currying

or oiling, a process used in tanning of leather and furs to impart to these materials water-resistance, softness, plasticity, and durability. The leather is curried after it has been tanned. Fats introduced into the semifinished product are adsorbed on the surface of structural elements, thus keeping them from sticking and increasing their ability to slide against each other. Consequently, the fibers are better oriented, and durability and plastic properties are improved. An increase of the fat content in leather makes it more impervious to water, but does not impede the passage of air and water vapor. Proper currying and the quality of the semi-finished product depend on the choice of appropriate oiling materials, on the quantity of oiling substances introduced into the semifinished product, and on the processing techniques. Such products as emulsions or melted fats are used in currying.