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Vegetable Tanned or Veg Tan Leather

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​Summary

  • The choice of discerning leather customers due to its sustainability, higher quality, durability, and ability to develop a beautiful patina as it ages

  • A classic that never goes out of style

  • More expensive than chrome leather

 

Tanning process

  • Uses organic material & natural tannins from vegetation to treat animal hides

  • Does not result in harmful effluents

  • Takes several weeks and results in rich colors and natural earthy tones

  • More expensive due to longer manufacturing times (around two months) and craftsmanship required

 

Characteristics

  • Unmatched durability, breathability, and a sweet fragrance

  • The only type of leather that can be enhanced with intricate hand patterning or tooling

  • Used for high-end products including saddles, holsters, belts, wallets, bags, shoes and purses

  • Distinct appearance typically displaying unique shades and nuances

  • Can be stiff in the beginning but becomes supple with time and use

  • Develops a beautiful patina over time as it absorbs body oils with prolonged use and environmental exposure

 

 

 

Care & Maintenance

  • Avoid letting your leather product get wet especially in the beginning. After a few weeks, the leather becomes more flexible and better at repelling water droplets

  • Keep the leather away from heat and never blow dry it, even if it gets wet

  • Use only animal-hair brushes for cleaning the product

  • Use oil or leather cleaners and conditioners, applying directly onto the leather, gently working it into the grain with your fingertips

  • Occasional use of wax can also keep your leather products in top condition

 

 

Chromium Tanned or Chrome Tan Leather

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Summary

  • Good option for budget-conscious buyers looking for supple, flexible leather in a wide range of colors

  • Will deteriorate with time and use

 

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Tanning process

  • Manufactured by treating animal hides with chemicals and acidic salts

  • Much shorter taking just a day using industrial equipment and automation

  • Much less expensive and more widely available

  • Can have a negative environmental impact

 

 

Characteristics

  • More flexible leather, and has better heat, stain, and water resistance

  • Lacks the distinctive veg tan leather fragrance, may have a chemical smell

  • Cannot be hand tooled

  • Used in car upholstery,  jackets, bags, gloves, and other products that do not require structural toughness

  • Manufactured in numerous colors, has an even appearance but lacks the appearance of natural fibers

  • Does not patina with age

  • Less durable and loses appearance with time and environmental exposure

 

 

Care & Maintenance

  • Store the leather items away from sunlight or wet places

  • Apply shoe wax or a leather waterproofing spray once every six months

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