Leather News

How is leather rated? Many tanneries have their own means of rating leather.  Here is one we feel is very fair and easy to understand.

Rating Leather:

A simple rating system referred to as the 4S's has been devised to indicate each leather's rating in four different areas - Softness, Surface Grain, Special Effect and Serviceability. Much like the 4C's of the diamond industry, which define clarity, cut, color and carat weight, the 4S's will assist you in making the right leather decision for your new furniture in conjunction with your lifestyle.

Softness

This is the essential and defining characteristic of leather. The overall comfort and cost of leather is directly linked to softness, which reflects it's quality.

• 4 = Nature Soft Rarest and most expensive leathers.
• 3 = Techno Soft Suppleness created with technology.
• 2 = Flexi Soft Leathers enhanced through mechanical action.
• 1 = Firm Leathers Boasting tremendous "value".

Surface Grain

This mirrors the softness category. The less the surface grain is manipulated, the more natural and soft the leather is. As degrees of surface grain are removed, the cost is lowered.

• 4 = Full Grain or Full Top Grain Key word is "full" meaning 100% natural grain, typically the most expensive leathers.
• 3 = Top Grain Originally a full grain which as been altered through light sanding, barely noticeable to the naked eye.
• 2 = Corrected & Embossed Grain is a top grain leather that has been thoroughly sanded, then embossed with a natural looking grain pattern.
• 1 = Split & Embossed Grain The second layer split from a full grain hide which is heavily pigmented and embossed with a less natural uniform grain pattern.

Special Effect

Countless varieties of leather are available, many achieved through Special Effects. The cost of the uniquely processed leathers is in direct relation to expertise, effort and difficulty.

• 4 = Multiple Effects Defined by more than two special effects such as
  hand-rubbing or metallics which create an upscale look and price.
• 3 = Active Effects Injection of oil or wax to create a color-burst when
  stretched during the upholstery process. Often called pull-up.
• 2 = Mechanical Effects Processed through automated techniques and
  includes such effects as two-tone sauvage and distressed.
• 1 = Uniform Color A spray of pigmentation creates a universally
  accepted uniform color throughout the hide.

Serviceability

Leathers range from easy care with high resistance to those focused on fashion and style. It is important to match your lifestyle with serviceability.

• 4 = Minimal Resistance Expensive and luxurious, typically a nubuck
  or suede, designed for fashion and style application.
• 3 = Natural Resistance The most expensive and elegant of all leathers, typically pure or naked, will gain a patina over time.
• 2 = Standard Resistance Impervious to most spills and stains, easy to clean, best for residential serviceability requirements.
• 1 = Maximum Resistance> Impervious to spills and stains, very easily
  cleaned, best for heavy-duty or commercial requirements.