1. Aniline Dying - Pure aniline is any leather which receives all its color solely from aniline dyes and whose grain retains its original state; natural markings and characteristics are exhibited. No topical treatment or pigments are used in determining the color of the leather.
2. Semi-aniline dying - Pigment is added to the dye to increase the variety of colors available. Any leather that has been pigment-treated is referred to as semi-aniline leather.
3. Protected leather - a light protective finish is applied over the top of the dyed leather. This finish in no way impairs the "feel" of the leather, but provides significant protection from accidents that would otherwise cause some staining.
4. Buffing and embossing - Many hides have too many marks from nature or barbed wire to look attractive in furniture. These marks are removed from the hide, then embossed to give the buffed area a grain pattern again. Important buffing occurs in top grain hides as well as split hides.