Liming (leather processing)

Liming is a process used for parchment or leather processing, in which hides are soaked in an alkali solution. It is performed using a drum and paddle or a pit. Its objectives are:

  • Removal of interfibrillary proteins.
  • Removal of keratin proteins.
  • Collagen swelling due to the alkaline pH.
  • Collagen fibre bundle splitting.
  • Removal of natural grease and fats

Liming operations of cattle hides usually last 18 hours and are generally associated with the alkaline phase of beamhouse operations.

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