Abstract

An extensive study of the occurrence of draw on the grain of chrome-tanned upper leather shows that there are at least four possible causes of this defect. These are Brine Draw due to agitated brining, Substance Draw due to the poor substance of the hide, Soft Grain Draw occurring with hides from animals bred in areas with a mild climate and Processing Draw caused by the effects of mechanical and chemical operations in the tannery. It is difficult to differentiate between these causes unless the history of the hides is known, both in terms of source and curing method. The disadvantages of this defect to the tanner are discussed.