There are different types of products known as “Leather”, but do you know the difference between the PU Leather (Polyurethane Leather) and Real Leather? Let us explain it to you.
Genuine leather is a preferable material for a wide range of products. It’s known for its sturdiness and its attractive appearance. There are many inexpensive knock-offs that are meant to mimic genuine leather and they offer a similar look but these goods are made from cost effective materials that can’t endure the test of time. As a buyer, it is essential to comprehend the difference between genuine leather and imitation products– especially PU leather.
PU leather, also known as synthetic leather, is an imitation of real leather created from polyurethane, a plastic with similar feel and aspect to leather. 100% PU leather is an artificial material that does not involve animals so it is considered Vegan.
The most common way to create PU leather is using a cover of plastic polyurethane and apply it to a base made of fiber (generally polyester). Some PU leather can be combined with real leather to make something called “double-cast” leather. The “double-cast” leather can use a base of divided real leather which later is covered by PVC or PU layer.
The PU leather generally has the same texture as the animal skin (real leather), but in most cases, it’s lighter, and at the same time it is not as durable as real leather and tends to tear easily. It is also more resistant to sunlight.
Maintenance
About maintenance, the PU leather can also be manufactured in a larger set of textures and colors. You can even give it a glossy finish with ease. Also, the PU leather rarely requires much attention, usually just cleaning with a damp cloth.
As opposed to genuine leather, PU leather is not as breathable. However, it is more breathable than other types of synthetic leather, such as PVC. While genuine leather tends to become more attractive and softer overtime, this is not the case with PU leather, which will maintain a uniform look and feel throughout its life. And finally, PU leather tends to be substantially cheaper than genuine leather.
How to tell the difference between Leather and PU leather
Depending upon whether you are searching for PU leather or authentic leather, it is best to understand how to discriminate between them. Say you are buying a leather bag, the simplest method to discriminate is by looking at the tag or description. In some cases, products might not have a tag, so being able to know the distinctions will be useful.
The primary difference you will find is the expense. PU leather will normally be less expensive than genuine leather since it is simpler to produce and a much cheaper material, There will have a unique smell to it and PU will have a plastic or chemical smell to it that real leather will not have.
Doing a water test is also an easy way to figure out if it is real or fake leather. Although it wouldn’t be advised to do a water test to an item you do not own, genuine leather will absorb the water. PU leather will not absorb the water.
If you have a keen eye, you may be able to tell the difference just by looking at the product. Real leather will have some imperfections and have a genuine grain. PU leather will in fact look phony, and will almost have an ideal, patterned texture look.
All of our items will clearly state if its Genuine Leather or PU Leather in the description.Edit