5 Kinds Of Leather That “DO NOT” Peel (Plus Those That Do!)

what kind of leather does not peel

Have you ever wondered what kind of leather does not peel? If so, you’re not alone. There are a lot of people who are also curious about this topic and for good reasons.

To begin with, all types of leather peel to some extent, especially if not properly cared for. However, the degree to which the leather peels depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the leather, how it was tanned, how it was processed, etc.

That being said, there are some types of leather that are less likely to peel than others. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Types of Leather That “Do Not” Peel

There are various types of leather that are less susceptible to peeling under normal circumstances. Below are some of the most common ones.

1. Full-Grain Leather

The first type of leather that does not peel is full-grain leather. This is the highest quality leather you can buy, and it’s made from the outermost layer of the hide. Full-grain leather is very strong and durable, and it has a natural resistance to moisture.

When cared for and maintained properly, full-grain leather will last for many years without peeling. To care for full-grain leather so it lasts long without peeling, you will need to clean it with a mild soap solution. You can also use a leather conditioner to keep it soft and supple.

Full-grain leather is the best type of leather you can buy if you want a durable, long-lasting piece of furniture.

2. Aniline Leather

Aniline leather is a type of full-grain leather that is dyed with a transparent dye. This type of leather is the softest and most luxurious type of leather. It also has the most natural look and feels to it.

Aniline leather is very delicate and should be handled with care. It is also generally the most expensive type of leather.

If you want a luxurious piece of furniture that will last for many years, aniline leather is the best option.

3. Top Grain Leather

Another type of leather that does not peel is top-grain leather. This is the second-highest quality of leather, and it’s also made from the outermost layer of the hide.

Top-grain leather is also very strong and durable, but it’s not as resistant to moisture as full-grain leather.

One thing I love about top grain leather is that it is very smooth and soft to touch, making it very comfortable to wear. It’s also less likely to show scratches and scuffs than full-grain leather.

If you’re looking for high-quality leather that will last you a long time, top grain leather is a great option. Just be sure to keep it away from moisture as much as possible.

4. Genuine Leather

Another type of leather that does not peel is genuine leather. Genuine leather is made from the innermost layers of the hide, and it’s the lowest quality of the three.

Genuine leather is not as strong or durable as full-grain or top-grain leather, and it’s also not as resistant to moisture. One thing to keep in mind about genuine leather is that it’s more susceptible to staining and discoloration than the other two types.

It’s also more likely to show wear and tear over time. If you’re looking for a lower-priced option, genuine leather is a good choice. Just be sure to take extra care of it to prevent staining and discoloration.

5. Suede And Nubuck

The last type of leather that does not peel is suede and nubuck. Suede and nubuck are often made from the innermost layers of the hide. Suede does not have any grain surface meaning that it will not peel.

Suede is top-grain leather that has been sanded or buffed to create a velvety nap. Nubuck will not peel either because there is no grain surface for the topcoat to adhere to.

Types of Leather That “Do” Peel

On the other side of the coin, there are some types of leather that are more likely to peel. Below are the most common ones.

  • Faux Leather

The first type of leather that is likely to peel is faux leather. Faux leather is made from synthetic materials, and it’s not as strong or durable as real leather. Faux leather unlike natural leather crack, peel, and fade with time, and often times there is nothing you can really do to stop it from happening.

This is because all faux leather materials because they are man-made, have a coating on the surface. This is what gives it that “leather look.” Once this coating starts to wear off, the material beneath will be revealed and it will not look good.

  • Bonded Leather

The second type of leather that will definitely peel is bonded leather. This type of leather is made from scraps of real leather that are bonded together with a synthetic adhesive.

Bonded leather is not as strong or durable as natural leather or even faux leather, and it’s also not as resistant to moisture. This type of leather will definitely peel in a matter of weeks or months with or without proper care.

Why Does Leather Peel?

Leather can peel for a variety of reasons. While all types of leather will generally peel, there are certain circumstances that will cause the leather will peel easily and faster.

While some of the reasons will be naturally occurring, others will be due to poor care and maintenance. Here are some of the most common reasons leather may peel:

Poor Quality Leather

One of the most common reasons leather may peel is because it’s made from poor-quality materials. Poor or low-quality when it comes to leather as a material can be associated with a lot of things name;

  • Where The Leather Is Sourced From
  • The Tanning Method Used
  • The Dyeing Process

Improper Care and Maintenance

Another common reason leather may peel is because of incorrect care and maintenance. Although leather, natural leather is a pretty durable material, it needs to be cleaned and conditioned on a regular basis to prevent it from drying out, cracking, peeling.

This is important whether the leather is full-grain, top-grain, etc. If you don’t clean and condition your leather regularly, it will become dry and brittle, and it will eventually start to peel.

Exposure To Moisture

Leather can also start to peel due to exposure to moisture. If you get your leather piece wet, it’s important to dry it off as soon as possible and apply a leather conditioner.

Leather contains natural essential oils that need to be maintained within the fibers of the leather at all times. When leather frequently gets wet, the essential oils get replaced by the water and the leather will start to dry up and peel if it is not properly conditioned in time.

Sun Exposure

Leather can also start to peel from constant sun exposure. The UV rays from the sun will cause the leather to lose its essential oils and eventually crack.

So if your leather goods get a lot of exposure to the sun, it’s important to keep it conditioned and well-protected with a UV protector.

Age

Leather is also known to start peeling as it gets older. This is usually due to the natural oils in the leather dissipating over time, and the leather not being properly cared for.

How to Care For Leather So It Does Not Peel

If you have leather that does not peel, you will need to care for it differently than other types of leather. Here are a few tips:

  • Avoid exposing the leather to water or moisture.
  • Never use harsh chemicals or detergents on the leather.
  • Be careful not to scratch or rub the leather too hard.
  • Condition the leather on a regular basis.
  • Use a UV protector if your leather is exposed to a lot of sun exposure.
  • Store the leather in a cool, dry place.
  • If you are not sure how to properly care for your leather, it’s best to consult with a professional. They will be able to help you maintain the leather so it does not peel.

Final Thoughts

Leather is a beautiful and luxurious material, but it’s important to remember that not all leather is the same. There are different types of leather, and each one has its own specific care instructions.

If you’re wondering what kind of leather does not peel, then you should know that natural leather is the best option. It’s strong, durable, and will last for years with proper care.

If you have any other questions about leather or want more information on how to care for it, please feel free to browse the other topics on this website. Thanks for reading this article!

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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