Modern manufacturers have learned to make artificial leather that is exactly similar to its natural counterparts. Everything would be fine if the seller confessed during the sale and told the buyer about all the properties of the product.
It often happens that on the shelves there are products made from artificial materials, but they are sold as if they were made from natural raw materials. There are many ways to avoid being deceived and to be able to distinguish the original from the fake. The most effective and reliable methods are highlighted in this article.
Why distinguish leather from substitute?
Faux leather and genuine leather differ in properties and quality. Such characteristics directly affect their cost. A leather product is more expensive and has a number of advantages that affect its cost and durability:
- Attractive appearance of the product.
- The material does not tear and does not succumb to contamination.
- Easy to care for. It is enough to wipe things with a clean soft cloth with a solution of soap, water and ammonia.
- Frost resistance.
The replacement costs less, but it requires additional care. Leatherette products must be cleaned and treated with water-repellent agents (especially shoes). They are not recommended to be worn in rain and cold. Under the influence of precipitation and low temperatures, artificial material quickly fails.
External differences
There are many ways to distinguish substitutes from genuine leather. Differences can be found visually and experimentally. Of course, no seller will allow you to set fire to or cut material in a store, but anyone has the right to inspect the product being purchased.
Quality of stitching and internal seams
It is best to start your inspection from the reverse side. To do this, you need to find a sewn sample of the material from which the item is made. If a piece is not found, you should look inside the shoe, bag, jacket and find the stitched seam.
Features of genuine leather:
- there should be no threads, textile lining or base sticking out from the area where the parts of the product are connected;
- natural material does not delaminate;
- The inside is rough to the touch and has traces of underpainting.
Reference! Natural things are more expensive because parts from them are more difficult to sew. They are thicker and denser than artificial material.
Material thickness and edge
Faux leather is thinner than its natural counterpart. Artificial material is usually thinner. It has a smooth and even edge.
The naturalness of the material is confirmed by its rough edge.
Elasticity and color when pressed or bent
A fake is usually revealed by its creases when folded and its smooth standard shade. The substitute usually changes color at the bend.
Natural material quickly takes shape after deformation. It has a unique pattern and slight porosity.
Relief and pores of the material
Take a closer look at the texture of the product. If you do not see the pores or notice their identical and symmetrical arrangement, then this is artificial leather. Natural material has random porosity and small wrinkles on the surface.
Backing (fiber or fabric)
Leatherette has a textile or knitted base. It can be smooth and well-made. Natural has a fibrous inner surface.
What can you do in a store to distinguish products?
There are certain methods that are usually used in stores and markets. If it was not possible to recognize leatherette using the above methods, and doubts remain, you can try the following manipulations:
- Warm it by hand and check the heat transfer. Place your hand on the material. If it quickly feels warm and does not become moisturized, then you have real skin. Leatherette takes a long time to heat up and become moisturized, that is, it does not allow heat to pass through.
- Pay attention to the smell. If the manufacturer has not taken care and has not scented the artificial leather, it can be given off by a pungent odor of the chemicals used to process the product. Natural material has its own specific pleasant smell.
- Examine the label (shape, inscription), check the presence and shape of the tag. On things that are made in a factory, manufacturers usually designate the material with a label with a special symbol or inscription. Leather is usually designated on a small piece of the product with the mark: “genuine leather”, natural leather, etc. Leatherette is usually indicated by a diamond icon or the word "Leather".
Important! Leatherette is any product that has been subjected to chemical treatment.That is, even if the animal’s skin has been treated with chemical solvents, it cannot be considered natural.
Differentiation methods not used in the store
If after a visual inspection there are still doubts, you can test the product with water and flame. You are unlikely to be allowed to carry out such experiments with skin in a store. Experiments with heat and water are most often carried out at home.
Reaction to water
If you drop a little water on genuine leather and it is gradually absorbed, then it is not a fake. Water drains from leatherette and leaves a dry surface and a white mark behind. Even if you completely wet the leatherette, only its lining will absorb water. Water will drain from the outside without penetrating inside.
Wet items made of genuine leather can be ironed with a warm iron without steam through a gauze cloth. In this way, small creases from the skin are removed.
Reference! Genuine leather should not be dried on a radiator or with a hot iron. After drying, it will change its size downward and lose its appearance.
Experience with fire
If you take a small sample of leather and bring it to the flame, the result will immediately allow you to distinguish a fake from a natural product. The leatherette immediately melts, and the leather gradually begins to deform, shrink and emit the smell of burnt hair.
Conclusion. A reliable place increases purchase guarantees
In order not to be deceived, you should buy natural things from trusted sellers who can provide a certificate of quality and a guarantee for the purchased product.
The document confirming quality must indicate the material from which the product is made. The certificate must have the seal and signature of a representative of the certifying body.