Full Grain Leather Oil 101

If the hide is a blemish-free hide, the most elegant way to use the leather is full grain.

Full grain leather is any animal's hide's topmost layer that has never been altered in any way. It is exactly how the grain appeared in its original state(during the tanning process).

The leather has not been corrected,(sanded or buffed) to get rid of any marks. The whole thickness of the skin is used just as it is.

As compared to other leather products you may pay a little higher price for products made with full grain leather. Nevertheless, the item will definitely survive the stiffness of age and travel much better as compared to other grains. This is mainly because the natural grain pattern present in this layer is thickly grown with the toughest fibers in the hide. It is very thick and exceedingly hard-wearing, and with designing furniture, is more labor-intensive. This durability feature in it makes it a brilliant option for luxury leather goods and gives it the real leather texture that the majority of fake leather products try (and often fail) to emulate.

Besides, full grain leather often comes with an aniline finish which either stains or dyes the leather while at the same time still letting the natural grain show through. This subtle finish makes it possible for the leather to continue to breathe, contrary to other types of leather which are sanded down and given a fake thicker finish coat. 

Additionally, many people have grown fond of full grain leather due to its superb soft feel, courtesy of the natural oil already available in the hides. The pieces made from it are not only pliable and comfy but they are also never stiff. Better still, the naturally spongy hide is also exceptionally breathable, an indication that over time, it will collect low amounts of moisture from lengthy use– it is resistant to every wear and tear and will stay immaculately new for ages. 

A Leather That Shows One-Of-A-Kind Look

By layout, full grain hides display distinctive animal markings, giving it a rare special look. These markings emanate from their special interaction with the environment. As a result, no two are exactly identical–each piece is absolutely peculiar. Since animals live outside, they rub up against fences, get occasional bites from bugs, get in a fight with others in their herd, and at times roll around on the ground to scratch their backs.

When the leather is processed and the hair removed, all spectrum of evidence of an easy or hard life shows up as either scars, scrapes, or general imperfections which include:

• Scuffs from occasional contact with fences, confrontation with other animals, and other artificial structures.
• Scratches as well as natural threats from thorny plants like cacti.
• Rough coloring and lines from wrinkles, veins, arteries, and stretch marks as well as fatty areas.

This immaculately imperfect countenance is why we proudly use full grain leather in every product that goes under Morgan Rey’s name. This is because every hide is vividly a top-to-bottom, end-to-end purely original. Therefore, be it an Ottoman bench or a show-stopping sectional, combining full grain leather with any space, ensures inimitable features and charm that can't in any way be duplicated. For insurance, a bag made of full grain leather will get far more oohs and ahs after a lengthy period (some years) of use.

The Smooth Wine of Leather

The entire oil-absorbing properties as well as the original features of the leather remains flawless. This is because the leather will patina and be able to resist even the toughest conditions for a long period of time. Patina simply refers to the general surface outlook of something after a period of time.

In terms of its smooth texture as well as unaltered surface, it is possible to even see the pores and small hair follicles (in case you use a magnifying glass), which is clear proof that the leather is of high quality. 

Additionally, full grain leather is clearly designed to look better the more you use it. This is due to the fact that its natural flawed patina collects new scratches and scuffs "purposefully"—to slowly become a piece that vividly reflects the unique markings, personality, and the story of the home it is found in.

It is a Leather that Reflects its True Colors

Full-grain leather is popular for its aesthetic appeal. The natural distinctions in color and texture give the leather a unique and exquisite appearance, which can flamboyantly enhance the look of any product.

To conserve and play up the tune of the organic look of full grain leather, all our leather options have been made to be either pure aniline or semi aniline dyed.

1. Pure Aniline Dyed

This prime treatment assists in bringing to light the unique markings of raw hides even more, thanks to the existence of translucent, water-based tint used to color the leather—the tint infiltrates in such a way that it makes it possible for every organic scratch, scuff and scar to remain unharmed. Due to the fact that different parts of the hide naturally absorb varying levels of dye, the ultimate product comes out optically nuanced with depth, proportion, and shade distinctions throughout.

Moreover, Pure aniline dyed leather is a powerfully high-quality leather finish that permits the final product to maintain its purest form with the least intervention and processing

PROS

• It is one of the most top-notch quality materials that products can be designed of and that is clearly evident in its appearance.
•  It has the habit of developing a warm, vintage patina over time when it takes in oils from your body and it stays soft, breathable, and supple as it lacks any additional processing or coating materials that make the leather stiff.

CONS

• It is light and sensitive to the sun.
• It requires some maintenance.

Semi Aniline Dyed

Well, with semi-aniline, the leather is slightly buffed on the leather surface to get rid of extra significant blemishes. Then, with the existence of spot embossing, leather tones are carefully flattened. And finally, pigment is added.

As opposed to pure aniline dyes, semi-aniline dyes do possess a slight color. Due to this,  semi-aniline is more durable and resistant to stains. Admittedly, while semi-aniline leather does have numerous pure aniline leather characteristics and will as such develop a unique wear pattern as well as patina over time, it is much less pronounced. It also adds a protective, subtly pigmented topcoat for an enhanced uniform, evenly colored look. Finally, this coating also makes semi-aniline pieces pretty much simpler to clean, more kid-and-pet friendly than pure aniline leather, and useful for high-traffic areas.

PROS

• Greatly long-lasting; can strongly withstand direct sunlight and generally able to resist more wear and tear.
• It can as well maintain an even, color-steady look over time and is pretty easy to purify.

CONS

• Has a slightly more glistening feel due to the topcoat– patina which will be less variegated as a result of the shielding finish.

Guide on Cleaning Tips and Tricks

1. pot and Stain Removal

• Begin by rubbing a moistened finger on lesser scuffs to clear them up.
• You can then use a damp cloth to wipe down areas that need an in-depth cleaning.

2. Tips and Tricks

• Make sure to always test product purifiers on a non-visible area first.

• Avoid like a plague, placing leather in direct sunlight as it will promptly fade away.

• Resist applying heat to full-grain leather if it becomes wet as it could lead to cracking.
• Always let the full grain leather air dry at room temperature.

3. Care and Maintenance

• To avert over-drying, add a leather conditioning oil to treat the hide every 3 to 6 months.

Morgan Rey Approved: 

Tools of the Trade

We highly propose the following cleaning products for our leather pieces:

CLEANING CLOTH

Recommended tip: It’s crucial to use soft cleaning cloths that won’t scratch, damage, or get rid of the coloring of your leather.

The ideal material to use: Natural Chamois or Otter wax flannel buffing cloth.