Lean'n'mean
I'll Lock Up
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Chrome tanning doesn't effect water repellancy, it is just a cheap & rapid tanning process (as opposed to veg-tanning, brain tanning or oil tanning) which renders the finished hide very supple, so ideal for clothing, footwear & furniture. Some leathers are impregnated with oils & even silicone after the tanning which will offer better water repellancy. If a leather item repels water (beads) & doesn't absorb it, then you can be sure that the surface has recieved some kind of protective finish. If water forms dark splotches on the suface of the leather then the water is being soaked up & is making it's way through the hide..
Not sure what you mean by 'naked cowhide' so I'm pressuming it's suede which are the lower cuts of a hide.
Not sure what you mean by 'naked cowhide' so I'm pressuming it's suede which are the lower cuts of a hide.