Materials Science

Genuine nappa leather - what is it

Nappa leather is leather that is made from the hides of cattle or sheepskin. Thanks to the double tanning, nappa leather has an extraordinary softness, which allows it to be used for various types of clothing, and not only clothing ...

There are many types of leather, depending on the natural origin, as well as the methods of dressing and dyeing. One of the interesting types is nappa leather. Most often, nappa leather is semi-aniline in its technological processing. Semi-aniline tanned leather with high plasticity and uniform color has excellent decorative properties, is quite thin and soft to the touch.

The thinness, softness and decorativeness of leather allows it to be used for making clothes, exclusive accessories and other high-quality haberdashery products. This skin is also recommended by auto-tuning specialists.

Thanks to various dyeing and coating technologies, the leather can be shiny or matte, smooth or perforated.

Nappa leather is made from the hides of cattle and sheepskin... Double tanning ensures the softness of the leather. The main producers of nappa are Italy, Turkey, Spain.

Many Italian products are made from this leather.

A special coating technology of aniline or semi-aniline type gives the skin a unique look.

What is the difference between aniline and semi-aniline leather?

Aniline leather. This leather is of the highest quality, made from hides that have undergone minor processing. The skins are mostly cleaned and coated with a protective antibacterial layer, so they look completely natural, like in nature.

With aniline dyeing, the leather is soaked in transparent aniline dyes, which give it a certain shade. At the same time, all natural marks remain on the skin. Aniline leather is considered to be of the highest grade. Sometimes this leather is coated with a thin layer of varnish to make it easier to clean. This type of leather more than all types has a so-called antique look.

Semi-aniline leather. It can also preserve the natural visual qualities of the skin. However, if this leather undergoes a thorough additional processing, after which all irregularities can be smoothed out, then the surface of the skin is smooth and even, almost flawless. This is a semi-aniline skin, but with a fully corrected face. At the last technological stage, the skin is covered with a polymer coating that protects against moisture and pollution.

For auto-tuning salons, a special type of leather is produced, which is processed with dyes and resins. Depending on the purpose of use, nappa leather differs in thickness.

nappa leather

Advantages and disadvantages of aniline and semi-aniline leather?

Aniline coated leather is beautiful. On visual inspection, especially under a magnifying glass, you can see all the natural pattern left on the skin, including the holes from the removed hairs.

This means that the surface of the skin is not covered with anything, otherwise all the smallest holes would be indistinguishable. If you drip a drop of water a dark spot will remain on the surface of such leather, since aniline absorbs water. When the skin is covered with a protective layer, visually it remains with all natural "flaws", but the water is not absorbed.

You should know that if the skin absorbs water quickly, it will absorb dirt just as well. If you value leather for its natural properties, then being careful is not enough to save it from rapid pollution. The skin should be treated regularly. Aniline Cream moisturizes the skin, protects against stains and dirt.

In addition, aniline leather brightens when slightly scratched, so it is best to check this property in advance.There are options with protected aniline leather from mechanical damage, which is not afraid of scratches. In any case, know that the most important advantage of aniline leather is its beautiful texture. If you value your clothes and are very careful, then buy products from this leather.

The production of semi-aniline leather includes additional processing that does not affect the quality and softness of the material. It is a nappa leather that mimics aniline leather. When visually examining the skin under a magnifying glass, you can see depressions from the hairline and other natural "flaws", but with a thicker coating layer, they are not visible.

Thanks to additional treatments, it is more resistant and easier to care for than aniline leather, its color is more uniform. A drop of water is not absorbed immediately, but gradually (3-4 minutes). The protective coating of the leather is very smooth, therefore, in comparison with aniline leather, semi-aniline leather is more slippery.

Semi-aniline leather also requires a protective cream, such as Leather Protection Cream, otherwise the protective layer of leather will wear out quickly in the areas most exposed to stress. To make your garment last longer, re-coat it every 3 months to prevent the pigment and protective varnish from rubbing off.