What is Bonded Leather? A Complete Guide
The leather material is vast and comes in many kinds of hides. As technology and science advance, it is now possible to replicate leather’s quality and texture. But the sound of bonded leather is somewhat different. So, what is bonded leather? Have you ever seen a leather couch or sofa for sale that was so inexpensive it seemed unreal? Even if the item was touted as bonded or genuine leather, you should know that not all leather types are equal. Let’s look at what you’re getting when you Buy a bonded leather good and whether it’s a good buy.
In recent years, bonded leather has become more well-liked as a less expensive option. It is frequently promoted as a choice for people who want the appearance and feel of leather without paying a significant price.
But it’s essential to understand what bonded leather is before purchasing. Contrary to popular belief, bonded leather is not made of genuine animal hides. Instead, it comprises a mixture of shredded leather scraps, fibers, and polyurethane or latex binders. The manufacturing process involves combining these materials to create a layered structure. Using leather scraps in the production of bonded leather can be a way to reduce waste in the leather industry. Yet it’s essential to recognize that bonded leather’s quality differs from genuine leather. While the top layer of polyurethane or latex gives bonded leather its leather-like appearance. It also acts as a protective coating, making it more resistant to wear and tear.
Furthermore, bonded leather lacks genuine leather’s natural breathability and aging characteristics. It may not develop the same desirable Patina or softness that occurs with authentic leather over time. Bonded leather is also less resistant to stains and may need more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Despite its drawbacks, bonded leather can still be suitable for specific applications such as leather jackets. Bonded leather can offer a leather-like aesthetic at a fraction of the cost if you’re on a limited budget or looking for a quick fix. Let’s go further about its composition.
How is Bonded Leather Made?
The process shares similarities with paper manufacturing in the production of bonded leather. Here is the proper method for the preparation of bonded leather.
1 Shredding:
Leather scraps and fibers are sliced using high-intensity machines. These can come from various sources, including trimmings from natural leather production. Discarded materials from bonded leather manufacturing or general leftover scraps.
2 Mixing:
The shredded leather is combined with a polyurethane plastic mixture. This mixture acts as a bonding agent, holding the fibers together as it settles and solidifies. This process gives the leather fabric a “pulp” appearance, resembling the paper processing method. Different mixtures may have varying characteristics, such as density, strength, firmness, or softness. Some mixture formulations are proprietary, enhancing specific qualities of the final bonded leather.
3 Extrusion:
The mixture is extruded onto a flat backing once bonded. Extrusion can occur by gravity or machines pushing the mix onto the support. It accompanies the related material, aiding in adhesion and shaping. In some cases, a fine thread, plastic, or metal mesh is used, providing an extra grip to hold the pulp and facilitating faster drying after extrusion. The choice of backing material may vary based on the application. Bookbinding often uses paper backing, while upholstery may use fabric backing.
4 Dyeing/Coloring:
Colors can be applied to the dried bonded leather after the pulp has adhered to the backing. This dyeing process usually remains superficial and does not penetrate the material. Bonded leather’s synthetic nature limits depth, unlike natural leather, where colors penetrate. Any colored dye can be applied to the surface of the plastic treatment to add color.
5 Stamping/Embossing:
Once the bonded leather has been colored, it can undergo embossing to create a surface texture. This process can introduce appealing designs. The bonding and extrusion process often produces a uniform appearance for bonded leather.
Different textures incorporate into the final product based on their intended use. Bonded leather is synthetic, offering opportunities to introduce stylish and functional surfaces.
6 Finishing:
Finishing bonded leather involves the application of synthetic surface protectants after stamping. These leather finishes provide a shiny appearance to the leather and consist of polymers. They offer a protective layer to the material beneath.
What are the uses of Bonded Leather?
Upholstered leather furniture is often made from bonded leather instead of natural leather due to its lower cost. This allows furniture stores to offer connected leather products at an affordable price. While it may sound exotic, it is a lower-cost alternative to genuine leather. Bonded leather is created by layering a thin sheet of pigmented leather onto a backing material, such as fabric or vinyl, to create a distressed leather appearance. The variations in the percentage of the leather present must be more accurate. It is important to note that bonded leather performs much worse than natural leather in durability and quality. Despite this, it serves as an accessible option for customers who are interested in the aesthetic of leather without the higher price tag.
Apart from furniture, bonded leather also finds its applications in various other industries. One everyday use is in bookbinding, where it is used as a cover material. The durability of bonded leather makes it suitable for this purpose. In fashion, bonded leather can be utilized for linings or facing surfaces of clothing items such as jackets, pants, skirts, and hats. It is also used in the production of shoes and boot pieces. Other everyday items enjoy the properties of bonded leather as well. It is often used to manufacture laptops, cameras, media storage cases, bags, and diploma covers. Backpacks, laptop cases, and makeup bags for travel can also be made from bonded leather. It produces belts, straps, jackets, key chains, eyeglass cases, sunglasses, jewelry boxes, key rings, credit card cases, and more.
Pros & Cons of Bonded Leather
Bonded leather is a popular material known for its affordability and leather-like appearance. Yet, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of using bonded leather to make an informed decision. Now, we delve into the advantages and disadvantages of bonded leather.
Pros of Bonded Leather:
- Bonded leather offers an affordable alternative to genuine leather.With it, you may get the appearance and texture of leather for a much lower price.
- Bonded leather is designed to mimic the appearance of genuine leather. Its textured surface and grain patterns provide a good option for upholstery.
- Bonded leather utilizes leather scraps and fibers that would otherwise go to waste, making it a more sustainable choice. By reducing waste, bonded leather contributes to environmental conservation.
- Bonded leather is easy to clean and maintain. It is less prone to staining and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, offering convenience for everyday use.
Cons of Bonded Leather:
- While bonded leather is cost-effective, it may not match the durability of genuine leather. Over time, the polyurethane or latex coating can peel, crack, or delaminate, leading to a shorter lifespan.
- Unlike genuine leather, bonded leather lacks natural breathability for air circulation. This can result in a less comfortable experience, particularly in hot and humid environments.
- Genuine leather develops a desirable patina and softness over time, adding charm and character. In contrast, bonded leather may exhibit different aging characteristics like Patina.
- Despite containing a percentage of genuine leather, bonded leather comprises synthetic materials. This composition can impact the material’s look, feel, and quality.
Bonded leather offers an affordable option for those seeking the appearance of leather without the hefty price tag. Its cost-effectiveness, leather-like appearance, and manufacturing make it a compelling choice. But, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. You can decide whether bonded leather suits your needs by weighing the pros and cons.
Difference Between Bonded Leather and Real Leather: A Comprehensive Comparison
There are significant differences between bonded leather and genuine leather. Choose wisely by knowing the differences between these options. Let’s delve into the key differences between related and genuine leather.
Composition:
- Bonded Leather manufactured material contains a small percentage of genuine leather fibers. It comprises shredded leather scraps and threads mixed with bonding agents.
- Real leather, also known as genuine leather, is made from the hides of animals, most cows. It is a raw material that undergoes a tanning process to preserve and soften the coat. Genuine leather comprises collagen fibers, which provide strength, flexibility, and breathability.
Quality and Durability:
- Bonded leather may offer an affordable alternative to real leather. The polyurethane or latex coating used in bonded leather can deteriorate over time. As a result, the lifespan of bonded leather products is shorter compared to real leather.
- Real leather is renowned for its exceptional quality and durability. The natural fibers in real leather make it more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that it retains its shape and appearance over time. Genuine leather develops a desirable patina as it ages, adding charm and character.
Appearance and Feel:
- Bonded leather is designed to mimic the appearance and texture of real leather. Yet, upon close inspection, it may need more authentic grain patterns and natural variations found in genuine leather. The surface texture of bonded leather is often embossed or stamped to simulate the look of real leather.
- Real leather showcases a rich, luxurious appearance that is difficult to replicate. It possesses natural grain patterns, unique markings, and color variations. Real leather has a supple and soft feel, offering a tactile experience that synthetic materials struggle to match.
Value:
- Bonded leather is often more affordable than real leather, making it an attractive option. Yet, its lower cost reflects its inferior quality and shorter lifespan.
- Real leather is considered a premium material, and its higher price tag reflects its superior quality. Genuine leather products are often seen as long-term investments due to their longevity and ability to age.
Bonded Leather Durability
The durability of bonded leather is a significant concern compared to natural leather. The accessibility of the fibers in bonded leather for conditioning and treatment is limited. As time passes, the surface of the binding wears out, the plastic deteriorates, and the material begins to crack. While bonded leather has some resistance to abrasions and moisture. It lacks the natural strength and durability of cowhide or protein leather.
Bonded Leather Peeling
The plastic-based nature of bonded leather demands careful handling compared to natural leather. Since the natural fibers are not exposed in bonded leather, they cannot be treated or cared for like genuine leather. This results in flaking and peeling over time. As the upholstery peels away, the uniform color is lost, revealing the underlying layers of the fabric.
Bonded Leather Quality
Bonded leathers generally exhibit lower durability than natural leather. This is due to their composition, which combines some leather grains and fibers with a polymer material. For furniture or personal accessories, a lifespan of approximately 2-4 years is short for bonded leather. Choosing between bonded and natural leather depends on personal preference and budget. While cheaper-related leather items may need to be replaced every few years. It is more expensive. Genuine leather items can last for decades.
Bonded leather is Durable, but what is its Lifespan?
Bonded leather, unfortunately, needs to improve its durability. While it may appear attractive and affordable, its lifespan is short compared to other leather types. Bonded leather shows wear and deterioration within two to five years of use. One of the primary reasons for bonded leather’s limited durability is its inflexibility. Over time, the synthetic polyurethane and leather components used in its production can become rigid and brittle. As a result, the bonded leather may start to crack, and strips of the polyurethane and leather layer can peel away from the backing material.
Bonded leather lasts 5 to 10 years on average before showing signs of wear and tear. It’s important to note that the bonding agent used in the manufacturing process can degrade over time. It causes the material to deteriorate more than genuine leather. The peeling and cracking of bonded leather can be attributed to its strain. The material’s lack of flexibility and resilience leads to its layers’ separation and degradation.
It’s important to note the bonding agents and manufacturing processes used to create bonded leather. Unlike natural leather, which can be conditioned and treated to maintain quality. Bonded leather lacks the same accessibility for maintenance and repair. Once it starts to peel and crack, restoring bonded leather to its original state becomes challenging.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we hope this blog post has provided valuable insights into bonded leather. Understanding its composition and characteristics can empower you to make informed decisions. Bonded leather may offer an affordable alternative to genuine leather. By weighing your priorities and needs, you can choose one that aligns with your preferences. Remember, knowledge is key when shopping for Grainy leather goods, and we hope this information has been helpful to you. Happy shopping!