Nappa leather
Nappa leather is chrome-tanned smooth leather from calf or sheep with full grains that either come from the original skin surface or have been embossed into smooth leather. Originally, nappa leather was just the name for glove and clothing leather , named after the Napa Valley in the USA . Today, nappa leather is the collective term for particularly supple smooth leather of all animal types and uses, for example also for upholstery leather.
Executions
Depending on the surface treatment, one differentiates:
Natural
Leather dyed through with soluble dyes in the barrel , which reveals the grain surface in every detail and retains its natural, open-pored surface structure. The open pores ensure high water vapor permeability and optimal heat exchange. Because of its sensitivity to light, natural leather must be protected from direct sunlight.
Slightly pigmented
Also colored with soluble dyes. The additional pigment content gives this leather a more even surface as well as better lightfastness values and rubbing fastness . This color treatment also ensures water vapor permeability and heat exchange through the pores that have remained open.
Pigmented
With this leather, the color is applied to the grain surface with the help of a binding agent . This gives the whole skin an even appearance. These leathers are less breathable and look more even at the beginning, but surface damage from cracks or flaking occurs during use, which is more noticeable due to the non-dyed surface.
Sanded
Sanded leather on the grain side. An applied layer of color gives the leather a particularly smooth surface. The natural features are largely lost.