Aniline is a colorless, oil-based compound used in the preparation process of dyes and used to give the initial finish to a hide. There are two types of aniline dying processes, the full anilineleather process which is applied without any pigments so the hide retains its natural coloration and characteristics such visible grain and wrinkles; and the protected anilineleather dying process, in which the hide is dyed for color and then receive pigments which tint the leather all the way through so the underneath layers will displays a consistent coloration. A topcoat layer is applied later for protection as well as for making the natural imperfections of the hide less noticeable.
