Understanding the Durability and Aging of PU Leather
Does Polyurethane (PU) leather peel and break down with usage? This popular synthetic leather alternative is favored for its affordability and appearance, but it indeed has durability limitations that users should be aware of. Read on to learn more about the behavior of PU leather over time and tips for maintenance.
Key Points to Consider
PU leather, while designed to mimic the luxurious feel of genuine leather, has distinct limitations in terms of durability and longevity. Below are some crucial aspects to consider.
Durability
PU leather is generally less durable than genuine leather and can withstand moderate wear. Yet, it is prone to wear and tear, especially in high-friction areas. This material's performance can degrade over time due to several factors, including wear, exposure to heat, moisture, and abrasion.
Peeling and Breakdown
As PU leather ages, it can begin to crack and peel, particularly when exposed to heat, moisture, and frequent abrasion. This peeling is often a result of the breakdown of the polyurethane coating on the outer layer of the material. It is a common issue faced by consumers using PU leather products over an extended period.
Maintenance Tips
Proper care can extend the life of PU leather. Regular cleaning and conditioning are crucial steps in maintaining its appearance and preventing peeling. Cleaning should be done gently to avoid damaging the material further, and using a leather conditioner can help retain its suppleness and look.
Quality Variations
The quality of PU leather varies widely. Higher-quality options may resist peeling more effectively than lower-quality alternatives. It is essential to choose products from reputable brands that offer robust warranties and superior craftsmanship.
PU Leather: A Synthetic Alternative
PU leather, also known as polyurethane leather, is essentially a plastic material that can degrade over time. Just like many types of plastics, PU leather will begin to break down, losing its strength and resilience. Over time, one might notice the material cracking, fading, and becoming generally weaker, potentially even brittle.
The rate at which this degradation occurs can depend on the quality of the polyurethane used in the material and the conditions under which the material is used.
Polyurethane vs. Bonded Leather
Polyurethane (PU) leather is distinct from bonded leather, another common type of faux leather. Bonded leather is a category of fabric that combines a facing of polyurethane or vinyl with a backing made of crushed genuine leather scraps mixed with adhesives. This combination is then bonded to the facing material.
However, bonded leather is a significant problem in the furniture industry. The crushed leather backing does not breathe like polyester or cotton backing and is thicker. Another issue is that the polyurethane or vinyl facing used on bonded leather is often thinner than that used on 100% polyurethane fabric with a standard woven backing. This thinner facing can lead to faster degradation.
The use of crushed leather as a backing material is primarily for selling purposes, as it allows salespeople to claim that the fabric is partially "real leather." However, the truth is that the minimal amount of real leather cannot be seen or felt by users and does not contribute to the fabric's durability or comfort.
Several years ago, the editor-in-chief of Furniture Today, a primary trade publication for the furniture industry, recommended a voluntary ban on the use of bonded leather. Despite this, bonded leather remains popular due to its profitability.
Brands and retailers have addressed this issue through different methods, such as writing language into warranty programs that allow bonded leather problems to be classified as a result of "normal use" or "customer abuse." Another approach is renaming bonded leather fabrics to avoid the term "bonded," as seen in brands like LaZboy’s Renew leather and Flexsteel’s Nuvo leather.
In conclusion, while PU leather and bonded leather offer cost-effective and fashionable alternatives to genuine leather, users should be aware of the limitations these materials have. Proper care can help extend their life, but the natural breakdown over time is inevitable.