What is Pu Leather: History, Identification, Types, Uses, Pros & Cons

From furniture and apparel to footwear, PU leather is everywhere. But why should you be buying PU leather and why shouldn’t you? What’s the difference between PU leather and real leather? What are the disadvantages of it? What are the advantages of it? 

This blog will not only answer these queries but also dive into the pros and cons, maintenance tips, and ways to identify PU leather.

What Is PU Leather?

PU leather, short for polyurethane leather, is crafted from polyurethane, a type of plastic, and stands out as a synthetic and affordable alternative to traditional leather. 

What sets it apart is its entirely vegan nature and cruelty-free without harming any animal, making it an ethical choice in contrast to real leather which is sourced from animal skin. 

History of PU Leather

Polyurethane, abbreviated as PU, is a plastic material made of synthetic substances of polymer chemicals. It was invented in 1937 in Germany by a chemist Otto Bayer. However, the use of polyurethane material in making leather started in the 1960s when plastic materials were popularly used to make synthetic leather. 

How To Identify PU Leather

PU leather can be identified by examining it closely, as the texture of real leather is uneven and rough when touching while PU leather has a more smooth and plastic-like texture. 

Real leather is organic, which means it naturally features variations across the material. It often has irregular blemishes, scratches, and marks, unlike the uniform appearance of PU leather.

You can also identify PU leather by its smell, which tends to have a strong, artificial scent of plastic and chemicals. In contrast, genuine leather has a distinct, earthy aroma, as a subtle blend of rich, warm leather and the faint, natural scent of animal hide. This smell is much more organic and comforting, evoking the feeling of a well-worn, timeless material.

Real leather products will show natural signs of wear and tear, including creases, scratches, and wrinkles along the edges.

In contrast, PU leather products are manufactured with precisely cut edges that make them look almost flawless, with no natural imperfections like those found on genuine leather.

Another great way to identify PU leather is to pour a drop of water on it. 

A drop of water placed on PU leather will slide off the surface rather than be absorbed. On the other hand, real leather will absorb some water quickly. 

Common Uses of PU Leather

PU leather’s cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, easy cleaning, and water resistance make it a practical choice for various applications, from fashion items like jackets to automobile interiors. It’s frequently used in couches, armchairs, motorcycles, and vehicle seats. 

PU Leather vs Real Leather: Pros and Cons

Advantages: 

• It’s UV-resistant compared to animal leather: PU leather is strong enough to resist sunlight damage of color fading, brittle, and cracking. 
• Easy to clean: PU leather is non-porous, so it can be cleaned with a wet cloth easily to clean dust and stains without harm. 
• Water-resistant: Water doesn’t harm PU leather unless you’ve kept it in deep water for an extended period.
• Affordable: PU leather appeals to most people mainly because of its cost-effectiveness and without a doubt, it’s a good budget-friendly and vegan alternative.
• Cruelty-free: It’s made without harming animals. 
• Environment-friendly: PU leather production uses fewer resources, is recyclable, and is produced faster compared to real leather production, where the tanning process involves pollution. 

Disadvantages: 

• Not long lasting like real leather: While the textures of PU and Real leather are similar, PU leather is typically thinner than real leather and doesn’t have natural oils used in real leather, making it more vulnerable to cracking and bending over time. 
• Has no natural soft feeling: While PU leather is soft, it’s not naturally soft and doesn’t get softer over time like real leather. 
• Doesn’t bend like real leather: PU leather is stiff and hard to bend (sometimes it can even crack), while real leather has elasticity and bends easily. 
• Not as breathable as real leather: PU leather doesn’t have microscopic holes like real leather is non-porous plastic making it less breathable than real leather. 
• Can smell bad: Many customers complain of a bad smell from PU leather products due to its use of chemicals. 
• Can be harmful: Chemicals used in PU leather like dimethylformamide (DMFa) and polyurethane (PU) can pose health risks and could even cause serious health issues. 

Types of PU Leather

1- Full-synthetic PU Leather

This PU leather is made entirely from synthetic polyurethane. It involves applying a polyurethane coating over a fabric base, such as polyester or cotton.

2- Semi-synthetic PU Leather (Bicast Leather)

This type of PU leather is made by bonding a thin layer of polyurethane over a genuine leather base, often split leather. This makes the leather feel more real and also soft. 

3- Microfiber PU Leather

Made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers bonded together and coated with a polyurethane layer.

4- Suede-Like PU Leather

Created by applying a polyurethane coating over a microfiber base and then brushing the surface to achieve a soft, velvety texture like the original suede leather.

How To Take Care Of PU Leather

PU leather’s proper care extends its life and keeps it looking great. 

1. Regular Cleaning

• Dust Weekly: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and prevent buildup, and also clean with a damp cloth. 
• Deep Clean Monthly: Mix mild soap (like dish soap) with warm water, dampen a soft cloth, and gently wipe the surface. Avoid soaking the material, as excess moisture can damage the backing.
• Dry Immediately: Use a dry cloth to remove any moisture after cleaning.
• Use faux leather conditioner: To protect your PU leather from becoming dull, Every 2–3 months, use faux leather conditioner to prevent cracking and keep the surface supple. Don’t use oils or conditioners meant for real leather, as they can degrade the PU material. 

2. Protect Against Damage

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause PU leather to fade or crack. Keep items away from windows or cover them with a protective cloth.
• Watch Out for Heat: Never place PU leather near heaters, radiators, or in hot cars for long periods, as heat can warp and weaken the material.
• Prevent Scratches: Be cautious with sharp objects like keys, buckles, or pet claws that can scratch the surface.

4. Tackle Stains Immediately

• For Water-Based Stains: Blot spills with a clean, dry cloth. For stubborn stains, use a damp cloth with a tiny amount of soap.
• For Oil-Based Stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain, let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil, and then gently brush it off with a soft cloth.

5. Prevent Peeling

• Humidity Control: Avoid extremely dry environments, which can cause the PU layer to peel. Keep the area moderately humid, around 40–50%.
• Use a Cover: For furniture or frequently used items, cover them with throws or protective covers to reduce wear and tear.

6. Storage Tips

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: If you’re storing PU leather items like bags or jackets, use a dust bag and keep them in a dry place to avoid mildew.
• Avoid Folding: Hang PU leather garments and store accessories in their natural shape to prevent creases or cracks.

7. Repairing Minor Damage

• Scratches or Cracks: Use PU leather repair tape to fill in scratches or cracks. Follow the instructions carefully for a seamless fix.