Leather comes in many different forms. Pebble leather, with a grainy texture inspired by pebble beaches, is one of the most exclusive leathers, along with patent leather. Although increasingly used to produce everything from stylish iPhone cases to designer backpacks, pebbled leather remains a bit of a mystery. Have you ever wondered how this material gets its unique cobblestone texture? Or is it artificial leather or animal leather? Well, it's time to stop guessing and start learning. Let's start with a simple question: what is pebble leather? Pebble leather (also known as pebble leather) refers to any leather that has been embossed. This is achieved in the tannery by applying extreme heat or pressure to the leather. The result is an uneven, slightly raised surface that gives pebble leather its unique look and texture – and sets it apart from smoother varieties of leather. Since the embossing process is quite simple, this pebble pattern can easily apply to faux and real animal leather. Essentially the word only refers to the texture and has nothing to do with the value of the leather. Embossing leather is certainly not a new technology. There is an old Scottish story, possibly originating in the 18th century, that local tanners invented pebbled leather. The story goes that the tanner had heaps of hides on the rocky, uneven ground of his tannery. After several weeks away from the leather, he returned to find that the bottom leather had been permanently imprinted with pebbles. This is due to the downward pressure exerted by the weight of the other leather. Since "Scotch-grain" is another term for pebbled leather, this story may have a real kernel. To be on the safe side, the pebble leather process was patented in the 19th century. In fact, Mr. C.T. has a story. 
In 1864, Woodman of Boston, Massachusetts, patented a new machine designed to improve leather (pebble) upholstery. Until now, the process "was done by hand and was very slow and laborious." In contrast, Woodman's mechanized technique required minimal physical effort and revolutionized the way tanners created pebbled leather finishes. Fast forward to the turn of the 20th century, and pebbled leather became a popular material for men's casual footwear, such as loafers and derbies. It was eventually celebrated in the high fashion world, with brands like Chanel and Gucci now known for their signature pebbled leather handbags. Naturally, a big part of pebbled leather's appeal is its unusual, striking, and somewhat informal appearance. This material is a major feature of modern men's accessories. From Tom Ford backpacks to Mulberry combo bags to Yves Saint-Laurent toiletry bags, pebble textures are everywhere. While some people prefer the softness of traditional leather, like the cowhide we use in our sophisticated collection of everyday briefcases, others clearly prefer the unpolished aesthetic that pebbled leather offers. Another benefit is that pebble leather is less prone to scratches, or at least scratches that don't seem to be noticeable. The combination of partially raised surfaces and irregular patterns can often be very effective in concealing minor wear. So if you're a high-end leather goods supplier but prone to weird accidents, pebble leather might be for you. 
Pebbled leather
Durability has also played a role in the pebbled leather debate. But first, a little detour. During the tanning process, it is common for parts of the leather to be discarded due to perceived imperfections. These blemishes are usually bites or wounds that marked an animal's skin while it was alive. The leather is still strong but will be rejected by manufacturers for visual inconsistencies. Applying a pebble pattern to these leathers helps rejuvenate them and hide perceived imperfections. Instead of being thrown away as waste, they can now be used to make high-quality leather goods. So, in this way, embossing contributes to waste efficiency in the leather industry. The modern method of producing pebble leather is quite simple and is based on an improved version of the mid-19th century Woodman press. Embossing is done after the raw hides have first been tanned (a chemical reaction turns them into leather) and dyed. You can read more about these steps in our article on the leather tanning process. The leather pieces now pass through a large industrial metal press. Engraved on the top plate of the printing press is a pavé pattern. The press stamps the leather with such force that it instantly (and permanently) embosses it. To a lesser extent, hydraulic roller presses are also used to emboss leather. 
From this point on, the leather is subjected to various finishing treatments to shape its physical properties and end-use. For example, leather can have a number of surface treatments designed to make it hydrophobic (waterproof), flame retardant, shiny, or even polished to produce a suede-like finish. You can find leather with a textured finish at both ends of the cost spectrum. In the end, the cobblestone effect does not significantly impact the product's longevity. Its durability depends fundamentally on the quality of the leather. Take, for example, the full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather we use in our collection of leather. The leather comes from the strongest part of the cowhide, and the vegetable tanning process only adds to its robustness. It does not compromise its inherent durability if we ask our partner tanneries to print a grain pattern on the leather. For the same reason, cheaper genuine leather from weaker parts has a shorter shelf life. Likewise, applying the pavé finish does not affect the material's elasticity. If you have purchased a quality pebble leather product, semi-regular cleaning and conditioning will help keep it looking its best for longer. Artificial and natural pebbled leather can be washed with a clean microfiber cloth lightly dampened in warm water. Be sure to test a small, hidden part of the leather before applying it all over. Scrubbing in a small semi-circle should help remove any dirt. Or, if the dirt is difficult to remove, a soft-bristle brush is another option. 
More stubborn stains can be treated with a leather cleaner; we recommend that you take the time to find a cleaner made specifically for your type of leather and always test new products. The situation with leather conditioners is very different. These products soften and nourish leather products, preventing them from drying out over time. However, never use conditioner on leatherette. Unlike natural leather, the surface of synthetic leather does not have the necessary openings for absorbing conditioner. Since the conditioner cannot penetrate the surface, it creates a sticky layer that is really annoying. Naturally pebbled leather will benefit greatly from applying a leather conditioner every few months. We recommend using a light polish over the wax because thick wax tends to build up in the grooves and make your product sticky. If your pebble leather gets wet, that's okay. Wipe with a cloth and leave to dry (away from artificial heat). With shoes, you can use the wooden shoe form to absorb moisture naturally. Otherwise, stuff your shoes or bag with newspaper. Never store leather products in damp conditions - this can lead to mold growth, permanently damaging the leather. Some products can be sprayed or applied to pebbled leather to create a waterproof coating. This is controversial for leather enthusiasts and should be used with caution. These are often chemical-based products that can damage the appearance and durability of leather. However, milder natural sprays, such as Saphir Leather Protector, are also designed to protect and care for your leather. Once your product has dried, be sure to use a moisturizer to restore lost moisture and nutrients. These creams effectively reduce blemishes if the leather is soaked and watermarked. With that, dive into the world of pebble leather. Whether you're a fan or not is ultimately a matter of taste (or texture). In the comments below, we'd love to know which side you're on in the smooth versus grained leather debate.