Glattleder vs. Genarbtes Leder
We explain the difference
SMOOTH LEATHER: DEFINITION AND HISTORY
Smooth leather is a high-quality form of natural leather used for various products. It is characterized by its shiny surface, softness, suppleness, durability and breathability. Smooth leather can come from various animal species, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
The grain side of the leather is turned outwards in smooth leather, which makes the natural beauty and structure of the leather visible. This gives the leather an elegant look. The grain side is the top layer of the animal hide and contains the natural grain and pores of the leather, making it unique.
To produce smooth leather, the animal hide is first dehaired and cleaned. The hide is then split into thinner layers to achieve the desired thickness and quality of leather.
There are different types of smooth leather, including muted and fine smooth leather types. Muted smooth leather is covered with a thin layer of paint or varnish to protect small leather defects from dirt and moisture. Fine smooth leather, on the other hand, is dyed with aniline dyes, for example, and retains its natural surface and texture. Muted smooth leather is therefore much more robust.
Smooth leather is used for a wide range of products, including shoes, handbags, furniture and car seats. Its durability and breathability make it particularly popular for products that are subject to intensive use.
collections with smooth leather
CARE OF SMOOTH LEATHER: A LIFELONG COMPANION
The first step in caring for smooth leather is to regularly remove dust and dirt. It is best to use a soft cotton cloth or a microfiber cloth to gently rub the leather. Be careful not to use aggressive cleaning agents as these could damage the leather. If the leather is very dirty, you can also wash it with a cleaning foam. However, it is important that you rub the leather dry thoroughly afterwards. The cotton cloth is particularly suitable for this.
Leather is a natural material and can be damaged by too much moisture. Therefore, avoid contact with water and make sure that your leather products do not get completely wet. If the leather does get wet, let it dry naturally and do not use heat sources such as hair dryers or heaters. In this case, it is advisable to use paper, for example, to absorb the moisture.
Speaking of heat, direct sunlight can also be harmful to smooth leather. The UV rays can bleach the leather and make it brittle. Therefore, store your leather products in a cool and dry place. To keep the leather supple, it is recommended to use a leather cream. Collonil Leather Cream is a popular product that cares for the leather and gives it a beautiful shine. Apply a thin layer of the leather cream to the leather and then polish it with a soft cloth.
Another important step in the care of smooth leather is waterproofing. Collonil Water Stop Waterproofing is an effective product that protects the leather from water stains. Spray the waterproofing evenly onto the leather and allow it to dry thoroughly. Please keep a distance of up to 30cm to avoid stains. Overall, caring for smooth leather is not complicated, but it does require regular attention. With the right products and a little time, you can keep your smooth leather products for a lifetime.
Comparison of leather structures
smooth leather
Grained leather
DEFINITION AND HISTORY
GRAINED LEATHER
Grained leather is a popular type of leather valued for its natural patterning and texture. It can be created either by retaining the natural grain of the animal hide or by artificially embossing it.
Grained leather can come from various animal species, including cattle, pigs, goats and even exotic animals such as crocodiles or ostriches. Each animal species has its own unique grain, which gives the leather a natural and authentic look.
The main advantage of grained leather is its durability and scratch resistance. The natural or artificial grain makes the leather more resistant to wear and damage.
Another advantage of grained leather is its character and uniqueness. It may have small irregularities or variations in color and pattern, giving it a rustic and handcrafted look.
CARE OF GRAINED LEATHER: FOREVER USABLE
Caring for grained leather is crucial to prolonging the life of your favorite pieces and making them usable forever.
Scratches are often unavoidable, especially if you use the leather regularly. But don't worry, there are ways to treat scratches and make the leather look like new again. One way is to clean the leather with a special leather cleaner and then treat it with a leather care cream . This cream fills in the scratches and gives the leather back its original texture.
When cleaning grained leather, you should use similar products to those used for smooth leather. A universal cleaning foam from Collonil is a good choice as it is suitable for different types of leather. Apply the cleaning foam to a cloth and gently clean the leather. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the leather.
Overall, maintaining full-grain leather is not a big challenge if you use the right products and techniques. So invest some time and effort into caring for your full-grain leather and you will be rewarded with beautiful and well-preserved pieces.
THE COMPARISON: WHICH SUITS YOU BETTER
In today's leather world, there are a variety of leather types to choose from. From smooth leather to grained leather and suede, there is a material to suit every taste. But which leather is actually better for you?
There is no simple answer to the question. Every person is unique and has different preferences and needs. In general, it can be said that smooth leather is more sensitive than grained leather. The smooth surface shows minor scratches and signs of wear more easily than the grained leather. However, it is important to note that the sensitivity of leather depends not only on the surface structure, but also on the quality of the leather itself.
High-quality leather is usually more durable and resistant to external influences. Therefore, it is advisable to pay attention to the quality of the material when purchasing leather products. No matter which leather you choose, proper care is essential. Leather products require regular cleaning and care to maintain their beauty and quality.
If you prefer a classic and elegant look, smooth leather could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a rustic and natural look, grained leather could suit you better. So, all in all, there is no blanket "better" or "worse" when it comes to choosing the right leather. It's a personal decision.
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