It can be tricky to determine what the difference is between real leather and PU (polyurethane leather) is because they look so similar. Contrary, it can be easy to just assume that they are the same thing.
PU leather is not the same thing as real leather. It is a type of faux leather that is created and made, not from the skin of an animal. PU leather is made from fabric and polyurethane to resemble the look of leather, but it is not the same thing.
Then what is Real leather, To learn about it Click the text below:
Table of Contents
What is PU Leather?
PU leather is a type of faux leather that is made with the help of polyurethane. Polyurethane is a plastic that has a similar look and feels to real leather. This fake leather is often preferred over real leather because it can be made without involving any animals and is a vegan material.
PU leather is made by taking a plastic polyurethane cover or coating and applying it to a base fabric like polyester. The final product comes out having a similar texture to real leather and it can be difficult to tell them apart. However, PU leather is usually lighter than real leather and isn’t as durable.
This faux PU leather is also not as breathable as real leather, but it is more breathable than other types of faux leather. It is also generally less expensive than real leather, which also makes it a more attractive option.
How to Identify PU Leather
The easiest way to identify PU leather and distinguish it from real leather is by smelling it. PU leather will have a different smell than genuine leather because it is made of plastic. You will be able to identify the plastic smell easily.
You can also perform a water test to identify PU leather. This is only recommended on items that you actually own; not items you are trying to buy. Genuine leather will absorb the water and PU leather will repel it.
If you have a good eye, you might even be able to tell the difference between PU leather and genuine leather just by looking at it. Genuine leather will have unique marks all across the surface from the animal’s living days. PU leather will have more of a uniform, almost patterned look to it.
Advantages of PU Leather
There are several advantages of PU leather. First, the material is inexpensive because it is easier to make. This makes the product more affordable and more attractive to consumers who want a leather look.
PU leather also doesn’t absorb water as real leather does. This makes the material easy to clean and maintain. This feature is ideal for couches because we all know how annoying it is to spill something on furniture.
Another advantage of PU leather is the fact that it is vegan. Unlike real leather, PU leather doesn’t use any products that come from animals. It is only made of plastic and fabric, so no animals are involved at all.
This faux leather can also be made in a wide variety of styles and colors, so you can have it look exactly how you want it. This makes it easy to match the material to your current room instead of having to change the room to match the material.
Disadvantages of PU Leather
Just like other materials, there is going to be disadvantaged. The biggest disadvantage of this material is that it can look fake and smell like plastic. It also is not as durable as real leather, so it will tear and puncture easily. It is also important to note that not all PU leather is vegan because some types will still include pieces of real leather.
Summary
PU leather is often mistaken for real, genuine leather, but it is a type of faux leather. PU leather is made with synthetic materials and does not use any part of an animal. This leather has more in common with polyester than it does with genuine leather.
PU leather can usually be identified by smell because it is going to have a plastic or chemical smell to it that real leather won’t have. However, most people prefer this faux leather because it is more affordable and doesn’t absorb water.
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