This leather is used almost exclusively on automotive seats, door panels, console lids, steering wheels and other trim panels found on the interior of most vehicles.  With a few exceptions, Top Coated leather will be the only form of leather in any automobile.  These exceptions include: Chrysler/Jeep, General Motors, Ford and several other manufacturers which uses Suede on a seat panels,

Ford King Ranch trucks use Top Coated leather on most areas of the interior of the vehicle, but also use full aniline or semi-aniline on the seats.  Please see below to determine if you have this type of leather.

This leather is best identified by it's smooth, grained texture.  The finish has a semi-gloss or "matte" finish with no evidence of a "knapp".

To test this type of leather; place a small droplet of water onto the surface of the leather.  The water droplet will sit on the surface of the leather and will not soak into the leather immediately.

Suede is sometimes used inside vehicles, but is now becoming more popular and is being found on outside bolster and trim panels of leather seats.  It will also be seen on door panels and trim panels.  Rarely will it be found on steering wheels.

This leather is identified by its' rough,"knapp" finish. This "knapp" is similar to that found on carpeting and can be determined by brushing your hand over the surface of the leather. When brushed in one direction, the leather will darken in color, when brushed back the other direction, it will lighten in color.  A definite "knapp" or "raw leather" look is visible on the surface.

Rarely used inside automobiles, this leather has begun to catch the attention of manufacturers because of its' appearance and "luxurious" appeal.  Ford King Ranch trucks have been using this leather for several years on seat upholstery trim, door panels and other areas in the cab.

Similar to Suede, NuBuck has a "knapp" but is much shorter and more evenly spaced than suede.  At first appearance, it may be difficult to determine that it is NuBuck.  When new, NuBuck has a very flat, dull finish and when brushed with the hand, will have the same reaction as suede.  A test may be performed to determine this type of leather by placing a small droplet of water onto the surface of the leather. This droplet of water will immediately soak into the leather and create a dark spot, which will dry and disappear in a matter of minutes.

Occasionally, a manufacturer or dealer will apply a repellant material to the surface of this leather to reduce the amount of soiling and staining that will naturally occur.  If this product has been applied, the water droplet will sit on the surface and "bead up" making it difficult to conduct this test.  Normally, after a few minutes, the water droplet will begin to soak into the leather as mentioned.

It may be advisable to contact the manufacturer to obtain information about the specific type of leather that you have.

This is the most difficult type of leather to determine.  It is also the most difficult to maintain.  Semi-Aniline leather has the appearance of Top Coated Leather but does not have the protected coating.  This allows for the absorption of soils, liquids and staining materials quickly.  Once this has occurred, complete cleaning and removal of theses stains is nearly impossible.  Semi-Aniline leather is not typically used in the automotive industry with the exception of the Ford King Ranch trucks.  However, more attention has been given to its' use within the automotive industry and we expect to begin seeing much more of its' use in the near future.

A test may be performed to determine this type of leather by placing a small droplet of water onto the surface of the leather. This droplet of water will immediately soak into the leather and create a dark spot, which will dry and disappear in a matter of minutes.

Occasionally, a manufacturer or dealer will apply a repellant material to the surface of this leather to reduce the amount of soiling and staining that will naturally occur.  If this product has been applied, the water droplet will sit on the surface and "bead up" making it difficult to conduct this test.  Normally, after a few minutes, the water droplet will begin to soak into the leather as mentioned.

It may be advisable to contact the manufacturer to obtain information about the specific type of leather that you have.