Leathers are animal skin distinguished by different tanning and finishing methods. Naugahyde and faux leather are synthetics made of vinyl (PVC), polyurethane (PU) or polyester.
Tanning
Vegetable tanned leathers (typically used to make saddles, belts, luggage) are heavy and stiff with a classic tawny color.
Chromium tanned leather (used in upholstery and garments) creates a softer, stretchier hide with a grey color.
Aldehyde or brain tanned leathers are less common, especially in upholstery.
Dye
After tanning, most leathers are dyed, commonly with aniline dyes. This impregnates color into the leather.
Most leathers also receive some finish coating. Learn more about the difference between leather dyes and finishes.
Finish
Full grain/top grain leather – original epidermis (skin surface) and grain remain intact; pigmented finish resists liquids and stains but can still discolor or fade over time; leather may be monochromatic (single, solid color), have varied tones, or different base-and-print and colors
Corrected grain leather – epidermis was sanded to correct blemishes; pigmented finish applied; leather may be monochromatic (single, solid color), have varied tones, or different base-and-print and colors
Semi-aniline – full-grain leather with epidermis intact; the dye accentuated natural variations in the fiber; a thin clear finish makes it susceptible to fading, stains and body oil; a fingernail can easily mark the surface
Aniline – full-grain leather with epidermis intact; the dye accentuated natural variations in the fiber; no finish whatsoever; warm, velvety feel but very susceptible to stains and fading
Pull up – full-grain aniline leather with a colored waxed or oiled finish; this finish must be removed prior to any restoration work
Split leather – lower half of the hide (no epidermis) and therefore a weaker leather
Nubuck – full-grain leather that has no finish and has been brushed; warm, velvety feel and susceptible to stains
Suede – raw leather or the backside of a finished leather with a fuzzy texture
Bi-cast – split hide with polyurethane coating
Leather Match – leather (usually pigmented, finished or corrected grain) is used where your body touches, but the back and sides are made of vinyl, sometimes polyurethane; this is done to reduce cost
Synthetics
Vinyl – a synthetic made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC); the backside is woven mesh; Naugahyde was a trademarked brand in the 1950s
Bonded leather – a synthetic made of ground scrap leather or polyester microfiber (microsuede) with a polyurethane (PU) coating that peels or flakes
Faux Leather – a smooth finished polyester fabric that does not peel or flake but exposes a fuzzy microfiber
Thomas King says
how big of an area does this cover. thinking of doing my hot tub cover
lesandre says
In general, an 8 oz. bottle covers 60 square feet, but vinyl spa covers often drink up more. This article and video have more information about restoring hot tub covers.
Tina says
I have a 3-seat cognac leather sofa and ottoman that I want to dye camel with your product. As well as dyeing it I’d like to make the feel warmer first. I was thinking of sanding. Will that work or can you advise a better approach?
lesandre says
Refinishing leather is not going to make it warmer in temperature. Sanding will remove any roughness or wear and make it feel smoother.
Dave Eriksen says
My new spa cover is a much lighter brown than anticipated. Can the vinyl material be darkened with your product?
lesandre says
Yes. Please read about changing colors here. You can order swatches.
Brenda Hernandez says
I bought an upholstered faux leather bed frame in white but the color is actually off white. I want to recolor the faux leather to a bright white so it matches my other furniture. Would I be able to use Bright White Vinyl & Leather Finish on my furniture?
lesandre says
If it’s vinyl (PVC), yes. If it’s polyurethane (PU), we don’t. Learn more about PU faux leather and color changing.
Roe says
I have a recliner but am not sure what kind or leather it is but I am certain it is not absorbent, does your product work on both absorbent and none absorbent leathers? Thank you!
lesandre says
Yes, please read about absorbency here.
Lisa says
Does your product work on non-absorbable leather that the top layer of color has been rubbed off of?
Thank you in advance!
lesandre says
Yes, so long as the surface is intact, our finishes will correct discoloration. See more about spot touch-up here.
Jerry Bartlett says
I have a stadium sofa piece that I got from Room to Go iij t is black and resides in my man cave/garage in the hot and humid New Orleans area. It is some type of cheap or bonded leather that is starting to wear off. Not horrible but starting. Do you have a product for this?
I could send picture if u have that ability.
lesandre says
You can email a picture to info@rubnrestore.com but please read/watch this first.