Leather Care Fundamentals: Identify Your Type First

Effective leather care requires understanding the material's specific properties. Misidentifying your leather can lead to inadvertent damage from incompatible products.

The Anatomy of Leather

Leather is a tanned animal hide, split into two primary cuts:

• Top-Grain/Full-Grain: The smooth, durable outer face.

• Split: The lower portion, typically used for suede.

The Two Main Categories: Finished vs. Unfinished

To select the correct care regimen, you must determine if your leather is Finished (Protected) or Unfinished (Aniline/Raw).

The Water Drop Test (Pro Tip)

To confirm your leather type, place a small drop of water on a hidden area:

• Beads up? It is Finished. The coating is preventing absorption.

• Soaks in/Darkens? It is Unfinished. The moisture is absorbed immediately.