Humanity has been using natural leather for more than five thousand years. During this time, it has not lost its relevance. On the contrary, it has turned from a rough skin into a high-status, expensive product, which also has unique properties. It’s a shame to pay a hefty sum for an expensive item, but it’s a shame to receive a fake. While leatherette with dermantine is familiar to everyone, not everyone knows what composite leather is, whether it is a natural or an artificial material. Are shoes or a bag made from it really as good as leather ones, as the sellers claim?
What is composite leather
The material, which is made by pressing and further bonding tannery waste, is called composite leather. Its production may vary, but the essence remains the same:
- A single fabric is formed by gluing together small pieces of leather remaining after production.
- The material is bound into a single whole without the use of glue, by pressing.
- Small scraps are heated in hot water and rolled into a single sheet.
The result of processing tanning residues is composite leather. The fact that this material is natural is confirmed by the algorithm for its production. In this case, the canvas can be painted, polished and even varnished. The material is malleable, so you can give it a suede look, embossed or metallize it.
Flaws
Composite leather is used to make shoes and bags, which fill the shelves of domestic stores in abundance. Sellers convince buyers that this material is natural, but this is far from the case. This product has several disadvantages:
- since the fabric production technology involves gluing or pressing pieces, the material is not strong enough;
- during wear, shoes begin to let moisture through;
- the material does not tolerate temperatures below 15 degrees and does not warm in cold weather;
- shoes should not be worn in inclement weather or in mud;
- the fabric quickly breaks and cracks under external mechanical influences.
Wallet made from the fabric in question
- Pressed material does not allow air to pass through.
The fabric can be easily torn. Feet in shoes sweat, and bags and wallets get worn out quickly.
But still, things made from composite leather sell well. They have a low price, which gives them a significant advantage over things made from natural material. Even if they are short-lived, this gives fashionistas the opportunity to update their wardrobe more often and always be at the peak of fashion.
Pressed leather - what is it? Any seller will say that this is natural material. It's almost true. It is made from the remains of natural leather, but synthetic elements are added for fastening. This reduces the positive characteristics.
What is composite leather made from?
To understand the value and characteristics of the material, you need to know its composition. Natural composite leather can be produced in various ways. Various wastes are used:
- Old leather products that have fallen into disrepair and cannot be restored. At the same time, leather fibers are not used for the production of new goods.
- Small scraps and strips that remain after finishing the main product.
- Tanning dust, or flour, is suitable for making artificial suede.
However, composite leather is not made from raw animal skin trimmings and old shoes.
Benefits of Matter
Composite leather - what is it - is it a new high-quality material or a synthetic fake? The advantages include the following factors:
- has advantages in strength over artificial analogues;
- the fabric contains only natural ingredients;
- has a beautiful appearance, which is largely similar to the natural one;
- The surface can be painted in any shade that turns out juicy and pleasant.
Fabric colors
- The composite fabric can be used to make artificial suede or a material similar to the skin of any animal.
The most significant advantage of composite material is its low cost, because tanning waste is used for production, as a result of which the prices for products made from this product are significantly lower than for goods made from genuine leather.
In addition, natural raw materials ensure the safety of the material in the operation of the product. Clothes, shoes and accessories do not smell of chemicals and do not cause an allergic reaction. Even children can sew clothes from this material.
Industry of application
The main area of application of the material in question is the footwear industry. It is important to clearly understand what composite leather is. In shoes, it cannot play the main role, otherwise the product will be short-lived and impractical. However, it is successfully used for the production of insoles and soles. The material is also suitable for making the back of boots or shoes.
In addition to the footwear industry, composite leather has found wide application in other industries. It is most often used:
- in the production of suitcases, bags and briefcases; in this case, only the inner part can be made of this fabric;
- for making handles of bags or belts;
- in the manufacture of technical goods: seals, cuffs.
Properties
Composite leather looks very similar to natural leather. It seems to be made from natural raw materials, but not from fully processed animal skins. Although the material is easily polished, varnished, and painted, it does not reach its natural counterpart in a number of properties:
- Material PU (PU) - what kind of fabric is it: description
- low air permeability due to the resins used, as well as gluing and pressing procedures;
- insufficient strength, especially at temperatures below ─ 15°C;
- wetness;
- inelasticity;
- impracticality;
- fragility.
But inexpensive products made from pressed material sell well.
The benefits of leather from waste
Composite leather has undoubted advantages. That this material is quite durable and natural can be understood by reading its composition. Only natural leather scraps or flour obtained by tanning it are used.
A significant advantage is its appearance. At first glance, it is difficult for the average consumer to distinguish whether these are real strips of leather or glued particles. Most budget bags and shoes, the sellers of which assure them of their naturalness, are made of composite leather. Her appearance is attractive. Coloring options make the products aesthetically pleasing. In addition, you can make a material similar to the skin of any animal or suede.
Where is it used?
It is important to know! K. leather, what kind of material is this and where is it used to make it easier for you to buy a natural product in the future? With all its shortcomings and advantages, this material has found wide application in sewing shoes, bags, suitcases, briefcases, making handles for bags and belts, in the manufacture of seals, cuffs and other technical parts.
Shoes
The main area of application of the product in question is shoe production. But shoes are not made from 100% composite material, because they will not last long due to their fragility. What does K leather mean on shoes? This means that the product has soles, insoles and heels made from this material. For the manufacture of these parts, composite material is actively used.
Shoes
Shoes made entirely from this material are rare, since they are fragile and last no more than two seasons. If you take care of it, wear shoes only in dry weather and at temperatures above -15 degrees, then it can last longer.
The main disadvantage of shoes made of pressed fabric is the violation of moisture exchange properties and, as a rule, hygienic properties. The skin does not allow air to pass through, which is why the inside begins to feel damp and the legs become uncomfortable, especially in the cold season. Therefore, to reduce the cost of purchasing, it is recommended to choose the option of a combined product, that is, the upper of the shoe is made of natural material, and the sole, insoles and heels are made of composite material.
Bags
Since pressed fabric is not particularly strong and durable, in the production of bags it is used for interior decoration and processing of handles. Bags are not made entirely from composite leather, but are only partially used to reduce the cost of goods.
Bag made of a composite type of material
Some manufacturers use pressed fabric to sew the entire bag. The material looks beautiful in appearance, it has a huge range of shades, the material is smooth on the outside and looks like natural leather. If you use the bag carefully and do not take it with you in bad weather or frost, it can last longer than usual.
Differences between leather and composition option
Composite leather is 100% material from tannery waste. However, it differs from its natural counterpart. The material does not breathe and does not stretch, because it is obtained by gluing or pressing. Clothes and shoes made from it are much cheaper, but will last a maximum of two seasons.
The residues used are so small that they are not suitable for the production of a full leather product. However, the naturalness of the material makes the cost higher than that of leatherette.
Description
At first glance, the material is no different from natural leather. Photo:
K. leather is dense, does not contain threads or artificial backing. Just like a natural product, it heats up quickly from the warmth of your hand. Product cuts and the reverse side often remain open. Then you can consider the melon hairiness characteristic of natural canvases.
Leather differs from natural leather in that it absorbs moisture more slowly. In addition, it has a more uniform color and a larger selection of colors. The material can be bright, metallized, pearlescent. The dye is sealed from the inside, so it does not fade or fade in the sun.
Manufacturers usually exactly copy the measure - the natural pattern on the surface of the skins. The material is made with large, beautiful grain size:
But if you look at it under a magnifying glass, there will be no pores on it. The technology makes it possible to produce materials of a wide variety of textures.
Other types
Different types of leather are necessary, because natural primary raw materials are not enough for everything. Not all products require such an expensive fabric.
Vinyl leather
This is a fabric with a porous or uniform one-sided PVC coating. How it is made:
- Preparation of the fabric base. The type of fabric will be determined by subsequent properties. Treatment of the base with solutions and polymer melts. The final finishing with the application of a pattern adds texture.
What is good about vinyl leather:
- resistance to abrasion, scratches, mechanical stress; tensile strength; resistance to ultraviolet radiation, moisture; tolerates temperature changes; does not deteriorate in chlorinated and sea water; tolerates treatment with disinfectants, ingress of oils and gasoline.
What is it used for:
- shoes, haberdashery; production of furniture of different price segments; metal door trim; finishing of residential, office and utility premises.
Vinyl leather is the material of the future. At a relatively low cost, it has good characteristics.
Boiled
Rigid, durable material, yet lightweight. Boiled leather is made by vegetable tanning. After this, they are sent into an adhesive solution or hot water. Oil, wax, rosin, and resins are also used.
Then fattening and painting occurs. At the end it is formed, embossed and dried. Previously, this type of leather was used for cases, sheaths, and sheaths. In antiquity and the Middle Ages for shields and armor.
Stamped
Modern saffiano is stamped leather. It is made in a special way from calf and sheep skins. Often used for making bags, briefcases, and cases. The products repel dirt and do not require special care. Resistant to mechanical damage and scratches.
Textured
It is pressed under special plates with temperature effects. This is necessary for alignment and elimination of defects. Textured matter has some kind of relief, pattern, or imitation of reptile skin.
Printed
Natural, but has a uniform pattern. Easily confused with leatherette. Printed leather allows you to apply any patterns, especially if it is a light shade. It is often used to imitate exotic leathers.
Products
The manufacturing method makes the fabric impermeable to moisture and air. Moisture resistance is considered only a plus. Air tightness is a property that is unacceptable for shoes and clothing. At the same time, many inexpensive items made from this material are sold. What is the best thing to buy from this fabric:
- bags, wallets, document bags, cases, covers; belts, interior components, accessories; clothes made from a different fabric, but with inserts from the press.
You should not buy jackets, windbreakers, or boots. After a few months, shoes and outerwear will crack and there will be a network of wrinkles and folds. It will simply break at the bends. A pressed leather bag or other accessories will outlast clothing items.
