Unfinished Leather

Leather Terminology / Leather Types

noun

Definition of Unfinished Leather

Unfinished leather is natural leather in all its glory.

Unlike the traditional leather that’s aniline dyed and then finished with a pigmentation coating, unfinished leather is dyed, but no sealer or leather color is added to its surface.

For this reason, unfinished leather is very porous, much like suede, and softer to the touch, making it comfortable when worn as an accessory.

It also features more impressive characteristics, making it a top choice leather for quality products. These include:

  • High breathability, preventing the growth of mold or mildew
  • A rich texture that makes it more appealing to the eye
  • Letting the natural color shine beautifully through the hide
  • Perfectly displaying the grain structures, pores, scratches, and other natural marks
  • A wonderful patina that improves its appearance as it ages

The only downside to unfinished leather is its fragility. Since it lacks a protective coating, it quickly absorbs spills and stains. Extra precaution is therefore needed to keep it in its pristine condition.

An example of quality unfinished leather is full-grain leather.

lady stitching a full-grain leather journal cover

Example of Unfinished Leather in a Sentence

"That leather company has a fine selection of unfinished leather goods, from coasters to keychains."

Synonyms: unpolished leather, aniline leather

Related Terms for Unfinished Leather





Written by Ryan Popoff


Ryan Popoff is the creative mind behind Popov Leather wallets, iPhone cases, belts, watch bands and journals since 2013. With a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, my leatherworking journey began at home. I wanted to create a simple leather wallet that could fit into my front pocket and — to my delight — it was a hit with family and friends. Hopefully you love our honest, quality leather goods too! Read more