What Is The PU Leather?

When you are considering buying an office chair or a gaming chair, then it is very common that you find some that are covered with PU leather. However, one of the things that we have been noticing is that most people don’t know what is the PU leather or what is the difference between PU leather and real leather. 

What Is The PU Leather?

Simply put, PU leather or polyurethane leather is an artificial leather that is made of thermoplastic polymer. This kind of leather is used not only in office chairs and gaming chairs but also in other types of furniture as well as shoes. 

One of the things that you should keep in mind is that 100% PU leather is completely artificial and is considered vegan. Notice that you may occasionally find a reference to bicast leather. Simply put, this is a material that has actual leather but that also has a polyurethane coating on top.

When you are looking for an office chair or a gaming chair, you may find PU leather being described with other names. These include bicast leather, split leather, bonded leather, reconstituted leather, and even corrected grain leather. So, no matter if you’re looking for an office chair or a gaming chair that uses this material or not, you already know the different names that are used to refer to PU leather. 

How To Spot PU Leather

The truth is that there are 4 different ways that you have to determine if you’re looking at PU leather or not:

#1: PU Leather Smells Like Chemicals Or Plastic:

In case you’re opening a brand new product and you want to confirm that it is PU leather, then you just need to smell it. Notice that this particular smell will fade away easily. But it ‘s one of the best ways that you have to b sure that you’re actually looking at PU leather. 

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#2: PU Leather Wars Over Time:

One of the main differences between PU leather and real leather is the fact that the first one wears out faster. The reality is that genuine leather tends to get softer and more comfortable over time. However, this isn’t the case of PU leather. In fact, over time, you will be able to see it wear, crack and expose the fabric beneath it very quickly, depending on usage.

#3: PU Leather Is Cheaper:

When you have a limited budget, there’s no question that PU leather office or gaming chairs are an option. However, when you see a manufacturer selling an office or gaming chair at a cheap price and stating that it is upholstered with real leather, then this is a red flag. Unless there is some sort of clearance or special sale occasion, you will be getting PU leather, not genuine leather. 

#4: PU Leather Looks Fake:

While this is not always the case since there is high-quality PU leather and low-quality PU leather, but in most cases, PU leather simply looks fake. In case you never noticed, genuine leather has subtle imperfections that give it its unique character. 

Is PU Leather Vegan?

Yes, polyurethane leather is 100% vegan since it basically is a blend of different artificial chemicals. 

Notice that there is a difference between PU leather and split leather. The reality is that split leather uses the leftovers of the conventional leather production and coats it with polyurethane. This makes it a mix of real and PU leather, but people often call it just PU leather instead of split leather.

Quality And Durability Of PU Leather

One of the best things about polyurethane leather is that it is very durable. It lasts a very long time and usually does not crack or wear down easily. The overall durability and quality is quite good and actually way better compared to most faux leather alternatives. But that is what it is originally made for – being very tough and long-lasting.

The only downside is that it is flexible but not as flexible and stretchy as cow leather. Animal leather usually gets softer and stretchier the older it gets. PU leather usually maintains its flexibility and softness.

The Manufacturing Process

As you already know, PU leather uses a lot of chemicals and petroleum. However, its manufacturing process can be combined in 4 simple steps:

1 – Starting with the base fabric

2- Application of the polyurethane coating

3 – Coloring it by adding an extra layer of color

4 – Final texture for finish gets added. 

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Sustainability And Ethics

There’s no question that polyurethane leather is a lot better than animal leather in what concerns to both sustainability as well as ethics. 

If you think about its production, it takes fewer resources. So, it is considered more eco-friendly. While PU leather isn’t as sustainable as other plant-based leather alternatives, it is still more sustainable than conventional leather. 

One of the things that it is also important to acknowledge is that since PU leather includes many chemicals as well as petroleum, it can’t be considered as the best eco-friendly solution. Besides, it doesn’t also decompose when it is thrown away in nature. 

Pros & Cons Of PU Leather

When you are looking to buy a good office chair or a gaming chair, then you may be wondering if PU leather is a good option or not. So, to help you decide, here are the pros and cons of polyurethane leather.

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#1: Pros:

• PU Leather costs less than genuine leather because it is easier to manufacture.
• PU doesn’t absorb water which makes it easy to clean.
• 100% PU leather is vegan.
• PU leather can be made into a variety of colors and styles.
• Unlike leather, PU leather doesn’t dry out over time.
• Better for sustainability because it uses fewer resources to make.

#2: Cons:

• Can look fake and synthetic.
• Isn’t breathable like genuine leather.
• Can come with a smell of chemicals or plastic.
• Easily wears over time and can crack, which means it doesn’t last as long as real leather.
• Can puncture or tear easily unlike genuine leather.
• PU leather doesn’t develop the same luster or patina as real leather over time.
• Not all PU leathers are vegan because some contain leftover genuine leather.
• Even though it uses fewer resources to make, plastics don’t decompose and aren’t the most eco-friendly.

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How To Tell If It Is PU Leather

When you are trying to determine if your office chair is covered with PU leather or genuine leather, then you will be glad to know that you can easily do it. 

While in case you are buying your office chair or gaming chair in a local store you may always check their tags, the truth is that these may not b available or you may prefer to buy online. However, even in this case, you can easily distinguish PU lather from genuine leather. 

The first thing that you will notice is the price. There’s no question that genuine leather office and gaming chairs are a lot more expensive than PU leather office and gaming chairs. After all, PU leather is easier to produce. Besides, you can also check if it smells in case you’re buying at a local store. If you notice a plastic or chemicals smell, then you’re looking at PU leather. 

Another simple test that can also immediately tell you if you are dealing with PU leather or genuine letter is the water test. In case you don’t know, while PU leather doesn’t absorb water, genuine lather does. 

If you have a keen eye, you may be able to tell the difference just by looking at the material. Real leather will have some imperfections and have a genuine grain. PU leather will actually look fake, and will almost have a perfect, patterned texture look.

Bottom Line

PU leather is also known as polyurethane leather that is artificial. If you are looking for a cheaper option, something vegan, or comes in a variety of colors, PU leather will be a great option for you. But if you are looking for genuine leather, PU leather will be something you will want to avoid. There are numerous ways to tell the difference between PU leather and genuine leather to help you in your furniture buying process.