Tan Leather Fur

All About Leather

For those of you that have a fascination with leather goods, I am here to shed some insight of this wonderful material.
Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides, pelts and skins of animals, primarily cows. Leather is a very important clothing material, and its other uses are legion. Together with wood, leather formed the basis of much ancient technology. Leather with the fur still attached is simply called fur.
There are a number of processes whereby the skin of a dead animal can be formed into a supple, strong material commonly called leather. Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using tannin (hence the name "tanning") and other ingredients found in vegetable matter, tree bark, and other such sources. It is supple and brown in color, with the exact shade depending on the mix of chemicals and the color of the flesh. Vegetable-tanned leather is not stable in water; it tends to discolor, and if left to soak and then dry it will shrink and become less supple and harder. In hot water, it will shrink drastically and plasticize, becoming rigid and eventually becoming brittle. Alum-tanned leather is tanned using aluminum salts mixed with a variety of binders and protein sources, such as flour, egg yolk, etc. Purists argue that alum-tanned leather is technically "tawed" and not tanned, as the resulting material will rot in water. Very light shades of leather are possible using this process, but the resulting material is not as supple as vegetable-tanned leather. Rawhide is made by scraping the skin thin, soaking it in lime, and then stretching it while it dries. Like alum-tanning, rawhide is not technically "leather", but is usually lumped in with the other forms. Rawhide is stiffer and more brittle than other forms of leather, and is primarily found in uses such as drum heads where it does not need to flex significantly; it is also cut up into cords for use in lacing or stitching, or for making dog toys. Boiled leather is a hide product (vegetable-tanned leather) that has been hardened by being immersed in hot water, or in boiled wax or similar substances. Historically, it was used as armour due to its hardness and light weight, but it has also been used for book binding. Chrome-tanned leather, invented in 1858, is tanned using chromium sulfate and other salts of chromium. It is more supple and pliable than vegetable-tanned leather, and does not discolor or lose shape as drastically in water as vegetable-tanned. More esoteric colors are possible using chrome tanning. Brain-tanned leathers are exceptionaly absorbent of water. They are made by a labor-intensive process which uses emulsified oils (often those of animal brains) and which has not been industralized. They are known for their exceptional softness and their ability to be washed.
Leather—usually vegetable-tanned leather—can be oiled to improve its water resistance. This supplements the natural oils remaining in the leather itself, which can be washed out through repeated exposure to water. Frequent oiling of leather, with mink oil, neatsfoot oil or a similar material, keeps it supple and improves its lifespan dramatically.
In general, leather is sold in three forms... Full-Grain leather, made from the finest raw material, are clean natural hides which have not been sanded to remove imperfections. Only the hair has been removed. The grain remains in its natural state which will allow the best fiber strength, resulting in greater durability. The natural grain also has natural breathability, resulting in greater comfort. The natural Full-Grain surface will wear better than other leather. Rather than wearing out, it will develop a natural "Patina" and grow more beautiful over time. The finest furniture, and footwear, are made from Full Grain leather.
Corrected-Grain Leather (also called "top-grain leather"). Corrected Leather is fuzzy on one side and smooth on the other. The smooth side is the side where the hair and natural grain used to be. The hides, which are made from inferior quality raw materials, have all of the natural grain sanded off, and an artificial grain applied. Top grain leather generally must be heavily painted to cover up the sanding and stamping process.
Suede is an interior split of the hide. It is "fuzzy" on both sides. Suede is less durable than top-grain. Suede is cheaper because many pieces of suede can be split from a single thickness of hide, whereas only one piece of top-grain can be made. However, as the look of full-grain is in demand, manufacturers use a variety of techniques to make suede appear to be full-grain. For example, in one process, glue is mixed with one side of the suede, which is then pressed through rollers; these flatten and even out one side of the material, giving it the smooth appearance of full-grain. Latigo is one of the trade names for this product.
Leather from other animals
Today, most leather is made of cow hides, but many exceptions exist. Lamb and deer skin are used for soft leather in more expensive apparels. Kangaroo leather is used to make items which need to be strong but flexible, such as motorcycle gloves. Kangaroo leather is favored by motorcyclists specifically because of its lighter weight and higher abrasion resistance as compared to cowhide. Leather made from more exotic skins has at different times in history been considered very beautiful. For this reason certain snakes and crocodiles have been hunted to near extinction.
In the 1970s, farming of ostriches for their feathers became popular. As a side product, ostrich leather became available and is currently used by all the big fashion houses like Hermès, Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Ostrich leather has a characteristic "goose bump" look because of the large follicles from which the feathers grew.
In Thailand, sting ray leather is used in wallets and belts in the same way as regular cow leather. Sting ray leather is as tough and durable as hard plastic. The leather is often dyed black and covered with tiny round bumps in the natural pattern of the back ridge of an animal. These bumps are then usually dyed white to highlight the decoration.
Preservation and Conditioning of Leather
The natural fibers of leather will break down with the passage of time. Acidic leathers are particularly vulnerable to red rot, which causes powdering of the surface and a change in consistency. Damage from red rot is aggravated by high temperatures and relative humidities, and is irreversible.
Exposure to long periods of low relative humidities (below 40%) can cause leather to become desiccated, irreversably changing the fibrous structure of the leather.
Various treatments are available such as conditioners, but these are not recommended by conservators since they impregnate the structure of the leather artifact with active chemicals, are sticky, and attract stains.
Alex Matthews is a leather industry veteran involved in leather goods manufacturing for the last 15 years. To get additional information about the properties of leather please contact Alex at info@emiliooneto.com or http://www.emiliooneto.com/
For more information about leather products please visit http://www.emiliooneto.com to realize the benefits leather material

About the Author

Alex Matthews is a leather industry veteran involved in leather goods manufacturing for the last 15 years. To get additional information about the properties of leather please contact Alex at info@emiliooneto.com or http://www.emiliooneto.com/
For more information about leather products please visit http://www.emiliooneto.com to realize the benefits leather material

Michael Antonio Matsu (Women's) - Tan Leather/Fur $109.95 The Matsu is a lace-up boot with a fur cuff and a low heel. Available Colors: Black Leather/Fur, Tan Leather/Fur.

Tan Leather Leopard Printed Fur Mesh Close Toes Platform Heels $85.99 Tan Leather Leopard Printed Fur Mesh Close Toes Platform Heels

Michael Antonio Matsu (Women's) - Black Leather/Fur $109.95 The Matsu is a lace-up boot with a fur cuff and a low heel. Available Colors: Black Leather/Fur, Tan Leather/Fur.

Two Lips - Fur Sure (Tan) - Footwear $89.99 6pm.com is proud to offer the Two Lips - Fur Sure (Tan) - Footwear: Fur sure you'll be a fashion sensation rockin' these bold, beautiful boots! ; Tall boot, high heel silhouette. ; Rich leather upper. ; Supple man-made insole and lining create a gently padded footbed. ; Faux fur and buckle straps make a fierce statement. ; Attractive almond toe adds polish. ; Back zipper closure. ; Substantial man-made sole. ; Heel Height: 5 in ; Platform Height: 1 in ; Shaft: 15 in ; Circumference: 16 in ; Weight: 1 lb 8 oz ; Product measurements were taken using size 6. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

Fur $103.56 Fur is a synonym for hair, used more commonly in reference to nonhuman animals, usually mammals; particularly those with extensive body hair coverage. The term is sometimes used to refer to the body hair of an animal as a complete coat, also known as the pelage. Fur is also used to refer to animal pelts which have been processed into leather with the hair still attached. The words fur or furry are also used, more casually, to refer to hairlike growths or formations; particularly when the subject being referred to exhibits a dense coat of fine, soft hairs. Animal fur, if layered, rather than grown as a single coat, may consist of short ground hair, long guard hair, and, in some cases, medium awn hair. Mammals with reduced amounts of fur are often called naked, as in The Naked Ape, naked mole rat, and naked dogs. The acquisition and use of fur as clothing and/or decoration is considered controversial in some cultures. Animal welfare advocates object to the trapping and killing of wildlife, and the confinement and killing of animals on fur farms. An animal with commercially valuable fur is known within the fur industry as a furbearer. (See fur clothing). Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 138 Publication Date: 2010/01/05 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.32 inches

Fur and Leather Shop $19.99 Fur and Leather Shop - Premium Poster

TAN LEOPARD FAUX FUR SKIRT COSTUME $24.99 TAN LEOPARD FAUX FUR SKIRT COSTUME

TAN LEOPARD FAUX FUR POM POM BEANIE $12.99 TAN LEOPARD FAUX FUR POM POM BEANIE

Tan Microfiber Lace Up Fur Cuff Boots $69.99 Tan Microfiber Lace Up Fur Cuff Boots

Magnano Leather Boots in Tan $199 Magnano Leather Boots in Tan

Perforated Leather Belt in Tan $12 Perforated Leather Belt in Tan

Twickenham Leather Heels in Tan $72 Twickenham Leather Heels in Tan

Glamazon Leather Sandals in Tan $89 Glamazon Leather Sandals in Tan

Leather and Chain Bracelet in Tan $85 Leather and Chain Bracelet in Tan

Bloomsbury Leather Heels in Tan $72 Bloomsbury Leather Heels in Tan

Faux Leather Strap Fur Shawl $34 Faux Leather Strap Fur Shawl - I'NANACO

TAN TIGER FAUX FUR LEG WARMERS COSTUME ACCESSORY $19.99 TAN TIGER FAUX FUR LEG WARMERS COSTUME ACCESSORY

TAN WHITE FAUX FUR ANIMAL EARS LONG TAIL HOODIE HAT $15.99 TAN WHITE FAUX FUR ANIMAL EARS LONG TAIL HOODIE HAT

Tan Faux Fur Wrap Round Close Toes Platform Pump Heels $18.99 Tan Faux Fur Wrap Round Close Toes Platform Pump Heels

TAN LEOPARD POM POM FAUX FUR LEGWARMER COSTUME ACCESSORY $19.99 TAN LEOPARD POM POM FAUX FUR LEGWARMER COSTUME ACCESSORY

TAN MULTI FAUX FUR LEG WARMERS COSTUME ACCESSORY $19.99 TAN MULTI FAUX FUR LEG WARMERS COSTUME ACCESSORY

Tan Faux Fur Cuff Buckle Strap Accent Knee High Boots $32.99 Tan Faux Fur Cuff Buckle Strap Accent Knee High Boots

TAN CHEETAH PRINT PLUSH FAUX FLUFF FUR EARMUFFS $15.99 TAN CHEETAH PRINT PLUSH FAUX FLUFF FUR EARMUFFS

Leopard Leather Fur Strappy Pyramid Studded Heels $120.99 Leopard Leather Fur Strappy Pyramid Studded Heels

Vieta Dori (Women's) - Tan $89.95 Dori is a simple satchel made of faux-leather and ornamented with fur material. It features a top zipper closure, gold-toned hardware, and signature Vieta print lining. Detachable shoulder strap included. Available Colors: Black, Green, Tan, Blue.

Leather Gloves with Rabbit Fur Trim $19.99 Buttery-soft black leather gloves are trimmed with fluffy rabbit fur. Lined. Fur/leather. Dry clean. Imported. Sizes: M(7), L(7 1/2), XL(8).

Rainbow Leather Knee Boots in Tan $99 Rainbow Leather Knee Boots in Tan

iPhone 4 Leather Cover in Tan $39 iPhone 4 Leather Cover in Tan

Betty Handles Leather Handbag in Tan $56 Betty Handles Leather Handbag in Tan

Small Moon Leather Bag in Tan $115 Small Moon Leather Bag in Tan

Ridge Leather Ankle Boots in Tan $36 Ridge Leather Ankle Boots in Tan

Tinnura Leather Calf Boots in Tan $175 Tinnura Leather Calf Boots in Tan

Ottoman Contemporary Style in Tan Leather $450.6 Ottoman Contemporary Style in Tan Leather

TAN PRINT FAUX LEATHER HANDBAG $25.99 TAN PRINT FAUX LEATHER HANDBAG

BLACKBERRY VERTICAL POUCH LEATHER TAN $7.99 BLACKBERRY VERTICAL POUCH LEATHER TAN

TS Tan Wool Fur Scarf $44.99 Style: Modern Fabric: Fur Color: Pink, Red, White, Black Look After Me: Dry clean only Size: F Scarf Category: Scarf Scarf Design: Infinity Scarf

Tags: brain, diy, fur, leather, tan leather fur, tan leather furniture, tan leather furniture sale, tan leather jacket with fur trim, tanning

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 28th, 2006 at 2:22 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.