patina
/ˈpatɪnə/
noun
A green or brown film on the surface of bronze or similar metals, produced by oxidation over a long period.
Leather patina is a natural form of oxidation that occurs on leather as it ages.
With leather goods in particular, a patina can develop on the surface of the item as it ages. The natural aging process leaves traces that make leather goods more unique. Within the patina, there are distinct layers of colours, largely from the by-products left from exposure and the various of elements that it come in contact with such as oils, water etc.
Leather is mostly made up of protein collagen, which is flexible but also very durable. Over time, the material changes in colour and texture to make it even more long lasting.
A simple patina is usually caused by exposure to natural elements, such as wind, rain, and other usage conditions. They cause the material to get tougher which can make it harder for scratches and stains to affect it.
Patina is a fancy term for the natural changes in colour and texture that happen over time to leather, giving it a richer, more complex look. The best patina we can create — and the one we want for our leather products — is achieved through months of wearing with love. For some products (like baseball gloves) this means playing catch with them; for others (like saddles) it means riding on them.
In order to achieve patina, you need natural oils, sweat, dirt & stains on your leather piece. Any of those elements will trigger the patina process, the main purpose of which is protecting the leather from moisture and other adverse conditions, while giving it an absolutely unique look.
A fine layer of patina has distinct characteristics:
- It's darker in colour than the original leather. The patina absorbs light and gives the leather a deeper, richer colour.
- The surface of the leather tends to become a lot smoother and develops a sheen that gives it a rich and distinctive character.
- It's more resistant to scratches. The patina can absorb oils and dirt that cause scratches to happen.
The benefits of this practice include protecting your exquisite pieces without using chemicals and giving a distinct appearance.
Leather comes in many different grades. The first is full grain, or simply 'grain'. The leather is not buffed or treated with chemicals allowing it to retain its natural imperfections and texture. Full grain is often very rich in colour, and as it ages it will develop an increasingly golden or grey tinge. However, this is usually a natural process but can also be achieved by fine chemicals being applied to develop unique patinas on the leather. When properly cared for, a full grain piece of leather can develop a fascinating patina over time.
When investing in leather goods, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the how the leather will patina and how the grade of leather affects the patina process.
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