How to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather?
How to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather? (by Luniko)
Each of us is not immune from the actions of scammers who try to sell a wallet or purse made of artificial leather under the guise of a genuine leather product. Sometimes materials of this type are called Fabrikoid or synthetic leather (“leatherette”, “faux leather”, “vegan leather”, “PU leather” and “pleather”). Genuine leather lasts longer and does not lose its appearance after many years of use. In addition, fake leather of poor quality can be toxic, and this is very harmful to health.
How to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather?
Genuine leather is better conducting a heat. It is enough to hold the wallet in your hands for a couple of minutes, and it will become noticeably warm and keep the temperature for some time. The product made of artificial leather is almost not heated. This method of verification is considered to be one of the most effective.
Natural leather is often thicker than artificial leather. Manufacturers who have nothing to hide leave the connection points of the wallet elements open. If the joints are closed, it is highly likely that this is a substitute.
Real leather is heavier than fake leather. If the wallet or document cover seems light, it is better to refuse the purchase. Artificial leather does not last long.
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Synthetic leather can have a sharp chemical smell, or vice versa, a strong smell of leather. Dishonest manufacturers use artificial fragrance to make the fake look realistic. High-quality leather has a weak characteristic smell, and some types of this material, such as Italian leather Cuoio, may have an oily – natural smell, because they are processed only with natural substances and plant-based dyes.
Real leather absorbs moisture. If you apply a little water to the wallet, it should be absorbed, and then a stain will remain, which will eventually evaporate. The leather substitute does not absorb moisture. This method is better combined with others, since natural leather can be treated with water-repellent solutions.
Real leather is elastic and stretches a little, which leads to a change in color at the point of bending. For example, it may be lighter. The leather substitute does not change color.
Genuine leather has a unique chaotic pattern and pores. They can be seen by looking closely or using a magnifying glass. For synthetic material, repeated patterns and imitation of pores are characteristic.
How to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather? (by Luniko)
It should be noted that there is a technology for creating artificial leather based on natural. We are talking about pressed leather.
The essence of the technology:
The remains of real leather are crushed to a state of dust.
The composition is cleared of impurities
The resulting elements are connected under pressure. Polyester, polyamide, polyethylene, and polyester resins are used as adhesives.
Later, the flat material is sent to the oven for drying. During this process the resins all the elements together are glued…
After cooling, the resulting material is painted, pressed, and varnished.
The disadvantage of pressed leather is that under the influence of high or low temperatures, the polymer elements lose elasticity, which may result in cracks. Intensive operation will also negatively affect the appearance of such products. In addition, there is a risk that a purse or a wallet made of pressed leather will spoil your stuff. Poor quality paint can lead to the fact that under the influence of body heat or sweat, the paint will transfer to clothes.
To distinguish a pressed leather product from a genuine leather product, you can use the methods listed above. But first of all, you need to pay attention to the price.
A real leather product can’t be cheap. If someone claims otherwise, then you are probably facing a fraudster.
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