LeTech Journal

Learn how to clean, protect and refresh every leather type — and finish with a refined leather fragrance. Pro tips, safe methods, and links to shop & learn.

The real leather scent—what creates it, why cars differ, and how to clean, protect, and refresh with LeTech Leather Aroma Classic & Fresh.

How LeTech delivers safer, deeper interior cleaning and leather restoration: trained restorers, eco-responsible chemistry, and an individual plan for every vehicle. Book service or shop the same pro products.

Understand modern tanning (mineral, vegetable, oil and combos), how finishes affect cleaning and recolor, and how to choose the right LeTech USA products.

Understand how Nappa leather emerged, why it feels premium, how semi-aniline finishes affect care, and how to choose the right LeTech USA restoration products.

Leather Care · Professional Guide How to Identify the Type of Leather Learning how to identify the type of leather quickly and correctly is essential. Each leather family has unique characteristics defined by its tanning and finishing process. Accurate identification helps you choose the right cleaning, conditioning, and restoration method—whether you’re a professional restorer, a detailing center, or an enthusiast caring for shoes, clothing, bags, or interiors. Shop Leather Care Book Restoration Pro tips Beginner-friendly Lab-tested Quick Navigation 1 Leather Types (Overview) 2 Step-by-Step Identification 3 Pro Tip & Care 4 Summary Why identification matters Using the correct routine prevents color loss, surface damage, and premature wear. This guide explains how to identify the type of leather in minutes and select the right LeTech products for long-term protection and a premium finish. For best results, combine visual checks with simple tests to confirm whether you have aniline, pigmented, suede, nubuck, or synthetic leather. types of leather how to identify the type of leather how to identify leather leather care leather restoration aniline vs pigmented suede vs nubuck Leather Types · How to Identify the Type of Leather (Key Characteristics) We group leather into families with similar behavior and care procedures. Here’s a concise overview that helps you quickly identify leather types before choosing cleaners, conditioners, and protection. 1) Vegetable-tanned leather Premium and specialty goods (e.g., saddlery). Tanned with natural tannins from wood, bark, and gallnuts. Natural grain, soft matte glow, flexible feel, high absorbency; develops a rich patina. To identify this leather, note warm tone shifts and rapid darkening on a small water drop. 2) Uncoated / bare leather (aniline, pull-up, waxed) Fashion accessories, clothing, designer footwear. Minimal or no protective topcoat. Open-pored, absorbs moisture quickly; prone to staining and fading. Pull-up/waxed treated with oils & waxes → soft hand, gentle sheen. You can identify this type by light scratch marks and quick water absorption. 3) Dyed & protected (pigmented, embossed, semi-aniline, vintage, bicast) Furniture, footwear, outerwear. Protective film or pigment layer; embossed textures common. Vintage has delicate finish; bicast has dense PU/PVC surface. Easier maintenance, low absorbency. This leather type is identified by water beading and resistance to light scratches. 4) Suede & nubuck Velvety nap created by sanding. Suede—thicker, fluffier nap; nubuck—fine, more wear-resistant. Both are absorbent and require dedicated care to avoid staining and fading. Identify by visible nap movement and strong darkening when damp. 5) Synthetic (faux / eco) leather PU/PVC layer on textile base. UV-stable and non-absorbent but can feel cold or overly glossy. Deep creases and delamination may occur over time. Identify by perfectly uniform grain, plastic-like shine, and no absorption. Step-by-Step: How to Identify the Type of Leather Test on a discreet area first. Combine observations for accuracy. Use this checklist any time you need to identify leather at home or in a workshop. 1) Visual inspection Suede & nubuck: easy to spot by velvety nap and high absorbency. Smooth or embossed surface can indicate dyed, aniline, or semi-aniline—confirm with the tests below. If you’re unsure how to identify the type of leather from grain alone, proceed to water and scratch tests. Some leathers are easy to identify visually; others require additional checks. 2) Protective coating test Lightly scratch with a fingernail in a hidden spot: • No mark → protective topcoat (often pigmented or coated).• Visible mark → likely aniline / uncoated. Pros: Use a magnifier to inspect grain texture and finish clarity. 3) Water absorption test Place a small drop and rub gently: • Absorbs quickly → aniline / pull-up / waxed.• Beads on top → pigmented / semi-aniline / bicast. Suede authenticity: synthetic suede is water-repellent (water sits on top); natural suede absorbs, darkens, and stiffens. 4) Flex & shine test If it scratches and absorbs, bend slightly: pull-up/waxed lightens on the fold; aniline does not. If it doesn’t scratch/absorb and has soft matte glow → pigmented. Harsh plastic-like shine → likely bicast. Pro Tip For coated and synthetic leathers, the LeTech Leather Care Kit is a safe, universal choice. For suede & nubuck, use the dedicated Suede & Nubuck Care range. If you’re unsure how to identify the type of leather, start with the water test and confirm with a gentle scratch in a hidden area. Recommended Products Leather Care Kit Pro Tools & Equipment In Summary Understanding the type of leather is the key to maintaining both its beauty and durability.Each category — from natural aniline to advanced synthetics — requires a unique approach. This article showed you how to identify the type of leather through quick visual checks and simple tests.Follow the step-by-step instructions above and the visual guide below to confidently identify your leather type and choose the right professional care products.