Does Aniline Leather Peel? (No! Here Are 5 Reasons)

Does Aniline Leather Peel?

We have seen or experienced horror stories of people spending a lot of their hard-earned money on leather goods only to find out that they start peeling in just a few weeks. It is every shopper’s nightmare! How about aniline leather? Does aniline leather peel?

I’m happy to say the answer is no. Aniline leather, also sometimes known as full-grain leather, is one of the most durable leathers. It doesn’t peel because it is made from the strongest part of animal hides and skin–which is the grain layer.

To learn more about the reasons aniline leather does not peel, continue reading.

Reasons Aniline Leather Does Not Peel

Here are some of the main reasons aniline leather does not peel.

1. Aniline Leather Is Made From The Grain Layer

One of the first reasons aniline leather does not peel is simply because it is made from the most durable layer as far as leather structure is concerned.

Leather has multiple layers, and the grain is considered to be the strongest layer.

It’s the layer that acts as the primary protection for the animal it came from and provides the toughness you want in your leather goods.

Aniline leather is made entirely from this layer, giving it strength, durability, and resistance to peeling.

2. Aniline Leather Is Treated With Natural Oils

Another reason aniline leather does not peel is because it is treated with natural oils like neatsfoot oil or lanolin that add additional protection.

These oils help to lubricate the fibers and make them more durable, resistant to damage from everyday use, and less likely to peel or flake.

A lot of these oils are impregnated into the leather during the tanning process, so it’s not something you’ll have to apply yourself.

Not only does this prevent cracking and peeling, but it also keeps the leather looking and feeling amazing for years to come.

3. Aniline Leather Is Dyed With Aniline

Aniline leather is dyed with aniline, which is a type of dye that penetrates the grain layer instead of just coating it.

This makes the leather much more resistant to damage like cracking, peeling, and fading than other types of leather.

Aniline-dyed leathers also tend to maintain their color and resist ultraviolet rays better, so your beautiful aniline leather won’t be ruined by the sun.

Usually, weather elements like humidity, rain, and sun can make certain types of leather to peel or flake, but thankfully the same cannot be said for aniline leather.

4. The Quality of Aniline Leather Is Highly Regulated

The last reason aniline leather doesn’t peel is that the quality of the leather is highly regulated.

Only hides from full-grown animals are used in the manufacturing process, and each hide must meet strict standards for thickness and texture before it can be sold.

Manufacturers also pay close attention to other factors, like how the hides are cut, dyed, and finished, in order to ensure that you’re getting a quality product with no peeling or flaking.

5. It Has An Unfinished Surface

Aniline leather also has an unfinished surface, which means it is not coated with any type of artificial protection.

This allows the natural oils in the leather to come through, making it more resistant to cracking and peeling.

In most instances, the top coat or finish will be peeling from the leather surface, not the leather itself.

So this is the more reason why it’s unlikely that aniline leather will not peel.

Tips To Ensure Aniline Leather Doesn’t Peel

Now that you know why aniline leather doesn’t peel, here are some tips to ensure it stays looking its best for years to come.

Regularly Condition The Leather

It’s important to condition your aniline leather regularly (at least two to three times a year) with a good leather conditioner.

This will help keep the natural oils in the leather, making it more resistant to peeling or cracking.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration of aniline leather, so it’s important to keep your aniline leather furniture away from direct sunlight when possible.

Proper Cleaning & Care

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and caring for your aniline leather furniture. This will help ensure it stays in top condition and prevents peeling or cracking.

Avoid Storing Aniline Leather in Humid Conditions

Humidity can weaken the fibers in aniline leather and make them more prone to peeling or cracking.

To help prevent this from happening, store your aniline leather goods away from any sources of moisture like air conditioners, humidifiers, and windows.

Final Thoughts

Aniline leather is a beautiful and durable material that will not peel, but it can still be damaged if not properly taken care of.

Fortunately, aniline leather does not peel or crack as easily as other types of leather due to the part of the hide it is sourced from and the natural oil treatments given to it during the manufacturing process.

Remember to regularly condition your aniline leather, avoid direct sunlight and humidity, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care in order to keep it looking its best.

You can enjoy this beautiful material for many years to come with proper care!

Kwabena

Hi! I’m Kwabena, the owner and founder of Favored Leather. I’m a huge Leathercraft enthusiast and I’ve been that for almost 13 years now. I'm excited to share my experiences and all the new stuff I learn each day about leather craft, leather cleaning & care, and everything in-between!

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