Bonded , PU, and Faux Leather

So many customer are being sold bonded , PU, bicast or faux leather as “Real Leather”. Be very careful to check the materials ( tags) used in the making because even high end companies like Natuzzi are using these manufactured leathers that do not wear well for your investment. Many couches and recliners will have genuine leather on the seat top and back cushion panels but then have faux leather on the sides and backs. Some manufactures even sneek in some vinyl panels. These pieces are often still sold at high prices too! You wont be sold the pieces of furniture with these facts honestly told to you so do your research! These so called leathers do not wear and age well like genuine leather, aren’t a great investment, and most are impossible to repair.

So what are the differences in all the different faux leathers?

Bonded Leather: Is made up of particles or scraps of leather ( think pressed board ). These very thin scraps are then rolled together using adhesives to bind the fibers together, onto a paper backing. A polyurethane coating may be added and embossed to create the texture of real leather. Most bonded leather only contains 10 to 20 percent real leather. It is not durable and is much like paper not being able to have moisture in contact with it. Because it’s so thin, It will crack and peel off of the mesh backing fairly quickly after your purchase, in some cases in only 1 year. Once this starts there is no way to stop the peeling not repair it. Be very careful as to which cleaners you use. Make sure it is mild and without alcohols or oils.

PU or Faux Leather: is a little bit more durable. It is an artificial leather made of thermoplastic polymer. PU leather will be completely vegan. PU leather, is not going to be as durable as real leather, but it will be more durable compared to bonded leather.

Bicast Leather: has actual leather in the make up, is made similar to bonded except they use the fibrous part of cowhide leftover from manufacturing real leather and add a layer of polyurethane on top. Bicast has a bit more durability than bonded. Like bonded be very careful as to which cleaners you use on it. Make sure it is mild and without alcohols or oils.

Our best advice is always to buy genuine leather , even a used leather couch or chair can be restored to look like new at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Foam can be added to fill sagging pillows or seats that need more structure. Stains can be colored over. There area some beautiful pieces out there that people are just wanting to get rid of, sometimes even for free. Try apps like Offer Up or Cherish for higher end brands.

Bonded Leather

Which type of leather do you have?

Simply put, finished leather color is from a pigment coating on the leather, whereas unfinished is from a dye in the leather. Finished leather is stain and fade resistant but can sometimes lack that deep richness in color unless you have a two toned finish. It also tends to be a bit stiffer. Unfinished leather is soft and natural-looking but fades and stains readily. Unfinished leather tends to be more expensive but doesn’t last as long unless properly cared for. Aniline leather is considered unfinished, its somewhere in between the two as it has most of its color on the inside of the leather with a little on the surface, this leather scratches easily and is not stain resistant. It needs cleaning and conditioning regularly to stay beautiful! Oil pulled leather is another finish, mostly popular with companies like Restoration Hardware. This dye is suspended inside of the leather. It has a deep beautiful look with a higher sheen. It also can get scratch marks easily but that can be remedied with heat and moisture treatments.

How to clean your new leather?

Congratulations on your new leather purchase! you have made a smart investment that will last you years and years. But how do you care for this new addition? First things first, do a little research and find out what type of leather you have, whether it is pure Aniline, Semi Aniline, Unfinished, Finished, Bonded, Nubuck, or Suede. Each needs a different level of care so education is key.

Aniline has this look

Finished Leather

Nubuck and Suede

The one and only thing you should be doing every week, to any type of leather , is wiping it down with a dry cloth for unfinished or aniline leather, or a slightly damp cloth for finished leathers. You may think there is nothing there to wipe off, but it is there and builds up over time. So wipe it down WEEKLY!!

For nubuck and suedes buy a soft suede brush and use this to remove dirt and freshen up the nap. These leathers are impossible to clean with cleaners without effecting the nap so its very important that you brush them regularly or call us for an abrasion cleaning before you really see signs of wear and usage. you cannot reverse the damage of body oils or dirt stains once they are there.

For aniline and finished leathers clean them every 6-12 months depending on how heavy the usage is you need to deep clean with a cream cleaner that’s have leather appropriate solvents as well as being pH balanced for leather. Apply the cleaner with personal shower scrub gloves you’ll find at any store with bath products. Apply the cleaner and in a circular motion in 6x6 areas at a time and wipe with a T shirt cloth. Repeat as necessary. This is laborious work for some so feel free to call us if you want a professional cleaning. Follow up with a good conditioner with protective properties. We only recommend ADVleather.com for cleaners and conditioners. We do not recommend leather wipes!

Also one option you have for protecting aniline, semi aniline, or raw leather is to have us apply a clear protective top coat to your leather to make it easier to clean and to hold in its natural oils . It also helps to keep out accidental spills, human body oil stains, animal oils and saliva. Our pH is incompatible with leather, so when it accumulates over time , not only does it cause a stain but you will see cracks as those oils slowly eat away at your leather. Spills on these types are almost impossible to clean off and you’ll need to contact a professional. So protection before staining is very smart to do.

Next time we will discuss more in depth about the types of leather and different ways to care for them.

Thanks for reading! feel free to ask any questions.