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What Is PU Leather?
Taylor Kiley 10 Mar 2021 Buying Tips And Guides 7 Comments
When shopping for leather products, it can be hard to determine the differences
between real leather and artificial leather. Some people may be looking for genuine
leather, while others may want to take the cheaper route and choose an artificial
leather. PU leather is a common option for artificial leather. But what exactly is PU
Leather?
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What is PU Leather?
PU leather also goes by a few names. Whether you are looking for artificial leather or
looking to avoid it, it is best to know the many names that make up artificial leather.
When looking at tags, artificial leather can be called:
•PU Leather
•Bicast Leather
•Split Leather
•Bonded Leather
•Reconstituted Leather
•Corrected Grain Leather
PU Leather Pros:
•PU Leather costs less than genuine leather because it is easier to manufacture.
•Easily wears over time and can crack, which means it doesn’t last as long as real leather.
•PU leather doesn’t develop the same luster or patina as real leather over time.
•Not all PU leathers are vegan because some contain leftover genuine leather.
•Even though it uses fewer resources to make, plastics don’t decompose and aren’t the most eco-
friendly.
The main difference you will find is the cost. PU leather will generally be cheaper than
genuine leather because it is easier to produce.
PU leather will have a distinct smell to it. PU will have a plastic or chemical smell to it
that genuine leather will not have.
Doing a water test is also an easy way to determine if it is real or fake leather.
Although it wouldn’t be advised to do a water test to a product you don’t 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
material. Real leather will have some imperfections and have a genuine grain. PU
leather will actually look fake, and will almost have a perfect, patterned texture look.
Bottom Line
PU leather is also known as polyurethane leather that is artificial. If you are someone
looking for a cheaper option, something vegan, or comes in a variety of colors, PU
leather will be a great option for you. But if you are looking for genuine leather, PU
leather will be something you will want to avoid. There are numerous ways to tell the
difference between PU leather and genuine leather to help you in your furniture
buying process.
Taylor Kiley is a Digital Marketing Specialist at BTOD.com and has been with the company since
2018. When she is not at work, Taylor enjoys watercolor painting, hiking, and spending time with
her husband, family, and friends.