Semi-aniline

Semi-aniline leather

Semi-aniline leather is leather, which is only slightly pigmented (colour layer). In case of semi-aniline leather, the natural leather grain and the hair pores are not allowed to be concealed by the pigmentation. These can be only slightly protected and must remain visible. However, it should be noted that depending on the working steps in the tannery, the natural grain pattern and hair pores remain more or less clearly visible. For example, vacuum drying affects the visibility of the hair pores as compared to the drying by hanging. Nevertheless, it is then a semi-anilin. The natural grain must however be completely preserved and is not allowd to be buffed. Semi-aniline leather is soft and warm and feels very natural due to the less intense coating and the absence of compression of the leather fibers by a strong embossing. However, embossing is not forbidden with semi-aniline leather.

In contrast to the aniline leather, which is completely porous and very sensitive, semi-anilines have a better protection. The protection is by no means as strong as for pigmented smooth leather, where the pigment layer provides a strong protection and the hair pores are no longer recognizable. Such leathers are mostly firmer and feel colder than semi-aniline leathers.

Since January 2016 there is another type of leather defined and standardized in Europe, which is settled between the aniline leather and the semi-aniline leather. It is the aniline leather, refined. It has even less pigmentation than the semi-aniline leather. The pore pattern is then even more visible and the leather is even more natural than the semi-aniline leather. But also the sensitivity lies between the aniline leather and the semi-aniline leather.

Semi-aniline leather have a much thinner finish compared to pigmented leather smooth leather.

The tanners wish is to make a natural, soft and warm leather with a slight protection. Aniline leather is most natural and soft due to its open pores. An ideal leather would therefore be porous, but insensitive like a pigmented smooth leather. But this is not possible. Even the best waterpoofing does not provide a suficient long-term protection. Only by applying a colour coat, the tanner controls the sensitivity to fading, wear and the stain sensitivity.

Semi-aniline leather is less sensitive than aniline leather, but fades faster and is more sensitive to fat stains caused by skin and hair contact and abrasion than pigmented smooth leather.

Semi-aniline leather usually appear in furniture, jackets and bags. For households without children and pets, furniture with semi-aniline leather is a possible choice. The typical changes occur after years and can be delayed or repaired with regular care or with the assistance of a specialised company. As vehicle leather is particularly stronger stressed, they are thicker pigmented.

Since semi-aniline leather is qualitatively above pigmented leather, leather is often referred to as "semi-aniline leather", although it is a pigmented leather. This is to let belive that it is a better quality. If a leather is monochrome and feels rather cold or coated, the term "semi-aniline leather" may not be the correct description of this type of leather.

Typical semi-aniline leather surface. - Furniture with semi-aniline leather.

Semi-aniline leather is more sensitive than pigmented leather and is therefore rarely found in vehicles, where the leather is usually desired to be easy to care.

Wiesmann roadster and Ferrari FF with semi-aniline interiour.

The VW-Touareg with individual equipment is a mix of pigmented leather and semi-aniline leather.

After 70 thousand kilometers on the speedometer, still very nice condition, because well maintained.

Semi-aniline leather is sensitive: The sensitivity gets visible when not cleaned and cared properly.

Comparison of leather quality and sensitivity / ease of maintenance.

aniline leather - semi-aniline - pigmented leather - corrected grain - laminated leather

Criteria of differentiation

Pure aniline leather: Pores are completely visible and there is no finish on the leather.

Semi-aniline leather: Pores are clearly visible, but a thin layer of paint is on the leather surface.

Pores are hardly distinguishable. A stronger colour layer is on the leather surface. Only a leather consultant or expert can investigate whether this leather may still be referred to as semi-aniline leather.

Pigmented smooth leather: Pores are no longer distinguishable. The leather has a thick layer of paint.

False declarations of semi-aniline leather without visible hair pores

Since semi-aniline leather is considered to be a high-quality pigmented leather, semi-aniline leather is not always correctly declared. The naturalness and softness are characteristic for semi-aniline leather. This includes the recognizability of the natural grain structure and the hair pores. With a digital camera with macro function, in most cases it can be recognized whether hair pores are visible or not.

Leather offered as semi-anilinee leather, but it`s not.

False declarations of semi-aniline leather with embossed hair pores

Since pores can also be embossed, the recognizability of the pores alone is not decisive. Not every pigmented leather showing visible hair pores, is therefore automatically a semi-aniline leather. Aso the naturalness and softness of the leather is an indication. In doubt, an expert must be consulted. A cold and plastic-like leather is suspicious.