The Ultimate Guide to Faux Leather

Faux leather is used to produce a variety of everyday products, such as clothing, bags and shoes. It is also commonly used in the manufacturing of furniture, like the faux leather corner sofas at Home Detail. You can even use faux leather to upholster nearly every item of furniture in the exact same way as real leather. 

What is faux leather?

Faux leather is an artificial replication of genuine leather. It is specifically designed using synthetic materials which are treated with chemicals to imitate the texture, color, and comfort of real leather, without the use of animal by-products. 

There are a variety of names for faux leather which include artificial, synthetic, and vegan leather. Other common names for faux leather are pleather and leatherette. Despite the different names, they all mean the same thing- a synthetic imitation of leather, made with zero animal products. 

If you are not very familiar with leather, you may even mistake faux for genuine leather because that’s how similar they look. But, if you pay close attention to the details, you will notice that there are very slight differences in the texture and markings on the material. 

Real leather has an uneven grain and subtle surface imperfections which come from the natural animal hide. Whereas, faux leather has a more even and consistent texture because the grain is a synthetic imitation. 

What is faux leather made from?

Faux leather is made from a layer of artificial plastic coating which is layered onto a reinforcing layer of fabric that is stuck to the reverse side of a fabric. This is then treated to develop a genuine leathery texture. 

The plastic coating can be made from a variety of chemical compounds. The most common types are wax, dye, polyamide microfiber, polyvinyl chloride (known as PVC), or polyurethane (known as PU leather). 

The following steps below show how faux leather is made.

Step 1

An artificial coating, generally a plastic, is applied onto a fibrous base layer that is usually made from polyester. 

Step 2

Dye is placed onto the artificial coating to get the desired color.

Step 3

The final touch is adding a textured finish to give the material the pore markings and grain similar to genuine leather. This texture is usually achieved by using chemical treatments and embossing machines. 

Benefits of faux leather

The most attractive quality about faux leather is that it looks and feels almost identical to real leather, but without the use of animal products. This allows vegans and vegetarians to also enjoy the luxury and comfort associated with real leather, without the animal welfare concerns or the effect it has on nature. 

Faux leather boasts a number of other benefits which we will take a look at below. 

It is remarkably realistic

Improvements in the production of artificial leather, gives modern faux leather a more realistic appearance and feel. Most manufacturers are now able to produce faux leathers with convincing variations in grain, color, and texture that are almost indistinguishable from genuine leather. 

Variety of color choices

Artificial leather retains dye more than genuine leather, which means that you can purchase faux leather in a wider range of colors and patterns. This is perfect if you are looking for something specific for your interiors. 

Easy to work with

Faux leather is easier to cut and sew than genuine leather. The needle marks are also less noticeable and threads blend more seamlessly with synthetic leather material. 

It is remarkably durable

Faux leather does not crack, fade, or scratch easily unlike inferior quality genuine leathers. Artificial leather is a great choice of upholstery for pet owners because of its scratch resistance. Faux leather is also stain and UV resistant. 

Low maintenance 

Faux leather is easy to clean and maintain. You don’t need a specialist leather cleaner to keep it in top condition. This is why you will generally find faux leather in public areas or medical practices. 

Affordable

Faux leather is much cheaper and affordable than real leather, but still delivers exceptional quality. 

Highly versatile

Artificial leather is extremely versatile. If you are looking for a high gloss or matte sofa, the faux leather can be polished according to your requirements. 

Disadvantages of faux leather

There are also a number of reasons why faux leather sofas may not be the best choice for you. Let’s take a look at them below. 

It does not age like genuine leather

Even though high quality faux leather can be extremely durable, it just does not age the same way as genuine leather. 

Genuine leather develops a unique soft sheen over the years, which most people believe adds to its rustic appeal and character. Unfortunately artificial leather does not age as gracefully. Once a crack or wear appears, you will need to replace or repair your faux leather. 

Less breathable

As most artificial leathers use a plastic coating, they are not porous or breathable. So clothing made from faux leather can be uncomfortable to wear as they trap moisture near the skin. But this is not a problem if you are seeking faux leather upholstery for furniture. 

Not as durable as real leather

If cared for properly, faux leather will last a number of years. But the chances of it lasting as long as genuine leather are very slim. 

How to clean faux leather

The great thing about faux leather is how easy it is to clean and maintain. The surface is non-porous, which makes it stain resistant, easy to wipe clean and sanitize. 

To clean your synthetic leather, all you need is some mild soap and a couple of clean cloths. 

The steps below will guide you on how to clean your faux leather. 

Step 1: Dab any stains

Firstly, dab any stains with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove the remaining moisture or dirt. Be sure to be gentle, and avoid scrubbing as this could damage the faux leather. 

Step 2: Wipe down with soap water

Secondly, fill a bowl with hot water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Then dampen the dish cloth, and use circular motions to gently wipe the area clean. Avoid using a sponge or scourer, as they will corrode the surface. 

Step 3: Dry and buff the surface

Once the stain is no longer visible and the area is clean, take a soft, dry microfiber cloth and gently buff the area dry. Make sure to buff in circular motions. This process will help retain the soft texture and gloss of your faux leather. 

Cleaning tips

These cleaning tips will help you keep your faux leather in good condition and prevent it from deteriorating. 

1. It is important to prevent your faux leather from drying out, as this can cause the surface to peel and crack. 

2. You should only clean the surface when required and do not let it get wet, you need to gently dry the area with a soft cloth after cleaning. 

3. Avoid using harsh chemicals on your faux leather because alcohol and other strong chemicals will cause it to dry out faster. 

4. If possible, keep your faux leather away from direct sunlight as prolonged exposure can dry or discolor the fabric. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is faux leather good quality?

Yes, It is more economical and durable than real leather. Faux leather can withstand scratches and scrapes that would mark genuine leather. They are also not prone to cracking or peeling, unlike real leather. 

Can you tell the difference between faux leather and genuine leather?

Some people can tell the difference by just touching the material. Faux leather has a smoother, more plastic texture. Whereas real leather is soft, more flexible and has a grainy texture. 

Another important distinction is that you can’t stretch faux leather, but real leather can be stretched. 

How to stop faux leather from peeling?

To prevent your faux leather from peeling you need to keep it moist. This includes applying olive oil, coconut oil, or even baby oil to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking. Another option is to apply a leather conditioner to keep the synthetic leather completely moisturized

How long do faux leather sofas last?

Faux leather sofas can last between 4 to 6 years, if properly maintained. The laminated surface tends to crack and peel over time due to things like UV rays and also the quality of the faux leather. 

How to waterproof faux leather?

Faux leather is naturally water resistant thanks to its strong layer of plastic. 

But if you have a synthetic leather product that is constantly exposed to water, you can use a water repellent spray, a fluorocarbon based spray (like Scotch guard or Teflon), or a 

silicone spray. Use these sprays very carefully especially on light colored faux leather. 

Conclusion

Faux leather is cost-effective, easy to maintain, and as comfortable as genuine leather. As it does not use animal products, it is the perfect option for vegans and vegetarians who want to enjoy the look and comfort of leather.