You know that feeling when you see vegan leather and wonder how long it will stay looking so smooth and new? In this article, you will learn if synthetic leather will crack, how long it will last and how to properly care for PU leather.
What is vegan leather?
Vegan leather means first of all that this is made entirely without animal materials. Of course, this also means that it is not real leather, because this is always obtained from animal skins. Instead, plant fibers and synthetic materials are used for the imitation, which resemble leather in their appearance as well as their processing.
Meanwhile, there are many types of faux leather.
These include:
- Pineapple leather
- Apple leather
- Cactus leather
- Mushroom leather or mycelium leather
- Synthetic leather
PU leather, also known as vegan leather, is an imitation of real leather made from polyurethane, a plastic that looks and feels like leather. The most common way to make PU leather is to use a polyurethane plastic coating or polyurethane coating and apply it to a fiber base (usually polyester). PU leather can be combined with genuine leather to create what is known as “double-cast” leather. Double-cast leather can use a split base of genuine leather, which is then covered with a PVC or PU layer. Keep in mind that double-cast leather is therefore not vegan.
Does faux leather peel or crack?
Yes, vegan leather does peel or crack after a while. Especially with soft and flexible fabric that is often used in the same place, cracks and marks will be visible after some time. This is often the case with sofas or couches, for example. In this picture, you can see a spot on my sofa where the vegan leather cracked after a year of daily use. I have bought this couch about 5 years ago. The claws of my cats probably made the condition even worse. With other materials, which are used less intensively and are somewhat harder, the imitation is more durable.
How long does faux leather last?
As with real leather, there are differences in quality, so always look at the quality of the product. Faux leather products can last between a few months and 10+ years, depending on the product, the care, and the quality. You won’t be able to keep a cheap product for 10 years, but the right care is essential for keeping your couch, shoes, or other products as long as possible.
What is the best way to clean faux leather?
A dry cloth should remove most of the spill right away. If there are some stains left, you can try to use a little (!) bit of alcohol and gently rub it in.
How long do PU leather shoes last?
For the shoes, I would estimate a duration of at least 2 years, which is about my experience with real leather. The thing I like about my shoes is that with equal durability, I experienced some advantages.
What are the advantages of synthetic leather shoes?
- reasonable price
- durable and washable
- resistant and robust
- water repellent (check out our guide for vegan Doc Martens!)
- look new longer
- no animal products are used
How long do faux leather couches last?
Based on my experience, I would say that with proper care, a cheap- to mid-priced sofa will look good for about 1-2 years. Higher-end products can last about 5-10 years with the right care. It is recommended to fully clean the couch twice a year.
How to protect synthetic leather shoes?
Follow these steps for optimal protection of your faux leather:
- Buy a silicone-based vinyl protectant. The silicone will help prevent fading, cracking, and fading out.
- Apply it every 2-4 weeks. If your synthetic leather is heavily exposed to sunlight, heat, or humidity, it is recommended to apply the protectant more frequently. It works best when spraying it onto a microfiber cloth and massaging the faux leather slowly.
