|
Cowhide is the natural, unbleached skin and hair of a cow. It retains the original coloring of the animal though it can be dyed to resemble skins such as zebra or tiger skins, but dyeing is usually reserved for the lower quality cowhides. The best quality hides are usually presented in their natural colors, which are based on the breed of the bovine. Cowhide can also be processed into a leather, which can be used to make such things as saddles, pocketbooks, wallets, briefcases, jewelry twine, travel bags, wristlets, seat coverings, jackets, book coverings, vests, headwear, shoes and rugs etc. Cowhide is known for its strength and durability and is the most plentiful leather as well as the least expensive. The leather keeps its reliability and gradually molds to the shape of the wearer. It gives extra comfort with everyday use and is easy to care and is resistant to water and dirt. To process, the skin is removed from a dead cow then selected in the raw state at the very first moment when it is salted then it is organized by size and color. In the tannery a traditional hair on hide tanning method is employed to ensure that the hide is soft, and less susceptible to moulting and odor. This process ensures that the cowhide will last longer. It is then naturally dried and the best hides are separated from the rest, with the ones that cannot be used in full as decorative items separated to be used patchwork rugs. These are usually those with damage that causes the skin to tear after drying. When you buy cowhide, there are different grades that are best suited for certain products. For example, top-grained cowhide leather is leather that has been treated and coated for a maximum amount of protection from light, water and scratching. Because of the treatment process, top- grained leather should cause water to bead up on the surface rather than absorb into the material. Top-grained leather is very durable and easy to maintain, making it the best option for car upholstery and jackets. Another type of leather is aniline leather, which undergoes less treatment than top-grained leather. It has a very soft texture but no protectant topcoat, which makes it susceptible to dirt and staining. Suede or nubuck, is one of the most common aniline leathers that undergo a brushing procedure to produce its characteristic look, but will absorb water because it does not have a sealant. Aniline leather requires more care and upkeep, making it best for indoor furniture and designer handbags. Those who purchase aniline leather products need to use a special aniline cleanser that restores natural oils without staining the leather. To find out more about cowhides visit http://thecowhidecorral.auctivacommerce.com/ContactUs.aspx.
Related Articles -
cowhide,
|
