Terminology
What does "hand" mean in reference to leather?
A term that describes the leather’s softness and feel.
Describe what bonded leather is. Give an example of what else you can compare it to in the industry in terms of it seeming like a better product than it actually is.
Leftover scraps of leather shredded and ground to near a pulp and then bonded together using polyurethane or latex onto a fiber sheet. It’s like calling pressed wood “wood” because it has scraps mixed in.
What is the difference between suede and nubuck leathers?
Difference between suede and nubuck? Both are crafted by sanding leather hides but suede is the inside of the hide and nubuck is the exterior layer. Nubuck is stronger, suede is softer and supple to the touch.
What is leather's life expectancy?
Decades, "even up to 100 years" according to several industry experts.
Don’t put fabric on Motion frames, it will shift over time and that can impair the seams and tightness of the fabric.
What is a "topcoat" ?
Synthetic transparent resins applied as a protective coating from a high gloss to a matte finish.
What is top grain leather?
Top grain leather is the second highest quality you can get. It has had the top layer removed making it more pliable and easier to stich than full grain which is very tough and thick. Imperfections have been removed and it is easier to work with. Top layer is sanded and has a finish on it. The finishing coat means it will not develop a patina over the years. Finishing coat reduces breathability but protects against stains that would otherwise sink into the leather.
List 3 characteristics of protected pigmented leather.
Vibrant, uniform color. Pigmented leather has an even, consistent color that is resistant to fading.
Low maintenance. The protective topcoat makes pigmented leather more durable and much easier to clean and maintain than other types of upholstery.
Stain resistant. Pigmented leather can stain, but its protective topcoat makes it much more resistant to staining than unfinished leathers, such as aniline or nubuck.
Value for money. Pigmented leather is less expensive than aniline or nubuck leather.
Repairable. Minor damage – scuffs, scratches and cuts – can usually be easily repaired, and, because the repair can be covered with a layer of leather pigment, there usually isn’t a visible scar.
Less luxurious. Because of the layers of pigment and topcoat, pigmented leather looks and feels less natural than aniline or nubuck.
What is a sofa's average life expectancy, according to the industry?
7-10 years
How will split leather age compared to top grain leather?
It will fade much faster due to sunlight exposure and the grain in the leather is not nearly as strong in terms of longevity.
What does "tanning" refer to?
The process of converting a raw hide into a stable, non-perishable state.
What is split leather?
Split leather is the layer beneath both the full grain and top grain which are stronger and have been removed. It is still truly all leather, but it is not as strong and does not have natural markings the way the top layers do. It will be given artificial grain and sprayed with stain or dye to give it a more natural appearance.
Define hand tooled leather and embossed leather. What are Omnia's designer leathers qualified as?
Hand Tooled leather - Tooled leather also called hand-tooled leather is done by wetting the surface of the leather. Once the leather is soft, a pattern is hand-carved using knives, Then various tools are used to pound on the leather and embossed. Then the leather is painted or dyed to give the right color and then sealed to protect the colors from bleeding. Generally speaking, hand-tooled leather patterns are quite sharp and some truly artistic pieces also can show some shading with patina work and various color hues in the leather art.
Embossing is a process that heat presses an artificial grain pattern into the leather. If not sanded or buffed, these leathers are still considered to be full grain. This process is usually applied to pigmented leathers but can also be used on aniline and semi-aniline.
Impressing a pattern onto the surface of the hide to create a motif or texture. A very even and uniform pattern is created, possibly to disguise natural defects or blemishes, or to create visually exciting designs.
*Omnia's leathers are called "tooled" or "embossed", but NOT "hand-tooled"
As leather ages, it "patinas". Describe what this means and how it happens.
Patina or sheen produced by age, wear, and polishing), or any similar acquired change of a surface through age and exposure. Additionally, the term is used to describe the aging of high-quality leather. The patinas on leather goods are unique to the type of leather, frequency of use, and exposure.
Where does Omnia source their leather from?
Omnia’s leathers come from different places – some are Italian hides, some are South American. Some leather descriptions on the list in the drive tell you where they come from (ex. European Hide or Brazilian Hide)
What is "liming" ?
The process of removing hair from a raw hide through the use of chemicals.
What is full grain leather and how does it differ from top grain leather?
Full grain leather is the highest quality. Take the hide, remove the hair and tan it. You get all the natural marking. It is very thick and stiff. Not sanded or buffed to remove markings, full thickness. All grain remains which promotes durability and breathability. The top layer will develop a patina over time.
Describe what Omnia's "O" finish is.
Pull-Up leather, has a coating of oil or wax to give it a distressed look.
The pull-up finishing technique infuses hot oil and/or wax into the hide. The intricate finish allows for lines to form in the leather when pulled or stretched. This pulling creates the desirable “two tone effect.”
What can you expect in terms of wear for an "O" finished leather? How would you mend scratches?
Also known as waxy or oily pull-up. A leather with a natural appearance which lightens in color when stretched during wear to produce a unique worn-in effect with time. When this leather is pulled during upholstering, oil or wax dyes dissipate and become lighted in some areas, creating a multi-tone effect.
When you press your finger into a hidden area, the color generally lightens. This is because the oil is always mobile and moves with pressure.
Use a heater to redistribute oil or a leather wipe.
In GENERAL, what can you expect differences to be in terms of finish from graded 1&2 to grades 3+?
Grade 3 leathers and higher are normally not corrected leather.
Grades 1 & 2 will offer the most protection. Grades 3 & 4 will have the most oil and dirt penetration (more natural finishes).
What is "milling"?
Process in which tanned hides are tumbled in rotating drums using a combination of heat and a misting of water to soften the hand or enhance the grain.
What is corrected grain leather? Does it refer to top grain leather or split leather?
Corrected grain leather refers to a leather that has been sanded and buffed to remove imperfections such as scars from the surface. Artificial grain can then be imprinted on the buffed surface. Creates a more uniform appearance. *Corrected leather can refer to top grain or split leather.
Describe Omnia's "A" finish.
Also called true aniline, naked aniline, pure aniline, unprotected, natural and full aniline.
Porous and very absorbent, considered to have no finish. Compare to a stain on wood with no protective coating. Because the leather retains the hides natural imperfections and variations, only the highest quality hides are suitable for aniline leather.
This leather receives its only color from dyes and exhibits natural markings and characteristics.
How do you care for all different leather finishes? What if you have a spill? What are leather's two greatest enemies?
Think of leather as your own skin. Need to keep it clean. Dust will damage leather because it collects everything and will change its color over time (darken it).
To clean. Always DUST FIRST. You can use a light ivory soap with warm water. Always try to clean an inconspicuous part of the upholstery first.
Full aniline leathers DO NOT NEED SOAP AND WATER, just DUSTING.
Leather’s enemies: dust, sun – will fade and crack (like our own skin).
Keeping leather clean helps maintain its elasticity.
Name 5 of Omnia's leathers, their leather finishing types and provide care tips.
Answers will vary.