What is PU Leather?
PU is an acronym for polyurethane, and it’s everywhere, and you can find it on many things around the house. You can find it in car seats, roller blade wheels, and different types of glossy paints.
In addition to chairs, polyurethane is used in many other furniture pieces as well. Polyurethane is typically 40% of bonded leather. It generally is a durable material that is almost as high in quality as 100% real leather.
PU leather or polyurethane products are worth buying for many reasons. To begin with, it’s almost always less expensive than 100% genuine leather or bonded leather products.
Generally, polyurethane or PU leather products are the cheaper options. Be cautious if people make it seem like its better than it is.
You can be sure that if a product is advertised as PU leather, it won’t be as high quality as other items.
There are several PU leather products our team personally recommends. As we are within the business of office chairs, there are a lot of office chairs with high-quality PU leathers available.
PU Leather Buying Guide
If you’re buying furniture and considering PU leather, here are a few things you should know:
· SMELL IT! It’s important. PU leather can STINK and linger for an extended period.
· PU leather is the least breathable leather material, so make sure it has breathable components like an airflow system.
· Make sure the stitching is perfect.
If you’re interested in PU leather with a surface coat, ask about it since lower quality polyurethane coatings can peel off over time.
Features of PU Leather
PU leather is by far the least expensive of the bunch, and it’s not as bad as fabric overall. The lifetime value of PU leather is typically shorter than that of bonded, genuine, top grain, or full grain leather. As a result, if you uncover a leather piece that’s made of bonded leather, you’ll get a great deal.
PU leather is by far the least expensive of the bunch, and it’s not as bad as fabric overall. The lifetime value of PU leather is typically shorter than that of bonded, genuine, top grain, or full grain leather. As a result, if you uncover a leather piece that’s made of bonded leather, you’ll get a great deal.
Cost of PU Leather
The cost of PU leather will be slightly higher than that of bonded leather, but it is cheaper than real leather. Manufacturing PU leather is more straightforward than making real leather.
Durability of PU Leather
PU Leather will last longer than bonded leather, but not as long as real leather.
Leather made of PU is not breathable and can puncture and crack over time. Leathers made from PU are often stain-resistant and fade-resistant, unlike leathers made from bonded leather.
Appearance & Texture of PU Leather
Although it can sometimes appear fake and artificial, PU leather has a consistent appearance in texture. PU leathers are the closest to real leather in appearance and, in some cases, will even look like real leather.
Sustainability of PU Leather
PU leather uses fewer resources to manufacture, but the plastic doesn’t decompose and isn’t eco-friendly. One hundred percent PU leather, on the other hand, is an excellent choice if you’re looking for vegan leather.
How to Protect PU Leather
The durability and quality of PU leather differ from natural leather. To ensure durability, you must keep it moist.
In addition to oils, ointment can create a protective coating, preventing the leather from flaking and peeling.
PU leather can be adequately cared for by following the following tips:
· Keep PU leather products and furniture away from light sources such as windows.
· If necessary, use an air conditioner and dehumidifier to keep PU leather products and furniture as dry as possible.
· Wash with warm water mixed with mild soap each day to avoid damaging the PU leather.
· PU leather products and furniture shouldn’t be cleaned with harsh, abrasive cleaners as this can prematurely wear out the surface.
· Dry the area after cleaning it with a dry cloth or towel. Don’t rub too hard!
· Use a soft dusting brush with light colors on PU every day for best results (avoid coarse encounters that leave scratch marks).
Always use hand sanitizer before handling any furniture or PU leather products that come in contact with food or drinks.
Preventative Measure Guide for PU Leather
Maintaining an item before it needs to be maintained prevents items from requiring maintenance.
Avoid Stains & Spill on PU Leather
New PU leathers are waterproof, but as they age, their moisture-resistance levels decline.
However, spills and stains will happen; when that occurs, act fast to ensure the leather doesn’t stain or crack.
As a result, avoid situations in which water, stains, or spills could be introduced into the world. Try not to sit or lean on your leather product or furniture with damp or clammy clothes.
Clean PU Leather employing a Soft, Damp Cloth
Cleaning synthetic leather properly involves using a soft, non-abrasive, and slightly damp cloth.
The cloth/towel mustn’t be too wet and slightly damp. When too many protective chemicals are used, they leave a residue on the leather surface. The residue dries out and damages the leather.
Cleaning the leather area at least once a week is necessary for proper maintenance.
Avoid Direct Sunlight on PU Leather
To maximize natural light, people tend to place leather chairs near the office or workplace windows.
Don’t forget to avoid direct sunlight when doing that, as it can dry the leather out and cause it to flake off.
To prolong the lifespan of your PU leather products or furniture, you should place them in a highly shaded area.
Avoid Color/Dye Transference
If you have ever seen various color restoration techniques for clothing, you are probably familiar with them.
The excess color on the surface of some jeans is caused by people dyeing them heavily.
Sitting on a couch made from PU leather will allow you to quickly transfer color to the leather, causing it to stain.
As soon as you notice this, you can clean it immediately to prevent colors from sticking.
FAQ (Frequently Ask Questions)
Is PU Leather Vegan?
Please note that PU leather does not necessarily mean a product is vegan…it just indicates that it might be. For instance, leather manufacturers often repurpose the remaining cowhide from the manufacture of genuine leather and Make the material more cost-effective by coating it with polyurethane.
Polyurethane leather, on the other hand, is a vegan product. Please make sure a product is labeled vegan leather rather than hostile PU leather to get an overview of its status. The merchandise is cruelty-free if it says “vegan leather.” When a product is labeled “made with real leather,” it cannot be considered vegan.
Does PU Leather Peel Easily?
Yes, PU leather peels easily. A cheaper alternative to animal leather may be PU leather, also known as bi-cast PVC or PU leather because it is not genuine leather.
Leather jackets, office chairs, and car interiors are also upholstered with the same material.
The product is made by layering recycled leather and attaching it to a polyurethane surface.
Since synthetic leather is significantly weaker and more elastic than leather, it tends to peel off easily after being stretched excessively.
Even after several months of use, some materials show signs of degradation if not properly cared for.
Keep in mind that you need to take care of your PU leather products so that Heavy use does not damage them or prematurely wear them out or improper storage conditions, such as fluctuating extreme temperatures during the winter.Pro's and Con's of PU Leather
- Also known as “fake leather,” this is one of the cheapest options on the market; if your budget is limited, you’d be wise to start with PU leather.
- The material is 100% synthetic; therefore, it is an excellent choice for those concerned about animal welfare; however, ensure that it is 100% PU leather as other labels may contain leather.
- PU leather comes in a wide array of colors, styles, and textures due to its versatility.
- Polyurethane products have significantly improved over the past few years, which translate to a better quality fabric.
- Easy to care for, does not require as much conditioning as real leather.
- PU leather ages poorly and tends to wear out more quickly than real leather. Beware of smelly materials – the smell can be challenging to get rid of.
- There are different types of PU leather, so finding a nice piece made of this material is often difficult.
- When compared with 100% genuine leather, it may look fake.
