Leather-turning is a process by which leather is treated with tannic acid, oils and waxes in order to give it its own unique finis。 It is also known as ‘fat-liquoring’ or ‘oil-pulling’. This process is used to give leather its desired properties, such as a softer feel, strength, and water repellence.
The process of leather-turning dates back to ancient times, when people were already discovering ways to preserve animal hides by changing their chemical components. For example, they could create leather by treating hides in oak bark and turkey oil. By the 1700s, leather-turning had become an artisanal skill and was used to create goods of superior quality.
In modern times, leather-turning has become more commonplace, with more tanneries using the process to give their leather goods a unique and attractive finish. Generally, the process involves the tanner submerging the hide into a large vat of acidic solution and exposing it to varying temperatures over a period of time. This helps to open the natural pores of the hide and allows for the absorption of oils and waxes.
The length of time the hide is submerged in the vat will determine the depth of the leather’s color, along with the thickness of the leather. The temperatures and the type of substances used to tan the hide will also affect the outcome. Common substances used in leather-turning include vegetable oils, nylon, paraffin and neatsfoot oil.
In some cases, the tanners may not use tanning chemicals but instead opt for drying the wet leather in the sun. This type of leather-turning is commonly used to create vegetable-tanned leather, which is often referred to as ‘rawhide’. Due to its raw nature, this type of leather tends to be stiffer and less durable than other leathers.
Leather-turning is an essential part of the leather manufacturing process. Without it, leather goods would have a much weaker and less attractive finish. The unique and skillful craft of leather-turning allows tanners to create goods of superior quality and strength. These goods are often more expensive than mass-produced and low-grade leather goods, but the quality of the leather is well worth the premium.