Vegetable tanning: History and processes - Curtidos Menacho
Vegetable tanning: History and processes
Vegetable tanning dates back to prehistoric times, when humans learned to use and work animal skins to transform them into clothing and utensils. Vegetable tanning began to develop when man saw the results of putting skins in contact with bark, leaves and wood trunks.

The areas that came into contact were stained and, over time, as the putrefaction process began, these areas, initially damaged, eventually emerged completely unscathed from decomposition.

Piel, vegetable tanned

The vegetable tanning process is based on the use of substances known as tannins, these vegetable tannins are extracted from different trees and bushes, but primarily from oak, chestnut and acacia.

Tannins are organic substances that bind to the collagen molecules of animal skins, because they react with the collagen proteins; they provide great resistance to the skin.

Although vegetable tanning is a traditional artisanal process that has been passed from generation to generation, nowadays both ancient recipes and state-of-the-art technologies are used.

The vegetable tanning process has evolved over time thanks to a more appropriate selection of plants for the extraction of tannins, combined with improved production methods.

Vegetable tanning is used to produce vegetable tanned leather, which thanks to its resistance can be used to make shoes, bags, belts, among other objects.

If you are concerned about the environment, you can rest assured that the vegetable tanning process is much more sustainable and does not pose any health risks.

curtido vegetal

Vegetable tanning, process:

The skins are placed in wooden barrels where they are put in contact with a solution rich in natural tannins.

The skins remain in these containers for three weeks, being filled to the maximum with tannins, then they are removed and the drying phase begins.

Drying must be done in a natural way, for this, the skins are spread out so that air circulates between them to achieve drying.

Then the completely dry skins are divided and reduced. At this point, any type of color can be applied to the skins to achieve the desired tones.

The next step is to treat the skins with vegetable oils and beeswax to add shine and hydration.

Finally, the skins are spread out and allowed to dry again to achieve the fixation of these substances; when dry the skins are completely tanned and smooth to be used.

With the vegetable tanning process, the skins acquire greater resistance to heat, in addition to preventing putrefaction, i.e., the attack of microorganisms and microbes.

The skill of the master tanners and their slow processing make vegetable tanned leather a unique product that can age without spoiling.

And when it comes to skill and experience, at Curtidos Menacho, we are experts in leather tanning, that's why we offer you the best products.

The sale of leather is our specialty, visit our online store and buy the best of the best for leather goods.

Whether you are a private craftsman or a businessman, Curtidos Menacho, is your best choice because we offer you the best quality.

Visit our website for more!

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