Leather is a natural product. It has individual characteristics which make each sofa unique. Leather will always bear the marks of its natural origin, which can include shading variations, scratches and wrinkles. These markings should not be viewed as defects, but as confirmation that you have purchased genuine leather and not an imitation.

These markings will depend on the grade of leather you have selected.

Growth and Vein Marks		Scar Marks

Grain Variation		Shade Differences

Leather that has been dyed by immersion in a dyebath and has not received a pigmented finish or been chemically treated. This is the most natural grade of leather. Characteristics Include:

•  Very soft handle
•  Extremely delicate
•  Colour variation
•  Low light resistance
•  Susceptible to soiling
•  All characteristics of the hide remain visible, giving it unique appeal

Leather in which the base coat of the finish contains pigment, but later coats contain a contrasting pigment, to give a two-tone appearance designed to imitate Aniline leather.

•  Soft to handle
•  Improved resistance to wear and light
•  Natural characteristics almost as evident as full Aniline hide

Leather to whose grain surface a finish containing fine pigment particles in a binder has been applied.

•  The most durable of hides
•  High resistance to wear, soiling and light

Leather from which the grain layer has been partially removed by buffing, to remove imperfections before the surface coating is applied.

•  High resistance to wear, soiling and light
•  Less evidence of natural characteristics on the finished article

1. Vegetable tanned leather with a high content of hard grease
   (not necessarily wax)
2. Leather bearing a wax finish, adding colour and dimension and increasing the perceived value

Leather whose wearing surface has been finished to produce a velvet-like nap.

•  Soft handle
•  Vulnerable to stains
•  A light finish is recommended for protection

1. A single layer from a hide or skin that has been separated over its whole area into two or more layers
2. Leather made from the flesh split or middle split, with a polymer coating applied and embossed to mimic leather.

A special surface effect designed to mimic the unique worn appearance of traditional leathers. A contrasting top coat is unevenly applied to reveal a paler, underlying colour (also known as two-tone or rub off leather).