Pigmented Leather
“A leather to whose grain surface a finish containing fine pigmented particles in a binder has been applied”
Pros
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Very uniform surface
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Easy to maintain
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Durable
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Uniform colour
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Good light fastness
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Defects masked
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Cons
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Plastic-like appearance if too heavily coated.
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Grain hidden or corrected
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Reduced breath ability
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Identifying Pigmented Leathers
The Magnifying Glass Test
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Looking at a pigmented leather through a magnifying glass will show a sound uniform coating. There will be no difference in shade or colour and if embossed the grain will also look very uniform.
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The Absorption Test
Drip a small amount of leather cleaner or water on to the pigmented leather. It will sit on the surface so dab it with a piece of cloth to absorb the liquid. You will notice that no cleaner will be absorbed by the leather. Pigmented leathers are well finished and so are non absorbant.
The Touch Test
A pigmented leather feels as though it is coated, if an artificial grain pattern has been embossed you will also be able to feel this on the surface. A pigmented leather will not scratch easily.
The Visual Test
The colour of a pigmented leather is 100% uniform, there will be no alterations in colour or shade. Scarring and other visual defects should be hidden by the pigment or have been buffed away and so the coating should have a totally uniform pattern.
Finished Split
This is a similar type of leather to pigmented leather, the only difference is that in a finished split the pigment is applied to the split of the leather, whereas a standard pigmented leather has had the pigment applied to the grain. This type of leather is cheaper to produce so is commonly used on the backs and sides of upholstery.
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