Is PU leather really a good choice or just an inexpensive imitation of leather? Why is it so in demand? It’s pros and cons and everything in between, let’s delve into the nitty gritty of PU leather and let’s solve all your questions.
What are we gonna explore in this article?
Starting from its meaning, we will explore its manufacturing, its benefits and drawbacks, and how PU leather is different from genuine leather. Its usages and lastly, we will know its cleaning mechanism.
What is PU Leather?
Polyurethane leather, in short, called PU leather, is an artificial or synthetic leather used in the manufacturing of clothes, shoes, furniture, and accessories.
Polyurethane is a type of plastic which is made to look and feel like real leather. You see it every day! Purses, jackets, car seats, and furniture often use it. It's a handy material.
What is PU Leather made of
Being a synthetic leather, PU leather is made of a base material which is typically split leather (the fibrous part of genuine leather) or a fabric backing (such as polyester or cotton)
The base material is then coated with a polyurethane coating. Polyurethane coating is a plastic layer that gives PU leather its smooth, leather-like texture and makes it water-resistant.
Post this, some PU leather is embossed with grain patterns to mimic genuine leather and colour dyes and treatments may be added for durability and aesthetic appeal.
There are 3 variants available in PU leather:
–100% PU Leather (fully synthetic, no real leather).
–Bicast Leather (PU-coated split leather, contains some real leather).
–Reinforced PU Leather (mixed with microfibers for added strength).
What are the benefits of using PU leather?
PU leather has gained popularity in furniture and related industries due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. Some key benefits of using PU leather can be:
Cost-effectiveness - PU leather is somewhat easier on your wallet than genuine leather. Compared to real leather, it is much cheaper and thus, is an affordable option for various industries.
Versatility in Design - Tons of colours, textures, and styles are available in PU leather. You can even print designs on it, sounds cool no!
Lightweight & Flexible - As compared to genuine leather, PU leather is lightweight and more flexible. This flexibility and lightness make it an ideal material for clothes, shoes, bags, etc.
Animal-Friendly (Vegan Option) - PU leather is cruelty-free as it is made without using animal hides, unlike original leather. This makes it an eco-friendly and perfect option for vegan people.
Water-Resistant & Easy to Clean - The polyurethane coating makes PU leather highly resistant to spills and stains which makes it water-resistant. Wiping with a simple damp cloth is usually enough to clean PU leather.
Eco-Friendly Than PVC Leather - It is a much more eco-friendly option than other synthetic leathers for example - PVC leather which contains harmful chlorine-based chemicals.
Not Cracks or Peeling - Though PU leather is not as durable as real leather, high-quality PU leather is more resistant to cracking or peeling than any other synthetic material such as faux leather.
What are the drawbacks of using PU leather?
While PU leather comes with many advantages, we cannot deny that it has drawbacks too. Some key disadvantages of selecting PU leather can be:
Less Durability Than Genuine Leather - PU leather is not as durable and long-lasting as genuine leather. It may crack, peel, or tear after frequent use or exposure to extreme temperatures.
Less Luxurious Feeling than Genuine Leather - Real being real, looks more luxurious than PU leather as PU leather lacks the rich texture, patina, and unique ageing characteristics of real leather.
Prone to peeling and cracking - One of the biggest drawbacks of PU leather is that it can peel, flake, or crack over time, especially when exposed to sunlight, heat, or friction
Odour and chemical smell - A new PU leather product may have some strong chemical smell initially for a few days due to the synthetic materials and production process. But, this smell fades over time.
Cannot develop a Patina - A Patina is a soft sheen that develops on leather over time, this patina makes leather aesthetically pleasing over time. PU leather lacks patina and hence does not age in an aesthetically appealing way.
Not as reparable as real leather - When genuine leather gets scratched or worn, it can often be repaired or conditioned. PU leather, on the other hand, is harder to restore once it starts peeling or cracking, often requiring a complete replacement.
PU Leather Vs Genuine Leather
Though PU leather mimics genuine leather in a pretty decent way but, they have distinct differences in terms of material composition, features, durability, cost and what not!
Let’s understand these differences in a bit of detail.
|
Features |
PU Leather |
Genuine Leather |
|
Material & Composition |
Made from a polyurethane (PU) coating over a fabric or split leather base |
Made from animal hide (natural) |
|
Appearance & Feel |
Can mimic real leather but may feel artificial or plasticky |
Has a natural texture, and develops a unique patina over time |
|
Durability |
Less durable, prone to peeling, cracking, and wear over time |
Highly durable, lasts for decades with proper care |
|
Breathability |
Non-porous can feel hot and sticky |
Natural pores allow air circulation, making it more comfortable |
|
Eco-Friendliness |
Made from petroleum-based materials, non-biodegradable, but less harmful than PVC leather |
Biodegradable but has a high environmental impact due to the tanning process |
|
Sustainability |
Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free option |
Uses animal hides, which raises ethical concerns for some consumers |
|
Flexibility |
Lightweight and flexible but less resistant to wear and tear |
Becomes softer and more flexible over time without losing durability |
|
Repairability |
Difficult to repair once peeling or cracking starts |
Can be repaired, conditioned, and restored over time |
|
Odour |
May have a synthetic or chemical smell initially |
Has a natural leather scent that many people find appealing |
|
Price |
Affordable but slightly more expensive than PVC faux leather |
Expensive due to the quality and craftsmanship involved |
How PU leather can be used?
PU leather is a versatile material used in various industries due to its appealing features such as
-
Affordability
-
Durability
-
Stylish appearance
-
Leather-like look and feel, etc
Some of the common usages and applications of PU leather include:
-
Furniture and Upholstery
Used for sofas, recliners, office chairs, headboards, and ottoman beds due to its easy maintenance and water resistance. Provides a sleek, modern look while being more affordable than genuine leather. Popular in homes, offices, restaurants, and hotels for furniture upholstery.
We also have certain products made of PU leather such as:
-
PU leather dining chairs
You can check out our collection for further details - Office Chairs, Recliners, Dining Chairs
-
Fashion & Apparel
PU leather can be found in jackets, skirts, pants, and leggings, offering a leather-like aesthetic without using animal products. Also, it is used in gloves and belts, providing a flexible and stylish alternative to real leather. They are lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear.
-
Footwear & Accessories
Commonly used in shoes, sneakers, and boots, providing a stylish and cost-effective alternative to leather footwear. PU leather is also found in handbags, wallets, backpacks, and purses, offering durability and easy cleaning. Watch straps and phone cases also have PU, giving a leather-like look at a lower price.
-
Automotive Interiors
PU leather is used in car seats, steering wheel covers, and dashboard trims due to its water-resistant and easy-to-clean properties. A popular choice in budget-friendly car models that want the look of leather without the high cost.
-
Home Decor & Accessories
Used in decorative pillows, placemats, and storage boxes for a luxurious feel. Applied to wall panels and bed frames for a modern, elegant touch.
Apart from these, PU leather is also used to make stationeries, sports and gaming equipment, luggage and travel gear etc.
Cleaning of PU leather
Lastly, let’s talk about cleaning of PU leather. It is easy to maintain but proper care is essential to prevent cracking, peeling or fading over time. A simple cleaning would include wiping it with a soft, dry cloth within 2-3 days to remove any dust and debris.
Additionally, the application of a protective spray or sealant periodically can help preserve its smooth texture and glossy finish. You should avoid keeping sharp or heavy objects on PU leather-made things
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PU leather good quality?
Even being a budget-friendly alternative to real leather, PU leather has one of the finest quality among synthetic leathers. Its stylish appearance and easy-to-maintain qualities make it a go-to option for several industries. Though, it is prone to peeling and cracking over time, especially with heavy use, high-quality PU leather can be long-lasting as well as visually appealing.
Is PU leather 100% leather?
No, PU leather is not real leather. It is a synthetic material made from a polyurethane coating on a fabric base, such as polyester or cotton. Unlike genuine leather, which comes from animal hide, PU leather is vegan-friendly and does not contain any natural leather fibres.
Is PU material waterproof?
PU leather is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. Its synthetic surface repels small spills and moisture, making it easier to clean than genuine leather. However, prolonged exposure to water can cause damage, peeling, or deterioration over time.
Is PU leather durable?
PU leather is reasonably durable but not as strong as real leather. While it can withstand everyday use, it is prone to cracking, peeling, and fading with time, especially under excessive heat or friction. Proper care, such as regular cleaning and avoiding direct sunlight, can help extend its lifespan.
PU leather vs faux leather
PU is polyurethane, and PVC is polyvinyl chloride. They are different types of plastic. PU leather is often seen as a bit better for the environment than PVC. However, both have their own issues. PU feels softer and also tends to perform better over time. However, PVC can feel a bit stiff.