Leather is meant to be lived with. To be enjoyed for its beauty, color and comfort. Leather lends your home an unparalleled warmth and richness that only the look of genuine leather can convey. Today's leathers make it easy to create a look for your home that fits your lifestyle. With all the choices available, choosing a leather that's right for you can be confusing unless you're equipped with the knowledge to make an educated decision. This guide answers questions you may have about leather so you can be confident about your leather purchases.

LEATHER GRADES

To produce the finest, most durable leather for upholstery, tanners split the hid and use only the top 3/64ths of an inch. Each hide is then graded according to the corrections it may need. As with any furniture purchase, check the warranty offered.

Full Grain (Uncorrected)
Full grain hides need no surface alterations. Only about 3 to 5 percent of all hides meet the standards for full grain, which is the finest leather available.

Because the hide needs no corrections, its natural grain variations are exposed. As a result, no other leather product has the natural beauty and unforgettable softness of full grain leather.

Like a fingerprint, each of these hides is unique. Surface marks, like healed wounds, document the animal's life and testify to the leather's authenticity.

Examples

• "naked" - an aniline-dyed hide that has an uncommon suppleness and luxurious garment-like feel when used in furniture upholstering. Since there is no protective agent on naked leather, it is susceptible to body oils and marring. Cleanup is limited to regular dusting.

• "Protected" - an aniline-dyed hide that is essentially the same as naked leather, except for a coat of polyurethane on its surface. The protective finish makes this incredibly soft leather durable enough for active lifestyles and easy to clean with a solution of mild soap and water.

• "pull-up" - an aniline-dyed, oil impregnated hide which often features a light coat of polyurethane on its surface to keep the oil from migrating to the surface and for easy clean-up. It is referred to as pull-up leather because tension on the hide creates a lighter appearance in that area resulting in distinctive beauty when used to upholster furniture. Its scuff resistance and delicious leather aroma make this leather attractive to a wide audience.

Top Grain (partially or fully corrected)
Contrary to popular belief, top grain is not the best leather available. "Top" simply refers to the top of the skin. Top grain leathers require correction, usually sanding and buffing to remove the old grain, then embossing to add a new, artificial grain. This process removes some of the luxurious feel found in natural full grain leather, but the strength of top grain leather remains.

Splits
Some manufacturers do use the layer left over after the top has been "split" away. This layer must also have an artificial grain engraved, and lacks the strength of other grades.

DYES AND FINISHES

Finishing
The application of coloring to provide abrasion and stain resistance, as well as color enhancement. This process usually involves three or four coating operations. Generally, the more finish a leather has, the stiffer it becomes. Pure aniline-dyed leathers with no topical pigmentation will always be softer than those with pigment.

Aniline dyes
When purchasing leather, be sure it has been colored with "pure aniline dyes" These natural dyes completely penetrate the hide with color, allowing the natural grain to show through while protecting the surface.

Glazed and Antiqued finishes
Antique and glazed finishes are popular, especially when the leather is used on a traditional or period piece. Antiquing emphasizes the leather grain. In better leathers, it is achieved by hand rubbing a darkening agent on the leather after the base color has dried. A dull or glossy finish protects the surface.

You'll love leather!

Durability
Leather is the strongest upholstery material and last about four times as long as fabric. It will not tear and, due to modern processing techniques, today's leather won't crack either. Leather is fire resistant and emits no toxic fumes even when exposed to intense heat. Unlike limitations, leather "breathes" for comfort.

Unlike fabric, leather resists fading and repels moisture and stains. Because leather last so long, it costs less per year of ownership than a sofa upholstered in fabric. Leather is a timeless investment.

Easy Care
Leather is special, but it's not just for special occasions. Its easy care and strength let it stand up to daily use in any home.

Caring for leather with protective finishes is actually easier than caring for fabric-covered furniture. Simply dust occasionally and wipe with a solution of mild soap and water. Rub with a dry, soft cloth to bring back the hide's natural finish. Never use saddle soap, polish, wax or anything you wouldn't use on your own skin.

Years of Comfort
Natural leather assumes body temperature rapidly and is instantly comfortable. Like a favorite pair of jeans, it conforms to your body shape and becomes more comfortable with each use. Only leather ages so gracefully, becoming more supple and beautiful with each passing year.