All about Leather Grades - Choose the Right Type of Leather 

leather classifications

Full grain leather, sanded grain leather, corrected grain leather and scrap leather each offer unique characteristics that meet specific needs and customer preferences. That's why in this text we'll take an in-depth look at the classifications of leather, highlighting the types, their applications and the benefits they can bring to projects.

So this content is designed to help you make assertive choices, based on the durability and aesthetics of each type of leather. In addition, we will highlight how we meet the needs of industries, supplying high quality materials and responsible production.

The Different Leather Classifications: Full grain, Corrected grain and Scrap

Leather can be classified according to the layer of skin used and the treatment applied. However, the three main classifications are:

      • Full-grain leather: the noblest, most resistant and natural top layer.

      • Corrected-Grain Leather: preserves quality, but is softened to ensure a more uniform appearance.

      • Split Leather: uses the lower layers of the skin and is an economical option.

    These classifications have a direct impact on the aesthetics, durability and end use of each type of leather.

    Full grain leather: Naturalness and exceptional durability

    Full grain leather, or full substance leather, is the top layer of the skin, preserving its natural and authentic characteristics. For this reason, it is the densest, noblest and most resistant of all types of leather, making it ideal for products that require high durability and sophistication.

    It uses the highest grades of leather such as TR1, ABC or I, II and III. Allows finishing on aniline, semi-aniline and light pigmented leathers, with the most natural, fine and sophisticated flower appearance, without print or with very light prints.

    leather classifications

    In fact, this type of leather is prized for its ability to develop a patina over time, improving its appearance and making each piece unique.

    Benefits of Full Grain Leather:

        • Superior durability: with its natural, dense layer, it is highly resistant to tears and wear, meeting the need for durable and resistant materials.

        • Natural Aesthetics: the natural marks of the skin remain, giving authenticity and elegance, an essential advantage for industries that prioritize sophisticated visual quality.

        • Breathability: the structure allows for moisture exchange, increasing comfort and preventing odors, ideal for applications in furniture and accessories that are frequently used.

      Corrected Flower or Corrected Grain Leather: Quality with a Uniform Appearance

      Corrected grain leather is a high quality leather that undergoes sanding and polishing on the top layer to remove surface imperfections, and then receives a finishing layer called stucco , providing a smoother and more uniform appearance.

      It uses lower class leathers such as TR2 to TR5, IV, V, VI or C and D. The finish receives light pigmented and heavier pigmented, fine (pore) or thicker prints.

      This material combines durability with flexibility and is widely used in quality products that seek to combine greater accessibility.

      leather classifications

      Benefits of Corrected Grain Leather or Corrected Flower:

          • Refined look for versatile use: the homogeneous surface results in a quality aesthetic, meeting the demands of industries such as furniture and fashion for elegant and consistent products.

          • Durability and affordability: it offers good durability at a more affordable price than full-grain leather, making it a high-quality solution that balances cost-benefit.

          • Ease of maintenance: the finish makes it easy to clean, which meets the need for practicality and low maintenance in sectors such as footwear and fashion.

        Scrap Leather: Economy and Versatility

        Split leather is made from the lower layers of the skin after the upper layers have been removed. Thus, it is split into calf or blue in terms of thickness, resulting in the lower part of the skin, which is less resistant and more susceptible to wear and does not have the natural surface characteristics of full grain or corrected leather. Because it is formed from the lower layer, it is made up of looser, less dense fibers, with a rougher, more fibrous surface. Scrapcan be used without additional finishing or can be treated for different applications. It is thus a raw material that can be transformed into suede , when a soft, velvety texture is created, or other products.

        It is therefore widely used in more affordable products, catering to a public that values economy without demanding the authentic look of full-grain or corrected-grain leather.

        leather classifications

        Benefits of Raspa:

            • Competitive Price: offers a more economical alternative, catering for industries that need a low-cost solution without sacrificing basic quality.

            • Versatile aesthetics: it can be pigmented and textured to imitate other grades, providing aesthetic versatility for decorative products and accessories.

          Main applications according to leather classifications

          Each type of leather is suitable for different projects, depending on the specific needs of durability, aesthetics and budget:

              • Full Grain or Full Flower Leather: ideal for luxury car coverings and upholstery, footwear and refined accessories such as handbags and travel bags that require sophistication and superior durability.

              • Corrected Grain or Corrected Flower Leather: widely used in mid-range automotive and furniture coverings and upholstery in general, and in shoes, bags and wallets with more pigmented and textured finishes. 

              • Scrap leather: used in the production of more economical footwear, gloves, belts and upholstery.

            How Leather Grades Meet Care and Maintenance Demands

            To ensure the quality and durability of leather over time, specific care is essential.

            Whole Flower Leather or Full Grain

                • Protection from the sun: avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to prevent cracking.

                • Regular moisturizing: use specific products to prevent dryness.

              Corrected Flower Leather or Corrected Grain

                  • Cleaning with a damp cloth: and the use of gentle products helps to maintain softness and avoid wear marks.

                  • Be careful with sharp objects: to preserve the surface finish.

                Scrap leather

                    • Avoid humidity: to prevent deformation and extend service life.

                    • Preservation products: which help maintain color and texture over time.

                  Durli Leather: Tradition and Quality in Every Product

                  leather classifications

                  At Durli Leathers, we stand out as the ideal solution for companies looking for highly durable and resistant leathers. In addition, we have developed our products to withstand the constant wear and tear of demanding sectors. For example, the automotive, furniture and footwear industries, guaranteeing superior performance in adverse conditions. 

                  Our commitment to quality goes beyond the strength of the materials, and is also reflected in refined visual finishes that ensure a uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance for each piece. 

                  We offer flexibility for customization, with options of leather with or without termites, Wet Blue, Semi-finished and Finishedto suit different types of finishes and market styles.

                  In addition to excellence in quality and versatility, at Durli Leathers we prioritize sustainability in our production processes. We have adopted eco-friendly practices, product traceability and are LWG Gold certified in all 10 units. 

                  In short, we guarantee reliability in delivery and consistency in supply, always seeking innovation in processes and products to meet our customers' demands. We are ready to be the strategic partner your company needs, offering high-performance materials in line with market trends and the specific needs of each project. So, to find out more about our products, please contact us.

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