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The market popularity of bonded leather keeps growing since consumers appreciate its budget-friendly status and modern appearance. Many consumers choose bonded leather because it brings upscale appeal at affordable prices. The material appears luxurious yet remains affordable and it is widely used in furniture, fashion accessory design, and upholstery material delivery. But is it a good investment?
This guide will provide detailed insights about bonded leather by exploring its composition, advantages, disadvantages, and care tips. This guide will present all the essential information to help you understand if bonded leather fits your needs. So, let’s get started!
Understanding the Basics of Bonded Leather
Bonded leather is also known as blended leather, reconstituted leather, or composite leather and is a man-made material produced from scraps of leather and coated with polyurethane or latex. It is added to a fabric or paper and then pressed with a grain pattern to give that genuine leather look and feel.
Bonded leather offers an affordable alternative to genuine leather by featuring a similar appearance but cannot meet the durability standards or adaptability of the authentic material. Bonded leather will eventually become damaged by cracking and peeling.
You can read more about the bonded leather vs real leather to understand the key differences and make an informed choice.
What is Bonded Leather Made of?
Bonded leather is made through a multi-step process that turns leather scraps into material that looks like genuine leather. Here’s how it’s created:
Shredding Leather Scraps: Leftover leather pieces that occur during manufacturing are picked up and chopped into extremely small, weave-like fibers.
Mixing with Binders: These leather scraps are blended with PU Leather or Latex based adhesives to provide a bind blend synthetic leather pulp.
Forming the Backing: The leather mixture is then applied over a fabric or paper backing that will serve as the base material for the final product.
Pressing and Embossing: The material is compressed under heat and pressure, which produces a smooth, flat surface. It is embossed to have a grain pattern to resemble the texture of genuine leather.
Finishing Touches: To make objects last longer and look better, manufacturers apply a protective finish, which may be in the form of dyes, finishes, or added synthetic layers.
What is Bonded Leather Used for?
Bonded Leather is used in a vast range of industries due to its affordability and aesthetic appeal. Some of its most popular uses are:
Furniture Upholstery: It is widely used to cover sofas, chairs, Headboards, and Ottomans.
Fashion Accessories: Bonded leather is used to make belts, handbags, wallets, and even shoes.
Leather Jackets: Some manufacturers include bonded leather in leather jackets to gain a chic and budget-friendly option.
Bookbinding: Many of the books, along with notebooks and journals, are covered with bond leather.
Car Interiors: Most often, bonded leather is used in car seats, dashboards, and steering wheel covers.
Comparison of Bonded Leather with Other Types of Leather
Bonded Leather vs Genuine Leather
Bonded leather and genuine leather differ in several key aspects:
Material Composition: Bonded leather is made from leather scraps and synthetic binders, while genuine leather consists of 100% animal hide.
Strength & Longevity: While bonded leather is significantly less durable and can be prone to peeling over time genuine leather is very durable and becomes even more beautiful with time acquiring a patina.
Texture & Appearance: The bonded leather has a texture that resembles real leather, whereas genuine has a natural grain pattern.
Cost & Affordability: Bonded leather is more budget-friendly, yet genuine leather is relatively costlier due to the high quality of the material.
Maintenance Needs: It needs gentle care, and can wear out quickly; while genuine leather ages well with proper conditioning and care.
Bonded Leather vs Faux Leather (Vegan Leather)
Bonded leather and faux leather have their distinct differences:
Material Composition: Bonded leather comprises some real leather scraps blended in with synthetic materials, while faux leather is entirely artificial and manufactured with PU Leather.
Strength & Durability: Bonded leather is prone to peeling over time, while faux leather is often more durable but lacks the authentic scent of genuine leather.
Environmental Impact: Bonded leather uses recycled leather scraps with chemicals while faux leather is made from plastic-based material without any animal products.
Feel & Texture: Bonded leather has a leather like feel, but faux leather feels plasticky and smooth.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bonded Leather
Pros of Bonded Leather
Cost-effective option: It is an affordable option alternative to genuine leather that is stylish and looks sophisticated.
Eco-conscious material: It repurposes leftover leather scraps, bonded leather helps reduce waste, and is considered more sustainable than 100% synthetic alternatives.
Smooth and consistent texture: Unlike genuine leather, which has natural imperfections, bonded leather offers a uniform and polished appearance.
Adaptable design options: Available in multiple colors, patterns, and textures, bonded leather might be widened to cover different styles in preference.
Cons of Bonded Leather
Shorter lifespan than genuine leather: Bonded leather has a shorter lifespan and starts peeling or cracking with regular use.
Difficult to repair: Once damaged, bonded leather cannot be easily repaired, which during the long term makes it less durable.
Chemical odor: Certain bonded leather products have a strong, artificial smell because of the chemicals involved in the binding process and the manufacturing process.
How to Care for Bonded Leather
Regular Cleaning: Clean the surface with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent to remove dirt and stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals or alcohol based cleaners.
Protect from Sunlight: Direct sunlight causes fading and cracking.
Use Leather Conditioners: Use a conditioner specifically formulated for PU leather or bonded leather.
Avoid Sharp Objects: Handle sharp objects with care as they might scratch or tear the fabric.
Keep Away from Heat Sources: Prolonged exposure to high heat can potentially soften and cause cracking of bonded leather.
Why Choose Bonded Leather for Furniture & Accessories?
Bonded leather is a good option for people who are looking for an affordable, stylish, and eco-friendly leather alternative to real leather. It is mainly used for furniture upholstery, fashion accessories, and bookbinding, it is an elegant appearance of genuine leather, while at an affordable cost. Although it may not be as long-lasting as full-grain leather, it is a good and affordable option for those who love the look of leather without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Bonded leather serves as a middle ground between real leather and faux leather, that provides a good quality in an affordable, appealing, and eco-friendly option for different uses, such as furniture and accessories. It gives a sophisticated leather-like appearance at a fraction of the price and hence is a popular option for people looking out for affordability without compromising on style.
However, the lifespan of this leather completely depends on your proper maintenance, since bonded leather is more prone to wear and peeling over time compared to genuine leather. With regular cleaning and proper care, it is possible to extend its lifespan ensuring it remains a practical and visually appealing material.
Bonded leather is quite sensitive to repair as it does not develop cracks like other materials but tends to peel off instead. Nevertheless, there are repair kits that you can buy but they are only short-term solutions.
Yes, it is true that bonded leather will peel and flake aside from constant use and may also peel when exposed to heat for a long period.
Compared to genuine leather, bonded leather is less durable though it can last for a couple of years or so if properly maintained.
Bonded leather is aesthetic and cost-effective but lacks the longevity of real leather. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need long-term durability.
