PeterMichigan Report post Posted March 1, 2016 I am a violinmaker and have purschased Tandy biosilk white leather (chrome free tanning). I plan to use if for several purposes in my shop, including laying it on my bench as a protection so the violin I am working on is not scratched or dented. My question relates to concerns of any of the chemicals used to tan / process this leather effecting the varnish on the instrument. Any insights into how this leather is processed or the chemicals used? Any ideas would be appreciated -Peter Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grmnsplx Report post Posted March 1, 2016 I believe it is aldehyde-tanned leather. They use glutaraldehyde. They use this kind of leather where skin allergies are concerned. While some people can have allergic reaction to this kind of leather, I guess it's less common than chrome.While glutaraldehyde is an irritant, I don't think that any significant is left in the leather after the process. You can read thorough a patent here:http://www.google.com/patents/US2941859An article on home tanning (multiple methods) including glutaraldehyde.http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_l/L-103.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biglew Report post Posted March 1, 2016 I am a violinmaker and have purschased Tandy biosilk white leather (chrome free tanning). I plan to use if for several purposes in my shop, including laying it on my bench as a protection so the violin I am working on is not scratched or dented. My question relates to concerns of any of the chemicals used to tan / process this leather effecting the varnish on the instrument. Any insights into how this leather is processed or the chemicals used? Any ideas would be appreciated Hello and welcome to the forum.... I actually saw you yesterday.... I was sitting in the middle of the store on some leather hides.... I kinda look like Santa....lol Sadly I am not familiar with the tannate. Lew Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeterMichigan Report post Posted March 2, 2016 (edited) Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it (and it was good hearing from you, I do remember you sitting on the leather stack -Peter Edited March 2, 2016 by PeterMichigan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites