When buying leather, we come across many technical words, some of which we may not know much about. Let’s take on the topic of Aniline Dyes.
PS: As you read this blog, you may notice a number at the end of paragraphs. The number refers to the source from where the information came from. Please see foot note below for a list of the sources used to inform this blog post. Enjoy reading. And please leave us a note @Tholfineleathers on Instagram, if it helped clarify any questions on this topic.
So let’s get back to Aniline Dyes. As the name suggests, dyes are used to impart color to leathers. Aniline dyes are also used in other industries such as Woodworking, etc. They are a type of organic compound that are commonly used in the leather industry to color and finish hides and skins. These dyes are derived from aniline, a colorless liquid that is a byproduct of coal tar and is also found in crude oil. (1)
Aniline dyes are known for their ability to penetrate deep into the fibers of the leather, which results in a natural, transparent look. This is in contrast to pigmented leather, which has a surface coating of color that can crack or peel over time. Because aniline dyes are absorbed into the leather, the color is more resistant to fading and wear. (2)
There are many different types of aniline dyes available, each with its own unique properties. Some of the most common aniline dyes used in the leather industry include basic dyes, acid dyes, and metal complex dyes. Basic dyes are water-soluble and are typically used for coloring raw leather. Acid dyes are used for dyeing finished leather and can be applied with heat. Metal complex dyes are used for coloring leather that will be exposed to sunlight or other UV light, as they are more resistant to fading. (3)
Lately, there is interest in non-metal coloring, natural coloring, etc. While the application (final use), consumer preference, etc. drives the type of coloring used, each has its advantage and disadvantages. Synthetic dyes are brighter and longer lasting, whereas organic dyes are from natural origin but may come in limited less-bright colors and in limited choices. Over a longer term, they may be more susceptible to fading faster than synthetic dyes when exposed to light. Therefore, several factors go into selecting a coloring process and a coloring agent for leathers.
When using aniline dyes to color leather, it is important to note that the dye will not hide any imperfections in the leather. This means that any scars or blemishes will still be visible after the leather is dyed. This can be both a positive and negative aspect, as it gives the leather a unique and authentic look, but it also requires that the leather used is of high quality. (4)
Overall, aniline dyes are a popular choice for coloring and finishing leather because of their natural look and durability. They are easy to use and provide a wide range of color options. However, it is important to understand that they will not hide imperfections in the leather, and thus the leather used should be of high quality.
It is specifically for this reason that the raw hides for the leather articles that we commission for production at our tannery partners, based on our own technical specifications, go through a rigorous grading and selection process. Only those hides that pass as top quality selections are taken to the next stage. This selection process repeats at every processing step. So, the final product that reaches you will always meet the quality standards we have originally set. This is also why you may see a price difference between premium grade leathers and the rest. But we know that as crafters, you strive for perfection in your craft and to match that, you demand only the best quality leathers. We try to keep tight control on pricing while achieving this high quality standard in our leathers. This is reflected in every piece of leather that you buy from us. Buy with confidence. We back our quality with a guarantee.
Keep smiling, keep creating. - THOL
References:
- "Aniline." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2023.
- "Leather Finishing Techniques." Leather Hide Store, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2023.
- "Aniline Dyes." Leather Dyeing, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2023.
- "Leather Dyeing 101." Leather Craftsmen, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2023