Chrome tanning is a multi-stage chemical process that transforms raw animal hides into durable, usable leather in a matter of days.

1. Preparation of the Hide

Just like other tanning methods, the process starts with raw hides:

• Soaking: The hides are rehydrated if dried and cleaned to remove dirt and salts.

• Liming: They are soaked in a lime solution to loosen hair and epidermis.

• Fleshing and Dehairing: Mechanical or chemical methods remove remaining hair, fat, and tissue.

• Deliming and Bating: The lime is neutralized with acids, and enzymes are used to soften the hide and remove unwanted proteins.

At this stage, the hide is known as “pickled” hide, ready for tanning.

2. Chrome Tanning

The main step involves the actual chrome tanning:

• The hides are placed into rotating drums filled with a solution of chromium salts (usually chromium(III) sulfate).

• This solution penetrates the hide deeply, bonding with collagen fibers.

• The process takes 8–24 hours, depending on the thickness of the hide and desired characteristics.

• After tanning, the hides change to a pale blue-gray color—called “wet blue” leather.

3. Post-Tanning Operations (Retanning, Dyeing, and Fatliquoring)

Once tanned, the leather undergoes additional processes to achieve its final look and feel:

• Neutralizing: Acids and residual salts are balanced to stabilize pH.

• Retanning: Additional agents (vegetable tannins, synthetics) may be added for firmness, water resistance, or texture.

• Dyeing: The leather is dyed in drums to achieve the desired color.

• Fatliquoring: Oils and emulsions are added to lubricate the fibers and give the leather softness and flexibility.

4. Drying and Finishing

The final stages include:

• Drying: Leather is dried using vacuum dryers, toggling frames, or air drying.

• Staking: Mechanical softening helps restore flexibility after drying.

• Finishing: Surface treatments may be applied for color enhancement, shine, embossing, or protection. Finishes can be matte, glossy, or textured depending on use.

• Soft and Supple: Flexible right from the start; no long break-in period.

• Highly Versatile: Easily dyed to a wide range of colors.

• Water and Heat Resistant: More resistant to shrinking, staining, and stiffening when wet.

• Thin and Lightweight: Ideal for garments and accessories.

• Doesn’t Develop a Patina: Unlike vegetable-tanned leather, it maintains a consistent appearance.

• Quick Production: Takes only 1–3 days to complete, making it suitable for mass production.

Chrome-tanned leather is commonly used in:

• Fashion Accessories: Handbags, jackets, and wallets.

• Footwear: Especially for soft uppers and fashion shoes.

• Upholstery and Automotive Interiors: Due to its softness and color range.

• Sporting Goods: Gloves, balls, and other performance gear.

• Garments: Like leather coats, pants, and skirts.

While chrome-tanned leather is relatively low-maintenance, here are a few care tips:

• Clean with a damp cloth or mild leather cleaner.

• Avoid over-conditioning—it already retains moisture well.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Use leather protectant sprays if necessary, especially for dyed or delicate finishes.