What Is Faux Leather?

Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather or vegan leather is a plant-based alternative to genuine leather. Faux leather comes with some similar attributes to genuine leather, the best thing is that it’s not necessary to harm animals to manufacture this substance.

Similar to genuine leather, synthetic leather is famous because of its softness and water-resistance qualities. The vegan leather is highly resistant to stains, yet easy to clean. Despite many benefits, faux leather is less durable than real leather and is resistant to cuts, abrasion, and damage.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to learn about faux or synthetic leather to help you make an informed purchase decision, based on our extensive experience in manufacturing faux leather sofas in the United Kingdom.

Composition of Faux Leather

One of the most commonly used materials for the preparation of faux leather is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). Very few varieties of vegan leather are made from eco-friendly and natural materials. 
Other than faux leather, you can easily find eco-friendly options that are made from kelp, cork, or pineapple leaves.
Another common procedure to make faux leather is combining plastic and fabric coatings together, while the amount and type of material vary in different compositions. Even though the use of PVC in the manufacture of synthetic leather has reduced considerably, it can still be found in many vegan leather components. 
Since PVC releases dioxin, it is considered dangerous, particularly when burnt. The manufacturing process of PVC also involves using plasticizers to make it flexible. It makes the composition more toxic. PU, on the other hand, is an advanced and slightly safer material than PVC. 

Difference Between Faux and Real Leather

With different types of leather available in the market, differentiating and picking the real one is challenging. When you are looking to buy real leather, learning a few things will help you buy the right material. 

Cost Difference 

The cost factor is the major differentiating factor when comparing the types of leather products. Genuine leather is expensive because it is manufactured using animal skin. Faux leather, on the other hand, is available at a much cheaper price as it is easy to manufacture. 

Texture & Appearance 

Genuine leather comes with the most real, sophisticated, and natural appearance. When you are buying real leather, colour variations are limited and you will get the most inconsistent texture. The faux leather will come in different colours and is thinner than the real leather. 

Durability Differences

Genuine leather is more durable than faux and bonded leather as it won’t peel or crack. Over time, real leather develops a patina on the natural surface instead of wearing out. PU leather will not be as durable and can easily crack over time as it’s not breathable. 

Sustainability Difference

For some customers, real leather can be a turn-off as it is manufactured using animal skin. Faux leather (100% PU leather) can be the best option for buyers who are looking to buy vegan leather. 

Fragrance & Odour 

Genuine leather is the most premium leather that doesn’t have any artificial smell. The faux leather is made up of chemicals and plastics, it smells strong which is sometimes unbearable. When buying faux leather, avoid buying the cheaper variant.

Care & Maintenance

Real leather absorbs liquid and hence it’s difficult to clean. Treating it twice a year is important to retain its softness and prevent its moisture. Pay extra attention to details when buying a leather cleaner. Since faux leather doesn’t absorb liquid, cleaning it is easier.  
Let’s now move on to understanding the advantages and disadvantages of faux leather. 

Advantages of Faux Leather

• Faux leather demands must lesser maintenance than the original leather. 
• Fake leather is versatile so you can polish it to get a shiny, glossy look. 
• The fake leather is stain-resistant and cannot crack easily. 
• The synthetic fibre is UV resistant and hence doesn’t fade easily. 
• Faux leather is easy to manufacture than the original leather. 
• Faux leather is much cheaper and highly affordable in comparison to genuine leather. 

Disadvantages of Faux Leather

• Synthetic leather, particularly PVC leather is not breathable. 
• The fake leather is not hype-allergenic as compared to the original leather. 
• The fake leather fails to retain its lustre for longer.
• The processing of faux leather expels a substantial amount of environmental waste.
• Synthetic leather is susceptible to damage, tears, and punctures. 
• Even though synthetic leather is considered to be highly durable, it gets to tear down or crack over time. 

What’s the Best Way to Clean Faux Leather?

Synthetic leather is usually stain-resistant and hence, you can clean it quite easily. Moreover, it is developed using plastic and fabric, it doesn’t absorb water which makes it easier to clean with plain water. 
To remove any kind of stains from the faux leather, take a non-abrasive solution and lukewarm water. Be gentle while cleaning the stain and don’t forget to rinse the cloth in clean water repeatedly to remove any excess cleansing liquid. 

How to Maintain Faux Leather for Durability?

Unlike original leather, faux leather is easy to maintain. Wiping the faux leather with a soft microfibre cloth soaked in mild detergent or cleansing solution and lukewarm water is sufficient to retain its lustre. 
Repeat the process often if you have kids at home. After cleaning the surface, allow it to dry by restricting its use. Don’t forget that the better you care for faux leather, the more durable it comes out to be. 

What’s the Best Way to Repair Faux Leather?

Repairing faux leather demands expertise, yet it is essential to follow the repair procedure carefully to avoid more damage. Purchase faux leather repairing kits that you can easily find in our UK sofa store. 
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on repairing the synthetic leather. Since faux leather items are available in different colours, you must repair them carefully to avoid discolouring, which may ruin their appearance.