Advantages and disadvantages of leather and artificial leather
Benefits |
Disadvantages |
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Learn |
+ Gives a more authentic feeling + Usually has a better finish than faux leather + Sustainable + Supple and elastic |
- More sensitive to cracks - May produce a strong odor - May become weaker over time - May lose its original shine and color - Sensitive to stains. This means that leather products are not recommended if you regularly have children over. |
Faux leather |
+ Animal friendly + Not moisture-permeable + Easy(er) to maintain + Easier to keep clean + Cheap
|
- Less durable - Can feel a bit 'cheaper' and plastic in some cases - Sensitive to wear - Retains a lot of heat (this is personal and can also be an advantage) |
Learn
#1 The creation of leather
Hides are sprinkled with salt to prevent spoilage. Everything except the dermis in which the hairs and roots are attached is discarded. So a lot is removed in the tannery. The dermis is then desalted again by rinsing it in a wooden barrel with water. The hair and grease are also dissolved. In addition, the last remains of meat are removed, creating bare skin; the leather.
Leather hides are split in two and the top layer, the grain layer, is used for the furniture industry. The bottom layer is a layer of split leather that is normally used for belts, shoes and bags. However, split leather is also sometimes used for furniture.
The next phase is descaling the hides. This also happens in barrels. The skin is then pickled, giving the leather a supple structure. Once again salt is used to deswell the hides. After deswelling, tanning can take place. After tanning, the skin is passed through a machine over its entire width to ensure the thickness is the same everywhere.
When the hides go back into a barrel, coloring is added. This causes the skins to be dyed through and through. Some fat is also added to the hides at this stage. After this process, the hides go into the drying tunnel and are prepared for processing. Finally, a layer is applied to the leather to protect it against moisture and dirt. This last layer is not applied to Aniline leather. This makes Aniline leather seem like a beautiful product, but it is a disaster to maintain.
#2 Different types of leather
- Top-dyed leather
The leather has a pigmented top layer that makes the skin less visible. In terms of durability, a strong piece of leather. However, very sensitive to discolouration due to sunlight.
- Semi-aniline leather
Similar to top-dyed leather, but the finishing layer is somewhat thinner. This leather is closer to an original piece of leather.
- Full aniline leather
Beautiful to look at, but it does not have a protective layer. A matter of weeks and the skin is dirty and beyond repair. Absolutely not recommended for furniture that is used intensively.
- Split leather
The bottom layer of the leather. Because there is almost no grain pattern, it is provided with an opaque layer of paint. The grain is artificially printed in the leather. Split leather is less strong than the normal top layer of leather.
- Pull-up leather
Crushed leather fibers that are pressed onto both sides of a cloth under heat pressure. This often concerns split leather quality. The leather is dyed in a number of layers and protected by a transparent film layer. Folding the leather can lighten the color. By rubbing the leather under heat, the color emerges again (pull-up).
Faux leather
Faux leather (also known as artificial leather, imitation leather, SKAI or PU) is an imitation of leather and therefore has different properties than real leather. Faux leather consists of a plastic applied to a textile carrier. A structure is then printed on the plastic that resembles the structure of a certain type of leather.
Faux leather is widely used in the production of furniture such as chairs or sofas, but it is also used for many handbags, jackets or shoes. Faux leather is also available in different types. Nowadays there are many artificial leathers that have a breathable effect and are difficult to distinguish from real leather. These are the artificial leather made from polyurethane with a microporous structure. Artificial leather types that do not absorb moisture are often made of PVC or a combination of PCV and polyurethane.
