Dec 10, 2009 02:24 PM
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(Updated Dec 10, 2009 02:44 PM)
I got my optra magnum diesal dressed up at Karlsson, Banglore with branded leather from Elmo sweden - Elmotech.The dealer workmanship and service is top notch as evident in the photos, the owner Sajith is passionate and amiable, would leave no stone unturned to satisfy customers.
What to consider when choosing leather A natural anilin leather is comfortable, soft, beautiful and has the possibility to breathe. A natural aniline leather is delicate and will easily be effected by grease and fat. A technical leather is uniform, less soft and has a very limited possibility of breathing. A technical leather withstands extreme environments and is very easy to care for and clean. A semi-aniline leather offers the best of both by surface-protection and dyeing the leather becomes more durable and easy to care for than aniline leather, but is still soft, natural and comfortable
Dealer website
https://karlssonleather.in/aboutus.html
Elmo website
https://elmoleather.com/index.asp?meny=6&pageid=33&display=gradings§ion=automot
ive
Quality assurance
ISO/TS 16949:2002
SS-EN ISO 9001:2000
Specifications for leather
I went for elmotech as it is the highest spec technical leather still being chrome free and softer than Stanley highest napa variant, below are the options- only elmosoft and elmotech currently available in India. In the dealership the hides in their natural sizes can be viewed and quality be felt. I urge people to feel and experience leather texture and softness before deciding for the same.
CLASSIFICATION OF ANILINE AND SEMI-ANILINE LEATHER
The classification of hides is made in three different classes, First, Second and Third grade. The different grades are based on appearance of natural characteristics on the surface of the hide. All technical properties are the same regardless of grade. The classification is made in a well-lit room where the hides are laying in a relaxed stage flat on a table.
Aniline leather is dyed through and has been given a light toning, just enough to make it extra resistant towards dirt. The hide breathes and still displays all the natural characteristics, which greatly adds to its comfort and exclusiveness. The leather feels natural. It ages with grace and develops an entirely unique quality. Frequent use of the couch or chair lends the Aniline leather an increasingly beautiful patina.
Semi-Aniline is dyed through, and a water-based mixture of binder, fixer-agent and colour-pigment has been applied to the surface. The result is soft and manageable leather that can withstand the wear and tear of public environments and is easier to clean. Age does not show as clearly as it does on Aniline. Still, the natural qualities remain, even on Semi-Aniline, captured in the grain structure; bites from insects and small, healed scars.
Healed scars
The surface of a healed scar lies in the same level, or near level to the surface of the leather. The surface of the scar differs from the surface of the leather, but the grain of the leather is still seen in the scar. The gloss of the scar may reflect differently than the surrounding surface. Insect bites
Small damage on the surface caused by different types of insects.
Neck wrinkles
Lines approximately 3-4 mm wide, with a coarser grain than the surrounding surface. The lines are more or less always noticeable on aniline, but on semi-aniline they will be more apparent when shifting the light to a more angular position. Structure difference / Loose grain
Areas where the grain will change from fine to coarse. E.g. the area where the side of a hide gradually changes into stomach leather.
Fat lines
Lines approximately 3-4 mm vide that has the direction from backbone to the bally area, those lines has slight different shade but has the same grain structure as the rest of the hide. Those lines might be seen on some light colour of Semi aniline.
Rough and dry grain
Areas with a very fine grain. The gloss of the surface is more dull than the surrounding area. Colour variations are easily noticeable. When examining the area closely, the skin pores can be seen as pinpricks, thus causing colour variations.
Wart
Small, almost round area approximately 5 mm diameter, with different surface than the surrounding area. Small "pinpricks" can be seen in the middle when examining closely. A noticeable colour change can be seen in different angles of light.
Open cut
Cut in hide that has not been healed. Looks like a dark thin crack in the leather. Porosity / Pinholes
Areas with very small pricks, e.g. hair follicles. Pinholes may not be seen when the hide is in a relaxed stage.
