What is PU leather? PU leather, (Polyurethane Leather) is artificial synthetic leather (faux leather) which is widely used as an alternative for genuine leather, in specific industries. One significant benefit of PU leather is that no animals are harmed in its production.
But it is mostly available in a slightly impure form known as “Bi-cast leather”, which contains a fraction of leftovers from the creation of original leather.
PU leather has mostly similar qualities and uses as real leather. It is widely used in industries as a cheap substitute of leather.
Synthetic leather is cost-efficient and much more customizable than natural leather. It is available in a wide variety of designs and colors.
Real Leather is made from animal hide. It is a by-product of cows which have been processed for their meat. Real Leather is durable, however it needs to be well maintained to prolong its life. Real Leather will fade in UV exposure, and it will degrade with age. Real Leather is available in far fewer colours than faux leather. Real Leather colours usually include white and various shades of black and brown. Real Leather is breathable and is usually not washable. Special leather maintenance creams must be used on real leather to prevent damaging its finish.
Below we have outlined the Pros and Cons of faux leather VS real leather:
PROS:
- Faux leather is cheaper than real leather.
- Faux leather is animal friendly.
- Faux leather is highly versatile can be produced in virtually every colour.
- Faux leather can be polished to feature a high gloss or matte finish.
- Faux leather is easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
- Faux leather requires little maintenance.
- Faux leather doesn’t crack as easy as real leather.
- Faux leather is UV fade resistant.
- Faux leather is easy to work and can be seamlessly stitched.
CONS:
- Faux leather is not breathable, especially PVC faux leather.
- Faux leather does not develop the same luster or patina as real leather.
- Faux leather is more environmentally wasteful.
- Faux leather does not carry the same hypo-allergenic qualities of real leather.
- Faux leather is easily torn or punctured through misuse, compared to real leather.
- Faux leather can not holds high value compared with real leather .
How to Clean Faux Leather?
Faux leather material is usually stain-resistant and can be easily cleaned with just a wipe from a non-abrasive cloth soaked in lukewarm water. However, if the stain is more persistent, it is recommended to use water and washing liquid mixture to remove the stain. Cleaning should be done softly, and the cloth must be wrung before cleaning to eliminate extra solution. Let the faux leather air dry after being wiped gently with a dry soft fiber cloth. Ensure that soap is removed completely from the surface before letting it air dry.
Maintenance of Faux Leather
Faux leather is typically easy to maintain. Wiping with a soft fiber cloth soaked in a solution of water and mild detergent or liquid soap thoroughly once in a while is sufficient. It helps remove grime, dirt, and build-up of debris on the surface of faux leather.
How to Repair Faux Leather?
Repairing faux leather is not always easy, but it is possible with little effort. Faux leather repair kits are available that have all the tools along with the instructions on how to repair faux leather. Ideally, it includes using an abrasive pad or sandpaper to smoothen the area that needs repairing. Once smoothened, the damaged area is repaired using leather paint, a marker of the same color as faux leather, or faux leather of the same color. Tweezers can be used to flatten the surface, and faux leather polish can be used afterward to give it a finished and even look.
Frequently Asked Questions
-Is Faux Leather of Good Quality?
When it comes to types of leather, nothing beats the quality and durability of real leather. Faux leather is a common choice mostly due to its affordability and viability in terms of daily use, colors and designs available, and low-maintenance.
-What is Faux Leather Made of?
Faux leather is primarily made of plastic and processed further using various color dyes, wax, polyvinyl chloride, or polyurethane.
-What is the Difference Between Leather and Faux Leather?
Genuine leather is made of animal hide, whereas faux leather is made of synthetic materials.
Real leather is a little expensive compared to faux leather.
When maintained properly, real leather can last for decades, unlike faux leather.
Real leather is more environment-friendly.
Conclusion
Faux leather is a good choice for clothing, upholstery, and other items as it is durable, affordable, and versatile in its characteristics. It offers complete value for money to end-users and, when maintained well, can last a long time. However, they cannot beat the durability and the softness of real leather.
Post time: Sep-11-2021