Leather texture processing technology

Because rare natural leathers are very expensive, the bag industry commonly uses base leathers such as cowhide and sheep for texture design and processing to enrich the visual appeal of the leather. Artificial leather also uses various processing techniques to highly mimic the texture and properties of natural leather, resulting in a variety of leather texture processing techniques.

The trimming process removes part of the grain surface of the leather to form "smooth leather", which is characterized by a flat and smooth surface without pores and skin lines. After the grinding and modification, a layer of colored resin is sprayed to cover up the leather's surface texture, and then a water-based light-transmitting resin is sprayed, so it is a higher-grade leather.

Finishing techniques are similar to those for corrected grain leather, but the processing techniques on the leather surface are numerous, in order to create a variety of popular texture effects.

Common finishing processes include two-color finishing of semi-finished leather after intermediate coating through processes such as rinsing.

The process of applying a base coat and then mechanically pulling out cracks before repairing them involves creating a cracked surface.

Adding metallic powder to the effect layer creates a shimmering, metallic effect.

The process of applying a lacquer finish to materials such as genuine leather or PU leather. Its characteristics include a glossy, natural finish, water and moisture resistance, resistance to deformation, and minimal color migration.

Embossing involves placing patterned metal embossing plates (aluminum or copper) into a special embossing machine, then feeding individual sheets of natural or artificial leather into the machine, heating and pressing the leather surface to create various textures that mimic natural leather.

This technique typically uses regular leathers such as cowhide to imitate more precious leathers such as crocodile, ostrich, and python, or to repair damaged leather. On the one hand, it increases the utilization rate of leather; on the other hand, it reduces the killing of rare animals while meeting fashion demands.

Secondary design of leather fabrics refers to the creative processing of them using existing techniques to create rich visual and tactile textures on the surface.

Embroidery is a traditional craft that uses different stitches to create variations in dots, lines, and planes on leather fabric, giving the reconstructed leather fabric an exquisite and delicate decorative effect and a strong sense of national cultural art.

Embroidery includes colored embroidery, flocking embroidery, bead embroidery, and appliqué embroidery. Colored embroidery refers to the use of various colored embroidery threads as brushes to create patterns on leather by overlapping, juxtaposing, and interlacing multiple colored embroidery threads. Leather colored embroidery is characterized by a smooth embroidery surface, rich stitches, fine lines, and bright colors.

The most common methods for printing patterns on leather are screen printing, transfer printing, and flatbed printing. Leather screen printing uses screen printing technology to create the desired pattern on a screen. The leather is then fixed on a printing table, and the colors or chemicals to be printed are transferred onto the leather surface through a screen to achieve the desired color effect.

Engraving refers to the process of using a high-intensity laser emitted by a laser device, with its trajectory controlled by an advanced galvanometer, to carve and punch holes on various leather materials, creating exquisite patterns with precise lines and rich details.

"Paneling" (or piecing) is a design technique that involves stitching together different pieces of leather—whether varying in color or material type—to form a unified whole. Guided by principles of color coordination or the requirements of pattern and form, this method creates a distinctive design aesthetic through the contrast of textures.

Stitching involves the formation of thread patterns on leather; these can be categorized into types such as lockstitch, chain stitch, decorative stitch, overedge stitch, and faux-hand stitch. Common stylistic patterns include dot, herringbone, zigzag, X-shape, olive-shape, and network (lattice) designs.

Key techniques for creating visual pleating effects on leather fabrics include gathering, tucking, and arranging pleats; these methods primarily alter the material's original surface form, thereby enhancing the sense of depth and tactile quality.

Weaving is a traditional craft technique that involves interlacing or interlocking strips of material; it is widely applied to leather goods. This process creates distinctive surface textures and allows for the formation of unique, eye-catching patterns.

Small flower boards (made of aluminum and copper) are commonly used to design and produce various patterns. After the luggage designers use padding to thicken the leather, they then use pattern boards to emboss brand patterns and brand logos with a strong three-dimensional effect, or emboss color patterns on special pressure-chromic materials.

"Decoration" refers to the process of affixing additional ornamental elements—such as through heat-bonding, gluing, or studding—onto the surface of luggage or bag materials to create specific patterns. "Hot-fix rhinestones" (or "rhinestone transfers") involve arranging various rhinestones into designs that meet specific aesthetic standards.

The decorative process involves two techniques: hand-painting/dyeing and pyrography. Hand-painting and dyeing entail applying patterns directly onto the leather surface using pigments that are water-insoluble yet adhere well to the material.

In the specific design of handbags, various craftsmanship techniques are often combined to create more complex visual effects. However, this inevitably increases material and labor costs; consequently, such combined techniques are predominantly employed in luxury products.

Behind the unique and exquisite appearance of certain bags lies a blend of distinctive design and superb craftsmanship. From design, prototyping, production, and sales to the establishment of a brand, every step forms an integral part of a cycle; each stage demands excellence and a spirit of true craftsmanship.