Semi-aniline leather starts the same way as aniline leather, dyed through with soluble dyes so the natural grain stays visible, but it then receives a very light surface coating, sometimes with a small amount of pigment. That thin layer adds a measure of protection against stains and fading while still allowing much of the hide's natural texture to show.
It sits between aniline leather, which has no coating, and pigmented leather, which has a heavier one. For many households it offers a practical balance: leather that still looks and feels natural, but copes a little better with everyday spills. See our leather sofa guide for how it compares to other finishes.
