Nubuck – natural and artificial: types, application and care

Popular for its plush appearance and smooth, velvety texture, nubuck is a material that people love to use. Nubuck, whether it be used in furniture, purses, or shoes, gives anything a sense of refinement. However, did you know that nubuck can be man-made or natural? Both varieties have distinctive features that meet various requirements and tastes.

Top-grain leather is used to create natural nubuck, which gives it strength and superior quality. It has a distinctive matte, smooth finish thanks to a unique sanding procedure. Conversely, artificial nubuck, which is composed of synthetic materials, imitates the appearance and texture of natural nubuck but is frequently less expensive.

This post will discuss the various kinds of nubuck, common applications for it, and maintenance tips to keep it looking its best. If you already own nubuck products or are thinking about buying some, knowing these facts will help you preserve the material’s beauty over time and make wise decisions.

Type Description
Natural Nubuck Made from cowhide leather, soft, velvety surface, known for its durability and comfort.
Artificial Nubuck Synthetic material, mimics the look and feel of natural nubuck, more affordable, and easier to care for.
Application Used in footwear, bags, jackets, and upholstery for a luxurious finish.
Care Avoid water exposure, use a nubuck brush for cleaning, and apply protective spray to maintain the texture.

Description of the material

Natural leather that has been specially treated and has a tiny, smooth pile that is invisible, measuring between 0.1 and 2.4 mm in thickness, is called nubuck.First, the front side is treated with small abrasives after the chrome tanning process. It appears velvety and smooth as a result.

The instruments used for this are as follows:

  • Sand.
  • Sandpaper with a fine-grained abrasive coating.

Unoiled nubuck is made from a different kind of leather, usually from cattle, and is easily confused for suede by a non-specialist. Despite this, the two are related and are obtained through similar methods of processing the leather.

Types

For the manufacture of shoes and furniture upholstery, both natural and synthetic raw materials are utilized. Each type has advantages and disadvantages.

Artificial

A material with a multi-layer polymer base is used for shoes, and one with a durable textile base is frequently used to create furniture. This particular kind of nubuck is identified by:

  • strength, wear resistance;
  • does not absorb moisture;
  • has a beautiful appearance;
  • does not deform, does not stretch.

Although it is less expensive than real nubuck leather, its technical and aesthetic qualities are essentially the same. This upholstery works really well for upholstered furniture. Impressive couches, armchairs, chairs, and poufs can be made with it. It is easier to clean, less prone to dust and pet hair sticking to it, and more resilient to outside influences.

Natural

Although less elastic and denser than suede, this material largely mimics suede’s properties. You must be familiar with the production technology of natural nubuck leather in order to comprehend what it is.

  • A thin outer layer is removed from the skin of an animal, most often a calf, so it becomes pleasant to the touch and velor-like in appearance.
  • Nubuck has virtually no pile, only a soft, matte surface.
  • The material is considered an eco-product if natural products of natural origin were used for its production, for tanning and dyeing.

Oiled

It’s capable of repelling water. Nubuck is impregnated with oiled, or nubuck-oil, a composition that contains fat. It does not get wet like ordinary raw materials do; instead, it gets heavier and more humid to the touch than untreated raw materials. It is used to make water-resistant shoes and gains strength through impregnation.

Whether natural or synthetic, nubuck is a popular material for upholstery, purses, and shoes because of its soft, velvety texture and longevity. This article will examine the distinctions between artificial and natural nubuck, go over some of their common uses, and offer helpful maintenance advice to preserve both their longevity and appearance.

Application

As previously mentioned, shoes are made of both natural and synthetic nubuck, which is also used to upholstery for cars, couches, and armchairs.

Boots or boots with synthetic nubuck will not appear less attractive than the first pair. For useful outdoor footwear, appropriate for synthetic and oiled materials. Both varieties can withstand moisture and wear.

Which is better nubuck or leather

You must recognize that both kinds of products are made of leather when selecting natural products. Both have comparable traits and qualities; taste and aesthetics are determined by the selection.

It is preferable to contrast synthetic leather with artificial leather. The qualities of leather or nubuck can vary, usually based on cost, which will ultimately impact the product’s longevity.

The difference between nubuck and suede

Suede and nubuck are two varieties of leather. What separates them is the type of animal used for the skin processing.

Suede

Made from sheep, goats, and cowskins. The best skin is thought to come from deer. It is smooth, elastic, and thin; dresses that fit the figure are made of it.

Pigskin suede is the least expensive. It can be hard and is fairly coarse and dense. Its appearance makes it simple to differentiate. After the bristles are removed, there are tiny holes that are scattered across the surface in groups of multiple pieces.

Superior suede is fluffy and soft, with a surface that is more embossed than smooth velour nubuck. It also lacks a "shaggy" pile. This is because the lower layer of skin that comes into contact with the animal’s subcutaneous tissues is the suede-reverse’sfrontsurface.

Nubuck

Nubuck is made now from calfskin, formerly from the skins of elks or deer. Its exterior has been sanded and tanned to give it a matte appearance without much nap.

Suede is thought to not withstand moisture well, but impregnation agents make it resistant to moisture. The characteristics of oiled nubuck are the same, but it is denser and more resilient.

How to distinguish split leather from nubuck

Nubuk is a type of face leather that is easily identifiable by the way the fabric is cut; it appears to be divided into two sections: the front and the inner diaper.

A split leather is a skin cut on the inside, leaving the front intact. Since it resembles suede so much, it is frequently confused with it.

Artificial or natural, nubuck is a unique, elegant, and versatile material with a unique texture. It’s a popular option for high-end shoes, bags, and upholstery because of its velvety, soft surface. However, because nubuck is prone to staining and needs regular maintenance to maintain its beauty, its charm comes with the responsibility of proper care.

Natural nubuck is the go-to choice for people looking for superior quality because of its long-lasting durability and opulent feel. Conversely, artificial nubuck offers a more cost-effective substitute with a comparable texture and appearance. Every variety has advantages of its own, with artificial nubuck requiring less upkeep and natural nubuck being more resilient.

Your style can be elevated by adding nubuck to your clothing or home décor, but you must be aware of its maintenance needs. Nubuck items will stay in excellent condition with regular cleaning, moisture protection, and the use of specific cleaning products.

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Dmitry Kornev

Interior designer and passionate fan of textiles. For me, fabric is not just a material, but a tool with which you can create coziness and style in any room. On this site I share my ideas and tips on how to use textiles in interior design to emphasize your individuality.

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Tkani-Furnitura.com
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