As a result of its longevity and adaptability, leather has established a stellar reputation. Leather is made from animal skin, most often cowhides. Leather has long been recognized as a durable and multipurpose material. Nowadays, you can find four kinds of leather in the market, which include:
• Suede
• Genuine
• Top-grain
• Full-grain
This article will explain what top-grain leather is all about.
Top-Grain Leather: The Basics
The second-highest quality of leather available is called top-grain leather. The processed hide is sanded down to a few millimeters to remove flaws and soften the material. After the hide’s topmost layer is removed by sanding, a finishing coating is applied to make the leather less porous and more water-resistant. To further ensure that the leather appears consistent, it is imprinted with faux grain.
Major Benefits of Top-Grain Leather
• Aesthetically pleasing
The topmost layer is sanded to remove defects and blemishes, including the natural grain. It also makes the leather more manageable by reducing its thickness. In fact, they have removed the toughest fibers throughout the hide by sanding against the natural grain.
• Durable
Top-grain leather is tough and long-lasting even after removing its natural grain. However, it loses most of its breathability and won’t age with a natural glaze because of the finishing process. On the upside, the finishing coat gives the leather protection from stains. This is something that’s not present in full-grain leather.
Top-grain leather’s impressive longevity means it’ll serve you for years. It has a typical lifespan of 10–15 years, depending on how you maintain it. Leather belts are the best option for carpenters and construction workers since they are four times tougher than any other textile.
Even though it doesn’t have the longevity of full-grain leather, it outlasts most forms of leather. It can be patterned and colored to look like the more expensive exotic leather without breaking the bank.
• Comfortable
The top-grain leather’s pleasant feel only improves with age. There’s a common misconception that top-grain leather feels cold. The truth is that top-grain leather will match the user’s temperature in under 12 seconds.
• Easy to maintain
When caring for this leather, the color doesn’t matter. To keep this type of leather looking its best, all you need to do is periodically wipe it off with a damp towel or cloth. Furthermore, you’d want to apply a leather conditioner about twice a year. That’s all you really need to maintain it. As an added bonus, top-grain leather is stain-resistant thanks to the finishing process it undergoes.
Bottom Line
Top-grain leather comes only second to full-grain leather in terms of quality. It’s the type of leather that is advisable for working environments. This is because it undergoes a treatment process that makes it more durable and water-resistant. Since it’s easier to handle than full-grain leather, it’s also less costly.
If you are looking for top-grain leather tool belts, then you’d be pleased to know that BUILDPRO Store has an excellent selection for you to choose from. Shop the best options today!