Aniline Pigmented
From LeatherLink Knowledge Base
Aniline Vs Pigmented
What is the difference between aniline leather and pigmented leather?
- Aniline Leather is of higher value. Other things being same, the value of aniline leather is greater than pigmented leather.
- Aniline leather has only a light finish so that only good grade hides can be used for making these leathers. Pigment finish will cover up the defects and hence lower grade material is sufficient. The availability of good material is scarce (supply), thus aniline leather is more expensive to make.
- The pigment on the leather surface not only disguises the defects, but also covers up the grain pattern causing the loss of natural look. The natural look is valued highly by the customers (demand). Thus aniline leather can get a higher price.
- Pigments give color to the leather surface. They are solid particles of large enough size to block and scatter the light falling on the leather. Since less light enters out eyes, less of the defects and grain are visible.
- In aniline finish, color is given by dyes (derived from a chemical substance Aniline). Dyes are molecules of very small size. They reflect the light rays more uniformly. So we can see the color as well as the grain pattern and any defects on the surface clearly.
How to differentiate between the two?
To assess the degree of covering of the leather surface, look at the following:
- Is the grain visible and how much it is visible?
- Is the grain natural or imitation?
Hint: Imitation patterns will be more uniform, regular and 100% free from natural defects. Natural grain will have variations in pore sizes, grain pattern, one or two natural defects etc. - Even aniline finished leather may have small quantity of pigment. To assess the degree of covering concentrate on the crests and troughs of the grain. If you see opaque (non-transparent) look it is due to the pigment.
- Generally speaking color given by a dye is more brilliant compared to that given by a pigment.
