Vegetable Tanned or Veg Tan Leather
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​Summary
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The choice of discerning leather customers due to its sustainability, higher quality, durability, and ability to develop a beautiful patina as it ages
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A classic that never goes out of style
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More expensive than chrome leather
Tanning process
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Uses organic material & natural tannins from vegetation to treat animal hides
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Does not result in harmful effluents
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Takes several weeks and results in rich colors and natural earthy tones
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More expensive due to longer manufacturing times (around two months) and craftsmanship required
Characteristics
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Unmatched durability, breathability, and a sweet fragrance
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The only type of leather that can be enhanced with intricate hand patterning or tooling
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Used for high-end products including saddles, holsters, belts, wallets, bags, shoes and purses
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Distinct appearance typically displaying unique shades and nuances
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Can be stiff in the beginning but becomes supple with time and use
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Develops a beautiful patina over time as it absorbs body oils with prolonged use and environmental exposure
Care & Maintenance
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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
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Keep the leather away from heat and never blow dry it, even if it gets wet
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Use only animal-hair brushes for cleaning the product
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Use oil or leather cleaners and conditioners, applying directly onto the leather, gently working it into the grain with your fingertips
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Occasional use of wax can also keep your leather products in top condition
Chromium Tanned or Chrome Tan Leather
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Summary
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Good option for budget-conscious buyers looking for supple, flexible leather in a wide range of colors
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Will deteriorate with time and use
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Tanning process
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Manufactured by treating animal hides with chemicals and acidic salts
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Much shorter taking just a day using industrial equipment and automation
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Much less expensive and more widely available
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Can have a negative environmental impact
Characteristics
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More flexible leather, and has better heat, stain, and water resistance
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Lacks the distinctive veg tan leather fragrance, may have a chemical smell
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Cannot be hand tooled
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Used in car upholstery, jackets, bags, gloves, and other products that do not require structural toughness
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Manufactured in numerous colors, has an even appearance but lacks the appearance of natural fibers
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Does not patina with age
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Less durable and loses appearance with time and environmental exposure
Care & Maintenance
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Store the leather items away from sunlight or wet places
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Apply shoe wax or a leather waterproofing spray once every six months