All types of leather fall under one of two categories: finished or unfinished. Whether you’re shopping for a new leather jacket, vest or even a pair of leather shoes, you should familiarize yourself with these terms. Finished and unfinished leather both consist of tanned animal hide. They are made using animal hide, such as sheepskin or cowhide, that’s been processed and tanned. Finished leather, however, undergoes a finishing process that distinguishes it from unfinished leather.
What Is Finished Leather?
Finished leather is characterized by the presence of one or more extra layers. Depending on the particular type of finished leather, these layers may be used to protect against the underlying leather from damage, or they may be used to change the color of the underlying leather. Regardless, finished leather features one or more extra layers.
The term “finishing” refers to the creation of these extra layers. Manufacturers may perform a finishing process when producing leather. Finishing processes occur in the stages of production. After preparing a piece of leather, manufacturers may add one or more extra layers to it — a process known as finishing.
What Is Unfinished Leather?
Unfinished leather, as you may have guessed, lacks these extra layers. There are different types of unfinished leather, some of which are higher quality than others. But none of them have extra layers. Unfinished leather is plain leather consisting of animal hide that’s been processed and tanned.
You can find countless products made of unfinished leather. Some of them are made of full-grain leather, whereas others are made of corrected-grain leather of nubuck or suede leather. Unfinished leather simply features a natural, unfinished surface. It doesn’t have any extra layers.
Common Finishing Processes for Leather
There are different finishing processes for leather, each of which involves a different approach. Brushing is a common finishing process for leather. Also known as brush-colored leather, it features a layer of dye. Manufacturers will brush a layer of dye over the surface of the leather. Once the dye has set, the leather will be ready to sell.
Aniline dyeing is another common finishing process for leather. It involves the use of a soluble dye. Aniline-dyed leather s submerged in a bath of water and a soluble dye. As the aniline leather soaks up this mixture, its color will change. The aniline leather will take the color of the dye. At the same time, it will receive a protective outer layer. Aniline-dyed leather is popular because it preserves the appearance of the leather’s natural grain.
We can’t talk about leather finishing processes without mentioning oiling. Oiled leather is distinguished from all other types of leather by the presence of a thin, transparent layer of oil. It’s commonly used in the production of leather accessories, such as belts, shoes and handbags. Oiled leather contains a layer of oil over its surface. This oil helps to protect the underlying leather from dryness and other forms of damage.
In addition to oiled leather, there’s waxed leather. Waxing is a finishing process for leather. It involves the application of a wax layer. The terms “oiled leather” and “waxed leather” are often used interchangeably. But don’t let that fool you into thinking they are the same. Oiled leather features a layer of smooth oil, whereas waxed leather features a layer of thicker and longer-lasting wax.
Differences Between Unfinished and Finished Leather
Unfinished and finished leather aren’t the same. Unfinished leather consists of raw, albeit still processed and tanned, leather. It doesn’t feature any extra layers. Rather, unfinished leather features a natural leather surface.
Finished leather, in comparison, features one or more extra layers. There are different finishing processes available for leather, some of which include brushing, aniline dyeing, oiling and waxing. Each of these finishing processes is designed to change the appearance and/or properties of leather. Finishing processes essentially add one or more layers to the surface of leather. These layers may protect the underlying leather from damage, or they may change the underlying leather’s color.
Should You Choose Finished or Unfinished Leather?
You might be wondering whether to choose finished or unfinished leather. There are benefits associated with both types of leather. Finished leather is typically better protected against moisture damage than its unfinished counterpart. Leather is porous. Like a sponge, it will absorb moisture from its surrounding environment. But finished leather features a protective layer — oil, wax, etc. — that minimizes the absorption of moisture. The end result is better protection against moisture damage like water spots and mildew.
Finished leather can be dyed to achieve just about any color. Dyeing processes often involve the creation of one or more extra layers. Brushed leather, for example, features a layer of dye that’s been brushed over the surface of the leather. Brushed leather isn’t limited to russet or brown. By using different dyes, manufacturers can create brushed leather in a variety of colors.
Unfinished leather typically offers a more traditional, timeless appearance than finished leather. It looks more natural than finished leather because it features a natural surface.
You may discover that unfinished leather ages more gracefully than finished leather as well. Most people will agree that leather — assuming it’s real leather and not fake — looks better with age. There’s even a term used to describe the age-related changes that leather experiences over time: a patina. Unfinished leather will develop a more attractive patina than finished leather.
Whether you choose unfinished or finished leather, though, you can always use your own finishing process. There are leather products available that are designed to add new protective layers over the surface of leather products. Conditioning creams, oils and waxes are some of the most common types of these products. You can use them to finish your leather products.
In Conclusion
Not all types of leather are the same. There’s unfinished leather, and there’s finished leather. Unfinished leather features a natural, untouched surface. Finished leather is different in the sense that it features one or more extra layers over its surface.