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Leather Guide: What is Full Grain Leather?
If you are a leather lover like us, you may have a question about leather: "What is full-grain leather? How is it different from genuine leather?" In this article, we will answer this question for you in detail.
Are you ready to enter the world of full-grain leather? Let's uncover its secrets and why we use it in many of our leather bags.
What is full-grain leather?
Full-grain leather is a vegetable-tanned leather made from the animal hide's entire grain for exceptional durability. It is the finest and most expensive leather because it retains the hide's natural grain and markings. Full-grain leather has not been sanded or processed to remove imperfections. This leather is often used for high-end luxury leather goods such as bags and wallets.
Characteristics of full-grain leather
- Each piece of full-grain leather is unique.
Full-grain leather has a natural leather surface, without post-processing or polishing to remove defects, and completely retains the natural marks of the cow, such as scratches, stretch marks, and even branding. But if there are insect bites or some small scars on the cow, you will also see these marks on the full-grain leather, and these defects are considered "signs of high-quality leather." Generally speaking, free-range cattle and colder climates produce better, thicker, and healthier leather.
- Gets More Beautiful with Use.
Full-grain leather also develops a natural patina over time, making it look better and more vintage. Patina is essentially a soft sheen that develops through use. As the patina develops, the leather will typically begin to look fuller and richer, and the grain will become more pronounced.
Disadvantages of full-grain leather
- High production cost
Products made from full-grain leather are more expensive than other types of leather because they are thicker and more difficult to process than other leathers, such as top-grain leather, so they cost more to produce.
- There are defects on the leather surface.
As animals grow, they fight with each other or get injured by friction, which naturally leaves scars on their skin. But since full-grain leather is untreated, these marks will not be polished away like top-grain cowhide. Therefore, there will be flaws and defects on full-grain leather products.
But for most leather lovers, this is one of the advantages of full-grain leather, because it ensures that your leather products are unique.
How to Care for Full Grain Leather
To care for your full-grain leather product so that it lasts for many years without damage, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions.
While full-grain leather is considered high-quality leather, leather care is still essential to preserve its longevity. For most full-grain leather products, simply wipe with a soft, damp cloth. If the stain is stubborn or has dried on, warm water should help remove the dirt.
As with any leather product, if the leather gets wet, never use heat to dry it, as drying too quickly can cause the leather to crack. Instead, allow the leather to dry naturally at room temperature. Once dry, applying a conditioner or other suitable leather care protectant will keep the leather clean and prevent it from over-drying.
How to tell the difference between full-grain leather and genuine leather
The following methods can help you distinguish full-grain leather from genuine leather more directly and simply.
- Look at the texture:Full-grain leather has a natural texture and feel, while genuine leather is usually smooth and uniform.
- Look at the edge:the edge of full-grain leather is usually unpolished and uncoated, while the edge of genuine leather is usually polished and coated.
- Look at the color:full-grain leather often retains the natural color of the leather or is fully dyed, while genuine leather is often only surface-dyed or treated to enhance or change its color.
Conclusion
Overall, full-grain leather is the best leather on the market because it maintains its natural texture and durability and develops a unique patina over time. When choosing a leather product, it is important to understand the type of leather used to ensure you get the best product.
If you are looking for high-quality leather products made from the finest full-grain leather, ACKMIE BAG is the right choice for you. We offer a wide range of leather products, including handbags, wallets, luggage, phone cases, and other small leather goods. With our focus on quality and craftsmanship, you can rest assured that you will receive a product that is both durable and elegant.
