Cattle skin are usually thick and this split into two or more layers. The best part is the topmost layer known as Full Top Grain. It retains the original grain of the cattle which includes any markings, scars and wrinkles of the skin. Although the best quality hides are best when left least treated and natural, most people here today would prefer to have a more uniform finish for their furniture. This these top grain are sanded and buffed until a more uniformed look is attained, sometimes an artificial grain is embossed onto the hide after it is buffed so as to get the desired effect.
Tanning is the next process which the hides are treated to reduce their perishability.
Vegetable tanning gives the hides body while Chromium tanning makes it soft and mellow. A combination of tanning agents could be used to achieve both softness and body. The process of colouring leather involves a transparent dye known as aniline. A Full Aniline leather is one with a pure aniline dye which permeates the entire hide without correcting or hiding any imperfections. The best leather are colour-treated only by transparent aniline vegetable dye which colours the skin while retaining its natural form.