What is PU leather? Is PU leather durable?

In the footwear and furniture fashion industry, PU leather is becoming more and more popular and preferred. So what is PU leather ? Is PU leather durable? is a question many people ask. Let's join Shondo to learn more about this material to better understand its advantages and disadvantages as well as its applications in life.

1. What is PU leather?

PU leather, short for Polyurethane, is a type of artificial leather made from synthetic plastic compounds. PU leather usually has a smooth, glossy surface and is manufactured to simulate the appearance of real leather. The process of producing PU leather involves coating a layer of Polyurethane resin on a fabric or other material base, creating a durable and highly elastic product.

PU leather is becoming increasingly popular in the fashion and furniture industries due to its ability to mimic real leather at a lower cost. It is also more animal-friendly than real leather, as it does not require the use of animal skins in its production.

[caption id="attachment_5976" align="aligncenter" width="800"] What is PU leather? PU is a type of artificial leather[/caption]

2. Advantages and disadvantages of PU leather

In addition to learning about what PU leather is, Shondo also provides information about the outstanding advantages as well as disadvantages of this material, helping readers better understand the characteristics and applications of PU leather through the information below:

2.1. Advantages

1. Affordable : Compared to genuine leather, PU leather is much cheaper, making PU leather products more accessible to consumers.
2. Easy to clean : PU leather is waterproof, so cleaning and maintenance are also simpler than genuine leather.
3. Animal-friendly : Because it is artificial leather, PU leather does not use animal-based materials, contributing to the trend of sustainable and humane consumption.
4. Variety of colors and designs : The PU leather manufacturing process allows designers to create products with a variety of colors, patterns and designs, suitable for many different needs.

[caption id="attachment_5977" align="aligncenter" width="800"] PU leather is easy to clean[/caption]

2.2. Disadvantages

1. Not breathable : PU leather is not as breathable as real leather, leading to a stuffy feeling when used for a long time, especially in hot and humid weather.
2. Not as durable as genuine leather : Although PU leather is relatively durable, when compared to genuine leather, it can degrade faster, easily peeling or exploding the surface after a period of use.
3. Temperature effects : PU leather may shrink or crack when exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time.
4. Uneven quality : Depending on the manufacturing process, the quality of PU leather may vary, some products may not achieve the expected durability and color fastness.

[caption id="attachment_5978" align="aligncenter" width="800"] PU leather does not last as long as genuine leather[/caption]

3. The difference between PU leather and genuine leather

Below is a comparison table of PU leather and genuine leather based on criteria of quality, product, price and environmental impact:

Criteria	PU leather	Genuine leather
Quality	Degradable, can crack over time if not properly maintained.	High durability, the more you use it, the softer and more comfortable it becomes.
Product	Used in affordable products for the general consumer.	Appears in high-end, expensive products for customers with high quality requirements.
Price	Low cost due to low production costs.	High cost due to complex processing.
Environment	No animals are used, but Polyurethane production can be polluting if not properly controlled.	Environmental impact due to livestock farming and use of chemicals in the tanning process.

This table makes it easy to compare the important factors between PU leather and genuine leather, so you can choose the leather that suits your needs and budget.

4. What products is PU leather commonly used in?

Nowadays, PU leather is widely used in many fields and is favored by consumers thanks to its advantages such as durable material, affordable price, and trendy and attractive colors and designs. Below are some common applications of PU leather:

4.1. Fashion industry

PU leather is widely used in the fashion industry to make bags, jackets, and shoes. In particular, some famous shoe brands such as Shondo have applied PU leather in the production of beautiful and durable shoe models, providing a reasonable choice for customers who love a youthful and dynamic style.

[caption id="attachment_5979" align="aligncenter" width="800"] PU leather is applied by shondo in footwear production[/caption]

4.2. Furniture industry

In the furniture industry, PU leather is used to cover sofas, car seats, and other furniture products. Due to its reasonable price and sufficient durability, PU leather has become a popular choice for those who want to own furniture products that look like real leather without having to pay a high price.

4.3. Accessories industry

In addition to fashion and interior, PU leather also appears in accessories such as leather wallets, belts and laptop bags. These products are not only diverse in design but also suitable for many people's budgets.

5. How to preserve products made from PU leather

To preserve PU leather products, you need to pay attention to the following points:

• Avoid direct sunlight : High temperatures can cause PU leather to shrink or crack.
• Proper cleaning : Use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt. Do not use harsh detergents or alcohol to clean PU leather as they may damage the leather surface.
• Store in a dry place : PU leather is easily affected by high humidity, so store the product in a cool place, away from moisture.
• Use specialized creams : You can use creams specifically for artificial leather to maintain softness and prolong the life of the product.

[caption id="attachment_5980" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Store PU leather in a cool, dry place[/caption]

6. Frequently asked questions about PU leather material

6.1. Is PU leather durable?

PU leather is quite durable but cannot be compared to genuine leather. If properly maintained, PU leather products can last from 3-5 years.

6.2. Does PU leather cause skin irritation?

PU leather is less likely to cause skin irritation. However, some people with sensitive skin may experience irritation when exposed to the plastic coating on the leather surface.

6.3. Does PU leather explode?

PU leather can crack or peel after a period of use, especially when not stored carefully or exposed to excessive heat.

[caption id="attachment_5981" align="aligncenter" width="800"] PU leather can explode after long-term use[/caption]

6.4. Is PU leather waterproof?

PU leather has a fairly good water resistance thanks to the plastic coating on the outside. However, if exposed to water for a long time, PU leather products can still be water-permeable and damaged.

6.5. Is PU leather imitation leather?

Simili is another type of artificial leather, usually of lower quality than PU leather. Simili is made from PVC plastic and is less stiff and wear-resistant than PU leather.

In short, PU leather with reasonable price, good durability and high aesthetics, PU leather is increasingly gaining the trust of consumers. Although there are still some limitations compared to genuine leather, but with convenience and environmental friendliness, PU leather is still the right choice for many different needs. If you have any questions related to PU leather, please contact us via Hotline 1900 0270 for further advice from Shondo's staff.