want durability and longevity then real leather is the answer. If you want inexpensive, then buy a synthetic.

[@jerrywang3590]

Kevin, how can I contact you and send a picture?

[@KevinGillan]

Jerry Wang Our email address is: [e-mail]. Send a photo and I'll reply.

[@etabypica]

Jerry Wang 6, 4

[@etabypica]

هو لك عارفه جرعة و Zuzana. Cox xoxo. Cox xoxo go NC Toxicity to Mc

[@euphoria156]

When the video starts becoming interesting they "cut " it !! at 4:50 !!!!

[@KevinGillan]

Sorry that happened to you, I just played it an it played all through for me.

[@faevah]

I’m just trynna customise some Nike shoes and need to know what’s what 😹

[@KevinGillan]

Best advice is stay away from dyes , only use pigments for color followed by a tough, flexible top coat for protection. Get an decent air brush. Follow this principle: 1. Always prime the leather with a decent primer like our SG-4. 2. Airbrush the color coat as desired. 3. airbrush a topcoat for protection and sheen. Topcoats for leather come in a variety of sheens from Matte to Gloss. Learn more at www.advleather.com

[@KevinGillan]

Elena.. Please send photos of your nubuck sofas with the with the adhesive ribbon problem and I'll offer best advice - Send to: [e-mail] and I'll respond.

[@lanellbarrett7489]

wow.... captioned so inaccurately I was lost. KZbin...caption well, or call it a day. this badly wanted info was an exercise in frustration.

[@KevinGillan]

+LaNell Barrett I just played the video on my computer (an iMac) and it played perfectly. So I don't know how to address your issue other than to try another device.

[@Jason-zw2dg]

Imagine aliens making the same video but with human skin

[@timenavigator9643]

I was thinking that exact thing LOL. Or imagine them observing us and thinking how we can bear to stand the thought of covering things in the skin of other animals, and the fact quality leather is never cheap And virtually every human can agree that a nice leather sheath or a comfy leather couch/driver seat is one of the best feelings in the world LOL

[@KevinGillan]

Yes, it does raise some ethical issues. The leather industry is a by-product of the meat producing industry. If humans weren't carnivorous there wouldn't be a leather industry. According to statistia.com, in mid-2020, there are about a billion (989,030,000) head of cattle globally, most of them to support the beef production industry. The cattle are harvested for food. If they didn't put the skins to good use, they would simply rot in landfills. If you eat beef, like most people... well, you get the point I'm sure.

[@rubix6605]

No escape :-) 1013

[@georgewashington938]

2:11 WTF, is that a mouse hide?

[@KevinGillan]

You're not far off in that the leather industry refers to them euphemistically as "rat hides." These are stamped out sample sections of a full sized bovine hide. They are typically used by leather furniture retailers to show color samples.

[@FreshLexo]

I don't know why this was in my suggested. I clicked because of the gerbil skins in the thumbnail.

[@Gagasng]

2:04 excuseme, are those came from hamster?