Corrected grain pigmented leather has a thin layer sanded off the grain surface before the pigment coating is applied.

Because this process removes surface blemishes, a lower grade of hide can be used, making corrected grain slightly cheaper than full grain pigmented leather, although the two are indistinguishable to the naked eye and the sanding process may increase durability by improving the bonding between the surface coating and the leather.

Because it also removes the natural grain pattern an artificial grain is embossed onto the surface coating, although full grain pigmented leather is often embossed too.