Leatherette – what is it: description of the material, properties and application

Fake leather, also known as leatherette, is a common substitute for real leather that is used in many upholstery and fashion applications. For those who desire the appearance of leather without the expense, this material is an appealing alternative because it provides a similar appearance to real leather at a lower price point.

The adaptability of leatherette is what sets it apart. Numerous colors and textures are available for it, providing countless design options. Furthermore, leatherette is a sensible option for daily use because it is well-known for being strong, cleanable, and more resilient to abrasion than natural leather.

This article will define leatherette, go over its essential characteristics, and examine its varied applications in the furniture and fashion industries. You can get all the information you need right here, whether you’re thinking about using leatherette for your upcoming project or you’re just inquiring about this material.

How to spell it correctly

There are two names for the material in common parlance. Should it be spelled dermantin or dermantine? The solution is easy to understand. The word derives from the Latin word "derma," which means "skin." Therefore, dermantin—without the extra "n"—is the proper spelling and pronunciation. Both terms appear in descriptions of the material, despite the fact that their meaning remains the same.

Composition

A type of leather substitute known as leatherette is made of cotton and has one or both sides coated in nitrocellulose.

Thirty years after the chemical component’s introduction into the market, amides and vinyls—which, in contrast to it, have higher abrasion resistance—are progressively taking its place.

The technology used in the manufacture of leatherette

1. Preparation of the base. Use cotton fabric or cardboard. High demands are placed on the quality of the material. Using paper cardboard as a base, special treatment is carried out to increase strength and resistance to moisture.
2. Applying a polymer coating in one of the ways: dispersion, melt, solution. A large amount of equipment is involved at this stage.
3. Finishing, shaping the coating texture, printing, adding shade. The canvas is produced in two versions: monolithic or perforated.
4. Testing. Leatherette goes into production and sale after a series of tests. The material is tested for resistance to deformation, abrasion, stretchability, temperature changes.

Characteristics

In terms of appearance and structure, the material is comparable to real leather. It feels good to the touch, is flexible, strong against mechanical harm, and resistant to moisture. A broad spectrum of colors are used to present modern samples.

The following table lists the primary functional characteristics of textile material coated in synthetic material:

Characteristics	Indicators
Fabric purpose	Technical, raw material for the production of clothing, footwear, haberdashery, upholstery
Raw materials (composition)	Base – cotton fabric or blended with PE, coating – synthetic components (nitrocellulose and its analogues, PVC)
Density, g / sq. m. of the upper monolithic layer	500 – 580
Standard width of the material, cm.	103, 150, in rolls of 50 m.
Minimum thickness, mm.	0.5
Method of weaving warp threads	Plain (simple)
Wear resistance, Martindale cycles	Not less than 30,000
Water resistance	High
Hygroscopicity	Low, less than 1%
Moisture absorption rate	Lowest
Air permeability	Minimum
Vapor permeability	Almost none
Electrification	Insignificant
Painting method	Smooth painted surface
Cost of material	Affordable price
Manufacturer	Russian Federation

High wear resistance, resistance to moisture absorption, ease of maintenance, and affordability are all displayed by leatherette.

Modern vinyl leatherette is of a higher quality than earlier varieties coated with nitrocellulose. Every customer was aware that the microcracks in leatherette caused by the cold could harm the outermost layer. Fresh leatherette samples are very resistant to temperature changes. Reviews from customers claim that it can be challenging to tell the difference between real leather and vinyl and other types of leatherette.

The substance resists igniting. It takes exposure to high temperatures for the fabric to catch fire. There is a slight melting or combustion of the coating when it is exposed to an open flame.

Leatherette doesn’t fade in the sun, can retain heat, and conducts air thanks to cutting-edge technologies. If there is any dirt or dust buildup, cleaning and washing the surface will suffice.

Types

Depending on how the synthetic layer is applied, different types of leatherette can be identified by their densities:

1. Monolithic – a material with a continuous layer of PVC solution applied to the base.
2. Perforated. This group includes leatherettes of various types of final finishing. On the surface of the material there is perforation or embossing. Fabrics of lower density, unlike monolithic.

The first type of leatherette is used extensively in the production of shoes, upholstery, and haberdashery, and is considered universal. Because of its lower density and greater elasticity, the second type of leather is commonly referred to as stretch leather. Sewing needles are used with perforated leatherette.

The following criteria are also used to categorize the different types of material:

• production technology;
• coating composition;
• structure: porous, single-layer and multi-layer top layer, with or without a fabric base.

Pros and cons

Because of its many benefits, the material is in high demand across a wide range of industries, from interior design and furniture upholstery to clothing and shoe sewing. Its inability to withstand certain mechanical damage is the only drawback that restricts its application. When scratches come into contact with sharp objects, they stay on the surface. It is hard to hide the flaw; you have to either reupholster the entire area or just change the coating.

For instance, the material’s integrity cannot be restored if surface marks are caused by a cat’s claws. The coating is also easily damaged by cutting objects.

Among the benefits are:

• pleasant texture;
• resistance to temperature changes and exposure to UV rays;
• resistance to stretching and bending;
• strength;
• durability;
• ease of care;
• low flammability;
• water-repellent ability;
• moderate air permeability;
• ability to retain heat;
• maximum similarity of the coating structure to genuine leather.

What is made of leatherette

Substitute leather is employed in many industries. Leatherette’s high resistance rates make it suitable for car seats, furniture upholstery, and door upholstery. Leatherette interiors are more durable and have a higher density without sacrificing their flexibility.

The following areas make use of the fabric:

1. Light industry — sewing clothes. Leatherette is used to make jackets, raincoats, trousers, shorts, skirts, dresses, gloves.
2. Footwear industry — sewing boots, shoes, sandals, sandals and other models.
3. Haberdashery — bags, suitcases, backpacks, wallets, cosmetic bags, cases, handles for textile bags, sheaths.
4. Interior design — upholstery for armchairs, sofas, tables, panels, doors.
5. Automotive industry — upholstery of seats and control panels, car interiors.
6. Book publishing — book bindings, souvenir design.

It is simple to cut and sew the material. Processing is not required because the cut edge does not crumble. Because sewing machine needle punctures leave a mark on the material, it is best to sew a leatherette product along the designated cutting lines to avoid having to undo inadvertent seam rips.

What is the difference between leatherette and eco-leather

1. High-tech material eco-leather is a type of leatherette. The creators developed it as an alternative to natural leather. It does not contain plasticizers, which determines its safety and environmental friendliness.
2. Unlike leatherette, eco-leather is a quarter polypropylene, which provides water resistance, and three-quarters natural cotton and pressed leather shavings.
3. The difference in the production of leatherette from the production of eco-leather is expressed in performance properties. A relatively new high-tech material has a low content of synthetic raw materials.
4. Eco-leather has increased hygroscopicity, air permeability, vapor permeability. It has a faint sweetish smell, unlike other types of leatherette that emit a chemical aroma.

The difference between genuine leather and leatherette

Every customer is aware of the exterior appearance of leatherette. However, not many of them can tell it apart from real leather. Describe the characteristics that let you draw attention to the differences:

Feature	Characteristics
Leatherette	Genuine leather
Surface structure	Smooth repeating pattern imitating genuine leather	The texture is non-uniform (except for patterned embossing), upon close inspection – the pores are located chaotically
Tactile sensations	Pleasant to the touch, cool, inelastic	Soft, pleasant to the touch, elastic. Creates a feeling of warmth when touched
Reaction to bending and pressure	After pressing, a mark remains that disappears after smoothing. Forms hard creases at the bend	After pressing, quickly and easily returns to its original state. Forms soft small creases at the bend that disappear without effort
Cut and reverse side	Smooth cut, fabric reverse side	Cut and reverse side are fleecy, reminiscent of suede coating
Weight	Insignificant	Products made of genuine leather have significant weight
Smell	Chemical smell	Slight leather aroma
Effect of water	A drop of water on the surface is not absorbed, leaves no marks	Water is absorbed, leaving a barely noticeable stain that disappears after drying
Reaction to flame	Burns when a lighter or match is brought to a piece of material, or melts, flowing down as a resinous mass	Smoldering, does not support combustion
Cost	Low and medium	High

Made of plastic or vinyl, leatherette is a synthetic material that simulates the texture and appearance of real leather. It is a common choice in furniture and fashion because of its affordability, durability, and versatility. If you want the look of leather without the high cost or upkeep, leatherette is a good alternative because it is water-resistant, easy to clean, and doesn’t require special care.

How to care for

Maintenance: Cleaning the leatherette is not difficult. Genuine leather is ostentatious; leatherette is not. Use mild detergents on a sponge to remove dirt at home. Marks left by ballpoint pens can be removed with an eraser. It is forbidden to use strong solvents that have the ability to dissolve the adhesive layer used to seal seams.

Items made of leatherette need to be washed apart from other items. The maximum temperature for water is thirty degrees.

Wringing and spinning are not allowed. Using powders and bleaches is not advised. Products made of gel can be washed.

Dry leatherette items in well-ventilated rooms or outdoors in a straightened form (on hangers).

Professional cleaning is advised if stains appear on clothing, shoes, or furniture upholstery.

Aspect	Description
Material	Leatherette is a synthetic fabric designed to look and feel like real leather. It is often made from a base of fabric coated with PVC or polyurethane.
Properties	Leatherette is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. It is also more affordable than genuine leather and comes in various textures and finishes.
Application	Commonly used in clothing, furniture, and accessories like bags and shoes, leatherette offers a cruelty-free and budget-friendly alternative to leather.

With the same opulent appearance as real leather but at a fraction of the price, leatherette is a useful substitute. Because of its affordability and versatility, it has become a popular option in a variety of industries, including furniture and fashion.

The material is suitable for daily use due to its durability and ease of maintenance, and its wide range of colors and finishes allow for creative applications. Leatherette is a dependable and affordable material that can be used to upholster a sofa or make a fashionable jacket.

With the growing awareness of sustainability, leatherette is a standout ethical option that provides a cruelty-free alternative for people who prefer not to use animal products. This material complements a more environmentally friendly way of living in addition to satisfying aesthetic demands.

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