What Is Faux Leather?

 Faux leather, which is the same thing as synthetic leather, is made from plastic or vinyl that is treated with texture and color to mimic real leather.

In addition to being cruelty-free and less expensive, faux leather is also more resistant to water and is not as prone to staining or fading as genuine leather when cared for properly.

  • Vinyl-based faux leather: Vinyl-based faux leather is more pliable but less breathable, which is good for items other than garments. Faux leather is essentially the same as vinyl, but the vinyl used to make the faux leather is processed with other plastic materials to give the fabric a more leathery look.
  • Plastic-based faux leather: Garments are typically made with polyurethane-based faux leather (also called PU leather or pleather, meaning plastic leather), which is more breathable. The process involves coating a base fabric with a polymer substance and treating it to resemble leather.

TAG Hardware’s faux leather is PVC or plastic-based – with a durable, textured coating over a soft base similar to suede leather.

The advantages of our faux leather

TAG’s PVC based faux leather has been specially formulated for our wrapping process to maintain a strong bond to the various materials we use for different leather wrapped products.
 
Importantly for us, faux leather can be produced in long rolls which are essential for our wrapping process. It is also more consistent in terms of color and pattern for our coordinated products, production and quality.
  • More cost-effective than genuine leather: One of the main reasons why faux leather is so popular is because it is a more affordable alternative to genuine or recycled leather.
  • It looks and feels like real leather: Another reason for its popularity is that it looks and feels very similar to real leather. In fact, many people cannot tell the difference between the two.
  • Easy to clean and maintain: Another advantage of faux leather is that it is very easy to clean and maintain. You can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth if it gets dirty.
  • More durable than genuine leather: Faux leather is also more durable than real leather. It is less likely to crack or tear easily, and it does not fade as easily in the sun. This makes it a great choice for upholstery on furniture and car seats.
  • Vegan-friendly: Faux leather is vegan-friendly. If you are looking for a leather alternative that does not use any animal products, then faux leather is a great option. Faux leather is also more sustainable than real leather. It does not require the slaughter of animals, and it uses less water and energy to produce.

Tips for Washing Faux Leather Accessories

  • Wipe down by hand with soapy water, then rinse and dry with a soft microfiber cloth.

  • Mix the water and soap in a spray bottle, shake well, and spray onto items or a microfiber cloth to make the cleaning process easier.

  • Do not use hot water to clean faux leather accessories because it can damage or melt the finish.

  • Let the item air-dry.

Can I use Dawn to clean faux leather?

Yes, Dawn dish soap can be used to clean some faux leather items.  Use cold to warm water with just a few drops of dish soap to gently wipe down the item, then rinse it thoroughly.

Difficult Stains

Non-water soluble stains caused by oils, lotions and certain foodstuffs can be cleaned with a 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol (denatured or isopropyl) and water.

Rinse the cleaned area with water after applying with the alcohol solution. Dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Tips for Conditioning Faux Leather

A good faux-leather conditioner needs to be applied every 6 months to prevent damage. These products will naturally condition the surface and make it shine. A good faux leather protective treatment will add a thin protective layer to the surface so that the surface is easier to clean.

  • Condition faux leather accessories by buffing the item using a small amount of softened coconut oil on a microfiber cloth.
  • You can also wipe the item with a soft cloth dipped in a little unscented baby oil or Petroleum jelly.