Pickling - a step in leather production
Mordanting is a step in leather production that precedes tanning. It serves to make the fabric fibers more receptive to the tanning agents and give the leather a silky feel. The softer and more pliable the leather is desired, the more intensive and longer the process must be.
Staining process
In the past, dog or bird droppings were used. Today, enzymes are introduced into the hide during the mordant process, making it more pliable and softer. The mordant process removes epidermal, hair, and pigment residues, further opening up the skin. Non-collagenous protein components are also removed.
Additional sources (accessed 20.03.2019):
- lederzentrum(dot)de/wiki/index.php/Beize
- softart-ledershop(dot)de/btc/leder-lexikon/begriff/staining
