Leather - the final touches to the finished material

Although the leather is stabilized after tanning, it still has to go through several stages before it acquires its final properties. Each of these steps has a significant influence on how flexible and durable the leather becomes.

First, it is dyed - if desired - usually with synthetic dyes such as those used in the textile industry. The leather is then greased to make it supple. Without this oiling, the leather would be brittle and inelastic. Greasing ensures flexibility, tear resistance and a pleasant feel.

The leather is then limed: gentle pressure is used to remove excess water, while the material is smoothed at the same time. This is followed by drying - either by hanging or stretching - until the optimum moisture content is reached. Finally, the leather is folded to ensure uniform thickness.

The next step is to decide on the final look and feel of the leather. Should it be particularly soft? Should it have a certain structure or protective layer? Open aniline leather remains natural and breathable, whereby the natural grain is retained and the leather develops a unique patina over time. Semi-aniline leather is given a light protective layer that protects the leather from external influences without impairing its breathability too much. Pigmented leather is given an even application of color that masks irregularities in the material. We choose a semi-aniline finish for our garment leathers to provide a certain degree of protection against wind and weather.

Further finishing steps such as polishing ensure a smooth and shiny finish, while milling, a gentle mechanical process, makes the leather softer and finer. Other finishing options include embossing or giving the leather functional properties such as water repellency or fire resistance, which can be particularly important in the manufacture of special clothing such as firefighter clothing.