Interior leather comes in three specific types. You’ll want to become familiar with these differences because they can make a big difference on how you care for each type. The three types are: Aniline, Semi-Aniline, and Pigmented (Coated/Protected).
Aniline leather is almost never found in cars today but you could find it in high-end European vehicles such as the Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, Lotus, Lexus Range Rover, Rolls Royce, US Cadillac, and then in German Automobiles like Audi, BMW, Daimler, AG, Mercedes-Benz.
This type of leather is the strongest and most supple part of the hide, which is best suited for upholstery. The leather is treated in chemical solutions that are used to stabilize the hide and changes the chemical structure to keep it from deteriorating.
Aniline dyes are permanent and will not rub off after the leather has been used because the method is completely different than others. They are dyed while the leather is still on the drum after chemically treating it because at this point of the process it is absorbent, also the color will permeate the entire hide, which makes the process more permanent.
True Aniline stains very easily so any lotions, body oils, or spills will not come out. Especially hard on this leather is just skin to seat. Our bodies produce moisture that is acidic and these stains are almost impossible to get out. You should cover your seats with towels if you intend to be in summer clothing that exposes the skin more than usual. However, with the new pigment treatment that it gets, it is possible to have stains and still remove them. The way to treat this type is with foam products designed specifically for this type of leather. If you are wanting to have a shine at the end you can buff it with a 100% cotton micro fiber cloth.
Overall, this is the most beautiful type of leather so you may still get customers with it. Be prepared.
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