Finished/Finishing:
The treatment of the surface or top section of the leather with material which will enhance the appearance of the leather & improve its properties for the purpose to which it is to be used.
Importance of leather finishing/ why leathers are finished:
1. Imparting color to the undyed leather.
2. Changing the color to that which is required.
3. Uniformity of shade from skin to skin & pack to pack.
4. Levelness of color on the skin.
5. Giving a surface to the leather varying from matt to gloss.
6. Adding a transparent film through which the natural appearance of the leather may be viewed.
7. Adding a transparent color film to the leather.
8. Covering the leather with an opaque film.
9. Alter the surface of the material i.e. splits.
10. Improve the scuff resistance of leather.
11. Improve the water resistance of the leather.
12. By filling the surface of loose leather improve the break of the grain.
13. Seal the leather surface so that it remains clear.
14. Render the leather light-fast, heat-fast & fast to acids & alkalis.
15. Render the leather resistant to a light pull-up on lasting.