Does colored leather cost more than black leather?

(2012-02-06 15:20:09)

1. J. Says: How much more expensive is colored leather than black leather, and does it vary with different colors?
Specifically red, white or black leather in terms of reupholstering the interior of a car.
Cheers in advance.

2. Passive Agresssor Says: Mostly depends on grade and how it's dyed: hides are split into several layers - the "top grain" leather is the outermost layer with natural grain - it's the most attractive, most supple, softest, etc. Lower layers are less so. Quality leathers are "vat dyed" - literally soaked in the dye so it is absorbed into the material. . . . . while with cheap leathers the imperfections in the leather are repaired then the color finish sprayed-on while fake grain pattern is "printed" on with rollers......obviously the vat-dyed leathers retain color better and don't show wear as rapidly. And leathers can be graded by how many flexings they can withstand before cracking.

Examples: the leather used in cars like Rolls-Royce - if properly maintained - can last through 50+ years of use. Cheaper leather (I'm thinking of the tan they used to have available in Corvettes) discolors and wears after a couple years. Since we have so little color choice with new cars these days (typically light or dark gray) and the stuff isn't very soft, I'm assuming it's lower grade (literally) with a thick sprayed-on finish. I'm sure upholsterers have other colors available . . . . if you're doing a very expensive car and you want the interior to last, obtain leather from a classic car specialist......virtually any color available or made-to-order (at a price).

3. Ironball Says: Black is also colored. It is not naturally found in nature. No difference in price.

4. keith p Says: No for all leathers are dyed to the customer preference ,what put the cost up is the thickness of the leather .