Italian Leather Table Mat - Blue

Basically, leather is trillions of interwoven fibers. The closer you get to the surface, the smaller and denser become those fibers. Hence, the top layer is the strongest and the most durable cut one can buy. The term “Full Grain” is used to define that top, uppermost layer of the cow hide which was not sanded or polished.

When we speak about leather, obviously it needs to be preserved before it can be used for crafting and making goods. Vegetable tanning is actually the way leather hide is preserved. This method is one of the many possible, but its distinctive feature is in all-natural technique. Hides are soaked in certain tubs filled with natural solutions, like tree bark.

These extracts are dense, and when they bind to the hide, they fill in the gaps in the fibers. By filling these gaps the leather becomes even more durable and tight. After that, it is finished with a combination of transparent waxes and oils, which gives the leather a very soft feel. Every piece made of vegetable tanned leather has unique shades and nuances, which are a mark of genuineness. Now you know more about full grain leather production and tanning.