The Upholstery Forum

Sorry if this should be more obvious but hoping someone can either explain or point me to a resource that details the surface types for leather like vinyl.

In looking at the detroit books I can see repeat reference to Heidi, Hapton, Logan, Nappa..etc. I can visually see the difference in some but unsure exactly what it denotes. I'm hoping to better understand this so I can find a match for factory material by both color and surface.

Hampton for example most often appears to be perf with a soft slightly raised grain. Heidi from what I can tell has a pronounced grain but is buffed down vs a Wallaby which appears to have sharp grain.

That's all observation but hoping there's a resource that lists all of the variants and maybe some insight into which type goes most often. Seats vs dash vs door card for example.

Appreciate any insight from anyone. Thanks in advance.

Really the only difference is visually. Each of those names denotes a different "Grain" in the vinyl or leather. :)

I second Torrie. It just naming the fabric there is no difference in quality or durability based of the grain that is pressed in to the vinyl or leather.

I sorted it out by ordering a pile of samples. I'm glad I did. I may work on an explainer for others. Tiny photos on web sites just don't do justice to the different textures and feel. If your trying to match a texture knowing it makes a big difference. If not you could end up with a lumpy mess like Heidi vs Allante.

Yes very true. Sample books are essential if you are trying to match it to something existing.