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Tanning goat hides8/25/2023 ![]() Next the fat is removed from the back of the hide in a process named ‘fleshing’, and the hide is split into grain and flesh leathers. It causes the hide to swell and it begins to become softer and more flexible. Traditionally this would have been carried out by treating the hide with urine, but lime and sodium sulphide are the agents used currently. Following this, the hair and epidermis are removed (unless desired in the final material, in which case the tanning process will follow different methods to that described here). ![]() This acts to preserve the hide on a short term basis until the tanning itself is undertaken. To begin with the raw hide is cured it is either steeped in a saturated brine solution for up to two days, or salt is rubbed directly into the skin on both sides. Each will use slightly different methods, material and timescales, but there are four main stages involved: preparation for tanning tanning re-tanning and finishing. The tanning process is not uniform across tanneries. Given the popularity of beef, bovine leather tends to have one of the most stable supply rates a key reason for its dominance in the leather industry. The price of bovine leather, for example, depends on the global demand for beef. As leather is generally a bi-product - animals are reared for meat, milk or wool rather than their skins alone - it must be born in mind that the price and supply of raw hide fluctuates depending on other markets. Leather from cattle is the most commonly used, especially in the upholstery sector. ![]() It is possible to tan any kind of animal skin - including fish, reptiles, even birds - although more unusual hides tend to be processed by specialist tanners only. Goat leather is known to be particularly soft, for example, whilst leather produced from american horse hide is thick and tough. The type of animal skin used affects the characteristics of the leather produced. the fibre texture will be much looser across the belly area of the hide than the backbone.) Often these unique markings are regarded as desirable, but techniques may be employed during the leather production process to minimalise their visual impact. ![]() The shade and grain of the leather will also vary across the hide due to variations in the pore structure of the animal skin (eg. Whilst the modern tanning process allows for a greater degree of uniformity, any scars, veins and growth marks present in the raw animal skin will be in some way visible in the processed leather. It is therefore not possible to buy leather by the metre (although in some cases it may be bought by the square foot). As each animal is unique, so too each hide, varying in size, texture, etc. Modern tanning techniques have been refined through scientific means, but the natural origin of the material gives it and the industry certain parameters and characteristics. The tanning process has been used for centuries as a means to render animal skin a durable and versatile material it prevents otherwise inevitable decay and putrefaction, and increases the flexibility and workability of the hide. The leather industry is amongst the oldest in existence. It is breathable, flexible and warm, mainly used in upholstery and by the clothing and fashion industry to create footwear, garments and various bags and accessories. Leather is a natural material derived from animal skin through the process of tanning. This Guide to Leather was written by Roberta Knox
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