Chrome tanned is longer lasting than vegetable tanned?

[doorty]

I've been doing some research, and a lot of websites claim vegetable tanned ages better.

But I think this academic paper* shows conclusively that chrome tanned lasts longer, specifically they measured the longevity of leather soles.

I'm planning to upholster a motorcycle seat, and I want to go with the most durable natural leather finish, i.e., no painted surface.

I like the patina on veg tan, but it might look weird to have the butt contact area significantly darker than the rest of the seat.

Thoughts?

*COMPARATIVE WEAR OF CHROME~TANNED, VEGETABLE~TANNED, AND RETANNED SOLE LEATHER
https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/jres/15/jresv15n4p363_A1b.pdf

Edited May 22, 2018 by doorty

[fredk]

The 'academic paper' dates from 1935 and only looks at shoe sole leather in one context

I think you need to consider the longevity of the likes of horse saddles which have lasted 50 plus years, some in almost daily use. A good well made horse saddle, well looked after will last  a very long time; probably out lasting several horses. At an estate near me there is horse tack which was made in the 1790s thru to 1820 approx, it is still in regular use - its been well looked after.

Veg tan leather will absorb leather feed and oils, chrome tan will not, or not as much. I've seen chairs which are over 100 years old, with veg tan leather, still in use, and I've seen chrome tanned leather covered chairs scrapped after just 5 or 6 years

[RockyAussie]

Personally I would think the chrome tan better for that job normally but if as you said you want a natural finish

2 hours ago, doorty said:

natural leather finish, i.e., no painted surface

you will not get that sort of tan colour. It would be a sort of green/grey and probably last no time at all..

[battlemunky]

Also, the butt contact area darkening with use would add a ton of character I think. It isn't like it is poop or anything. Worst case scenario some sweat. The rest would be wear from the sit bones which is where I think the character would come from.

[doorty]

This particular seat was chrome and veg tanned. I also really like the look of it regardless of whether it doesn't last quite as long.

My main point is to settle the argument over tanning and longevity. The only solid evidence (and there is another similar academic paper) says that the more chrome tanned the longer it will last. The only counter evidence for veg tanned is anecdotal. It makes sense given the chromium is smaller than veg tannins so that it acquires a deeper bond to the collagen, thus preserving the leather longer.

[LatigoAmigo]

The most durable leather I work with (and always my favorite) is latigo, which is chrome tanned then veg tanned. Hide House carries a nice selection.

[fredk]

6 hours ago, doorty said:

My main point is to settle the argument over tanning and longevity. The only solid evidence (and there is another similar academic paper) says that the more chrome tanned the longer it will last. The only counter evidence for veg tanned is anecdotal.

I would not support the use of the term 'anecdotal'

 

Edited May 23, 2018 by fredk

[Tugadude]

I don't think it is possible to settle the argument over tanning and longevity on this forum.  But good luck.

[doorty]

9 hours ago, LatigoAmigo said:

The most durable leather I work with (and always my favorite) is latigo, which is chrome tanned then veg tanned. Hide House carries a nice selection.

Can latigo be used for upholstery?  I know it's used for horse saddle straps, but those are too thick and rigid for upholstery.

[Tugadude]

Latigo is typically very thick, but a few sources sell it in 4-5 oz.   I'll leave it to you to decide whether that thickness would work.  It certainly would be durable to the outdoors.