What is faux leather?

In this article, we will cover the following key factors that will collectively help in not only understanding faux leather itself, but also differences between real and faux leather, maintain and disadvantages of faux leather. So let’s get started what is faux leather, shall we?

What is Faux Leather?

Faux leather also known as artificial or synthetic leather, is increasingly popular as sofa, chair upholstery. As manufacturing methods improve, the differences between real and synthetic leather become less apparent and become difficult to spot so there are still many who are easily confused.

However, the price differential can be significant, meaning homeowners can save a lot of money opting for faux over real hides. Faux leather can be incorporated into many kinds of home goods; including furniture upholstery, headboards, accent pieces and more.

Faux Leather Material

Faux Leather made from a fabric that is chemically treated with wax, dye and polyurethane for color and texture. It is ultimately a man-made material that resembles real leather but at an exceptionally low cost.

Faux Leather Durability

The fact that it lasts a exist long time, can withstand scratches that would mar genuine leather and usage without peeling or cracking. It is also stain resistant and will not easily fade.

Differences Between Real and Faux Leather

Manufacturers have made great in improving the look and feel of their products to more closely mimic that of real leather. However, you can distinguish the real thing from faux leather by using sensory input and price.

Faux leather is shape and level of stiffness longer than real leather, which tends to soften with age and use as they don’t break down. Fabrics will often give off a slightly chemical or vinyl odor and real leather emits a more natural scent.

Although faux leather has grown to mimic real leather to the closest possible aspect, the two can still be differentiated based on the following:

• More economical real leather.
• Low maintenance is what faux enjoys but not real leather.
• Has a realistic appearance and a consistency that is not found with real leather.
• It is easier to work with faux leather as opposed to with real leather which makes it a big fashion opportunity.
• Faux leather can retain its level of stiffness and shape longer than real leather.
• A chemical odor will be found on faux whereas real leather will have a natural scent.
• Many faux leathers are made by layering different materials together, often having a substance or fabric as backing. This leads to an alteration in feel and texture, which strikes a big difference between faux and real leather.

Finally, faux leather tends to be less expensive than genuine leather.

Faux Leather Maintenance

As with all things, faux leather still requires maintenance to prolong its newness, functionality over the years. No one would like to sit on a scruffy, tattered leather sofa or wear such a jacket, surely even if it is faux leather.

Disadvantages of Faux Leather Compared to Real Leather

Faux Leather does not stretch, breathe or wear like real leather. Faux leather is very durable; however, it does not develop the same luster and patina over time as leather. Faux leather is not puncture or tear resistant like real leather.