Full grain leather

Full grain leather is smooth leather from the grain side, which has not been buffed (sanded) and where the natural grain pattern, including the skin irregularities of the animal, is still recognisable. Sanding, buffing and similar work stages lead to a different term and cannot be declared as "full grain leather". Aniline leather and semi-aniline leather are smooth leather types, where the natural grain must remain in order to be classed as full grain leather.

Full-grain leather is considered to be of higher quality, because the surface is more natural and the thickness of the colour layer is usually less.

Embossed leather is frequently sanded before embossing. In order to smooth the surface again with a finish, a thicker colour layer is required than with the surface coloration of a full-grain leather. The thickness of the colour layer influences the softness and naturalness of a leather and therefore full-grain leather is more natural and feels nicer.

Natural leather grain. The hair pores are well visible -> Full leather grain.

Corrected grain. The hair pores are completely covered and removed -> Not "full leather grain".

There are also leathers, where a pattern is embossed in a full grain leather. Provided that the naturalness of the grain remains intact, it can still be called "full grain leather".