Full Grain Leather

Full Grain Leather Defined

Full Grain Leather is the most natural leather and is therefore particularly beautiful as it is made from the finest hides.  Full grain leather is the top part of a hide and feels soft and smooth; although only the best hides are used for full grain leathers, natural scars and shades (pigments in the skin) are often times visible and are usually unavoidable.

Most leather hides are split as the different layers or sections of the hide can be used for diverse products. Full-grain leather also gets split, but it is always the top portion of the hide, usually thicker and minimally processed. Therefore, full-grain leather will never be polished or sanded and all natural aspects, including the grain of the hide remain.
Full Grain Leather         Aniline Leather is usually Full Grain Leather

Benefits of Full Grain Leather

Full grain leather is beautifully pleasant and has a warm touch; the hides are the best, most luxurious hides available in the market.  They are minimally processed, retain the natural look and are considered open pored leathers that can be dyed with colors that penetrate the skin easily, usually referred to as pure aniline of full aniline leathers.

The softness, thickness and natural grain are clearly visible to the naked eye, and full grain leather furniture is unmatched in quality and beauty. Truly a luxury item, full grain leather is for the distinguished and sophisticated taste. See aniline leather for further information.

Disadvantage of Full Grain Leather
Even though most full grain leathers are treated with protective additives, this type of leather can be quite sensitive to dirt, grease, moisture and even perspiration. Any liquid droplets on the surface of full grain leather can penetrate into the leather skin, which will eventually darken the affected area; this is because the pores of the leather are not sealed.

Full-Grain leather is also very susceptible fading caused by sunlight as UV radiation can discolor and dehydrate this natural product.

Care & Maintenance
Prevention and special protective care should be given to full grain leather furniture, avoiding direct sun light and not eating or drinking on the full grain leather furniture. Special leather creams and care products are available for full grain leather furniture, but cleaning stains or blemishes should be left to a professional.