How long does full-grain leather last and when we should buy new? Whenever a person thinks of investing in a leather-rich product, the foremost question that pops up in the mind is its durability.
Among the varied types of leather full-grain bread is specifically known for its longer life and durability.
Therefore to clap back the question, How long does full-grain leather last? we will be in a discussion in this informative blog. So, to end your curiosity about this topic keep on reading till the last line.
What is the full-grain leather?
The toughest and most long-lasting chunk of the animal skin of an animal which lies just beneath the hair waxed and rubbed ( contrary to processed grain ) having the purely natural characteristics of leather is called full-grain leather.
The Full-grain leather has a unique finish which occasionally stains the leather.
While maintaining its breathability with passing time, it requires a regular color restoration treatment to secure its famous patina. To learn more about this color restorer treatment, you can click here.
Factors affecting the durability of Full-grain Leather
The following are the key factors that can affect the durability of full-grain leather.
◈ The kind of sourcing of animal
Since full-grain leather is the lowest-processed leather, therefore; the kind of sourcing animal largely decides its life span. To give an example, leather made out of cow peel can have a longer life compared to pig hide.
◈ Stage of animal life
The time the skin of a particular animal took off to make full-grain leather matters a lot. It can directly affect the life-longevity and quality of leather. That being so, the Mature breed will provide hard-wearing with longer-life leather in contrast to the younger animals reaping softer, short-life products.
◈ Varying methods of tanning
The finishing of any product is the direct outcome of the process through which it is made, and so is true with full-grain leather. For example, the vegetable tanning method is a kind of organic process that takes a longer time to produce the finest leather.
Whereas, the Chrome tanning method is an inorganic method involving chromium salt to produce tough leather in a short time.
In the opinion of industry experts, the rational combination of both methods can give better results for full-grain leather.
◈ The standard dyeing procedure
Typically, the dyeing process involves different kinds of dyes and subsequent processes for different kinds of leather. It can directly impact the imperviousness of color and the chance of fading.
For example, the basic dyes used in the drum dyeing process are best suitable for full-grain leather.
Therefore, the choice of dyeing chemical and dyeing process can decide the fate of durability of full-grain leather.
◈ Product specific use
Every product performs best when we use it for the purpose it was made. Therefore; using full-grain leather for its suitable use can increase its life to many folds.
Preferably, the full-grain being tough suits best for belts, bags, and other accessories. On the other hand, if we use it for flexible products like gloves, it may lose its durability.
◈ Choice of finishing material
Using a good finish can ensure the out-of-the-ordinary protection against water and light effects to the leather.
Moreover, it can enhance the final look of the product. Therefore, the usage of a first-rate finishing material such as resin pigment can increase the longevity of full-grain leather.
◈ Thickness of the material
There is a reciprocal relationship between the thickness of the leather and its durability. The higher the thickness, the longer the life of full-grain leather, and vice versa.
Ultimately, the density of raw leather can significantly impact the life duration of the full-grain leather.
◈ Geographic Source of origin
Every region or country has its specific industrial practices befitting to its economy, labor, environment, and technology.
Therefore, the diversity in sourcing animal variety, leather processing practices, and climatic considerations can affect the longevity of full-grain leather.
For instance, the full-grain leather belonging to Italy has a longer life as compared to other countries.
Comparative longevity of full-grain leather and top-grain leather
While talking about the longevity of full-grain leather, we can gauge it by comparing it with Top-grain leather.
The full-grain leather shows better performance in the course of aging compared to Top-grain leather. For instance,full-grain leather does not tire out, instead, it flourishes a commendable patina and soothing user experience.
Contrarily, top-grain leather loses its breathability with time. Moreover, it can not advance in patina with every passing year.
In terms of durability, full-grain leather has the toughest and long-lasting structure. The core reason for this strong texture is its origin from the toughest part of the animal hide.
It is highly breathable and accumulates less contact moisture due to its waterproofing capability.
On the other hand, top-grain leather does not have strong fibers in its structure. That is the reason, it always remains vulnerable to the threat of scratching during surface contact in daily use.
Conclusion
The durability of full-grain leather is unparalleled among all its leather genres, making it a priority for veteran leather users.
The natural attributes and processing protocols of full-grain leather make it the most supple breed of available leather in the market.
Therefore, in the future, while wandering in the leather market to find a perfect fit for yourself, consider the tag of full-grain leather as a guarantee seal to a longer-life everyday-use product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: Is there any chance of wearing out of genuine full-grain leather?
Genuine full-grain leather usually does not wear out instead it enhances its charm with time. However, some low-grade varieties of full-grain leather may experience peeling -off with time.
2: What is the secret behind the durability of full-grain leather?
It's souring from the toughest chunk of the animal hide and subsequent premium quality tanning is the concealed recipe of full-grain durability.
3: What is the way out to increase the durability of full-grain leather?
Timely conditioning, keeping away from direct heating sources, avoiding frequent moisture contact, and storing in a suitable environment can help to increase the durability of full-grain leather.
4: How long does full-grain leather last?
It depends on multiple factors from the user habits of the owner, the extent of maintenance to the grade of full-grain leather chosen. However, with optimum care full-grain leather can survive for decades.
5: Are genuine leather and full-grain leather similar in quality?
No, the full-grain leather is the top most quality leather while, the genuine leather is considered as low quality and less durable leather type.