Abstract

This report deals with the effect of various components of leather finishes and methods employed in finishing on the appearance, properties and performance of leather. The variables investigated included the type of impregnating finish, the effect of buffing after impregnation, the type and hardness of resin binder used in the finish, and the effect of plating before or after top spray applied to the leather. Both the impregnant and the top spray were highly significant in determining resistance to wet rubbing. Of the top sprays, only the nitrocellulose lacquer imparted excellent fastness properties, whereas an aqueous acrylic impregnating finish incorporating a penetrator can result in very poor wet rub resistance. The composition of the pigmented resin finish is also important and this, together with the top spray, determines the flex resistance of the finish. Of lesser importance is the effect of buffing and plating, but these undoubtedly influence aesthetic values as well. The results indicate that the presence of surface active agents in the finish, whether from the impregnant, the resin dispersion or emulsion top spray, is likely to lead to sensitivity to water, and future investigations must be aimed at developing finish components more resistant to water, or ways must be found of inactivating the wetting agents present in the finish.