Leathercraft Blog

ALTERED LEATHER
Leather that has had the original surface of the skin or hide removed, (usually due to imperfections in the original grain surface), and a new grain embossed into the leather. This is also called corrected grain. Most top-grain leathers have altered or corrected grain.

ANILINE
The name given to the particular transparent dye used to color dyed leather.

ANILINE LEATHER
Leather that has been dyed through with aniline dyes. Pure aniline leathers represent approximately 5 percent of all upholstery leathers produced worldwide. Sometimes topped with a protein, resin, or lacquer protective coating; can also be waxed.
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ALLIGATOR
Alligator, crocodile, and related types.

BOVINE
A cow, ox, or closely related animal.

BUCKSKIN
Deer and elk skins, having the outer grain removed.

BULLHIDE
Hide from a male bovine, capable of reproduction.

CABRETTA
A hair-type sheepskin; specifically those from Brazil.

CALFSKIN
Skin from a young bovine, male or female.
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In the tanning process various protective surface finishes are applied to leather hides. This finish must be removed before dyeing. Fiebing’s Deglazer will strip off tanning finishes and will make the leather receptive to dyes. Deglazer helps distribute the dyes more evenly and will help reduce streaking. Deglazer is best applied with a wool dauber or a piece of cloth in a circular motion.

Antique products do one common thing, they all color leathercrafter’s project while giving a color contrast between the tooled portions and the rest of the project.
To achieve the best result when using Antique Finish here are a few small tips that may help.
1. Prepare the leather ready to accept the Antique Finish by opening up the pores and grain of the leather. This can be done by lightly spraying the leather with water.
Cover the whole project with the Antique Finish in a circular motion with a dauber or a sponge. This will help minimize streaking.
If one does not want the entire project to be colored by the Antique Finish, one can seal off parts of the project with Resolene. Resolene can also be used to protect previously dyed areas.
Without allowing the finish to dry, work it into the cuts and grooves of the project.
After approximately 2-5 minutes wipe off the excess with a damp sponge. After waiting for close to a half- hour for the project to dry, buff the article for a semi- gloss shine.
One trick that many experienced craftsmen use is to dilute Antique Finish with Tan-Kote. Making a mixture of 20% Tan-Kote to 80% Antique Finish will prevent streaking and make it easier to buff, however the final outcome will have a slightly different look to it.

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