1.1 Leather Tanning
As mentioned in our previous post, leather is a versatile material that has been used for thousands years, and for a number of reasons: clothing, accessories, and upholstery to name a few. The process of tanning leather involves treating animal hides with various chemicals and natural substances in an effort to preserve them, but to also draw out its texture and appearance.
There are several different methods for tanning leather, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Some methods are old and outdated, like brain tanning. And some are far less commonly used, like alum tanning. Therefore, it’s best to become familiar with the 2 most commonly used methods: veg tanning and chrome tanning. Although, we have explained each method in more detail below.
Vegetable Tanning: vegetable tanning is one of the oldest and most traditional methods for tanning leather. It involves soaking the hides in a solution of plant extracts, such as oak or mimosa bark. This process takes several weeks. This method is environmentally friendly and produces a leather that is firm, durable, and has a natural, earthy aroma.
Chrome Tanning: Chrome tanning is the most common method for tanning leather today, accounting for over 80% of leather production worldwide. It involves treating the hides with chromium salts, which produce a soft, supple leather with a smooth finish. This method is fast and efficient, but is less environmentally friendly due to the chemicals involved.
Oil Tanning: Oil tanning involves treating the hides with oils and fats, such as fish oil or vegetable oil. This method produces a leather that is soft, supple, and water-resistant. It is often used for gloves and other outdoor accessories.
Alum Tanning: Alum tanning involves treating the hides with aluminum salts, which produce a leather that is light in color and has a firm, stiff texture. This method is often used for bookbinding and other specialty applications.
Brain Tanning: Brain tanning is a traditional (and also very old) method used by early Native American tribes that involves using animal brains to tan hides. This method produces a soft, pliable leather that was often used for clothing and accessories. Brain tanning is not a common practice today.
In conclusion, there are several different methods for tanning leather, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. While some methods are more environmentally friendly than others, all produce a leather that is durable, versatile, and highly prized for its natural beauty and texture.
Understanding the different methods for tanning can help you choose the right type of leather while ensuring you’re making an informed decision when it comes to your next project.
Unsure of what method is the best? There’s a good chance you’ll be considering either Veg or Chrome tanning. Need further assistance? As always, HBI is her to help. Please contact us for more information.