Let’s talk about PPI!

I finally did it. After many tests and discarded hypotheses, I created a permanent way to place artwork on real leather. I call it PPI or Polymer Pigment Infusion™. This is my proprietary method that allows me to embed images directly into veg tan leather without plastic films, artificial coatings, or anything that cracks with time.

My goal was simple. I wanted the visual quality that you see in vinyl and PU prints but in real leather. Real leather moves, breathes, and ages with character. UV printing cannot do that. It changes the feel and even the smell. It sits on the surface, and it eventually cracks. Iron transfers behave the same way. PPI does not. This is infused color in real leather.

The results have been better than I imagined. I am already developing PPI Plus, which adds full color and white. That upgrade will allow me to work with detailed illustrations and more complex scenes.

Right now I am selecting the brightest veg tan hides for my first collection of printed wallets. Each one will feature a different design, and some will be complete surprises. I will introduce PPI wallets first, followed by PPI bags once I refine the larger format tests.

I am incredibly excited about this discovery. Here are a few examples of PPI on veg tan leather.