Eco-leather or Alcantara: what to choose for upholstery

1. How eco-leather cases are made
2. Types of eco-leather for the automotive industry
3. Eco-leather analogues and fakes
4. Popular brands of automotive leatherette
5. Wrong side of eco leather
6. How to choose the right material for car seats?
7. How to care for leather car covers?
8. Table: eco leather care
9. How do covers behave in the cold?

Artificial materials that imitate natural leather have not been rejected by consumers for a long time.
Their use is even welcomed by animal activists. The name eco-leather promises wonderful properties. And it does not disappoint expectations. This is a durable, beautiful material without a chemical smell. Eco-leather shoes are comfortable, as if they were made of natural chrome or suede. Haberdashery made from this material can easily be passed off as a branded leather product.

Case manufacturers can also cheat. Eco-leather for cars is often counterfeited. This does not mean that there is a counterfeit workshop somewhere in the basement. They simply offer polyvinyl chloride and vinyl leatherette (colloquially leatherette) to gullible buyers.

These materials may look solid, but sitting on them for a long time is hot and uncomfortable. This is how conflicting reviews from owners about new covers or upholstery of car seats appear.

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How eco-leather cases are made

All leatherettes are made using similar technologies. A layer of polymer is applied to the fabric base, then a roller or press extrudes a textured pattern that imitates the front side of natural leather. Either a crocodile or an ostrich. The difference between eco-leather and leatherette is that polyurethane is applied to the fabric.

To understand why eco-leather car seat covers are comfortable for the driver and passengers, you need to become more familiar with polyurethane. Of course, not at the level of a chemical engineer. If you show yourself to be a competent buyer, the seller will change his mind about passing off cheap material as expensive. Car covers made from high-quality leatherette can sometimes be sold as eco-leather covers. The finished interior will impress the customer, but the seats will quickly wear down to the fabric base.

Vinyl and polyvinyl chloride

Vinyl and polyvinyl chloride, which are used to make seat upholstery in public transport, have a distinct chemical odor. In winter, even through your clothes you can feel how cold they are. In summer, exposed parts of the body stick to them. Dozens of passengers sit on the seats per flight; it is easier to maintain the appearance of cleanliness on smooth oilcloth. That’s why intercity buses have textile capes on passenger seats, otherwise travel would turn into torture.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane has a molecular structure that differs from vinyl. When children's shoes were made strictly according to GOST from genuine leather, polyurethane was used on the sole. It was believed that it allows enough air to pass through. The raw materials looked like durable plates of white, finely porous material.

This structure, similar to a thick layer of natural leather, is formed by special organic molecules. They give the material increased tensile and compressive strength and resistance to mechanical abrasion.

The wear resistance of polyurethane can be judged by its use in technology and industry. It is used to make car tires, shock-absorbing gaskets in heavy equipment, and seals in aggressive environments. In medicine, it is used to make implants and prostheses. The claim that this is an environmentally friendly material is not unfounded.

The basis for applying the polyurethane layer is cotton or polyester fabric. It can be woven or knitted fabric. The second option is more plastic - when upholstering chairs with a streamlined shape. These eco-leather covers are easier to put on the seats yourself. What the base is made of does not play a big role. It is hidden in a layer of polymer. It is believed that eco-leather on polyester is stronger and more durable.

Some types of natural leather for furniture upholstery and car seats are coated with a thin layer of polyurethane. It hides minor imperfections and makes the skin resistant to abrasion. And makes the difference between genuine leather and eco-leather invisible.

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Advantages of eco-leather capes

In the interiors of modern cars, covers made from environmentally friendly materials are not used so often. However, manufacturers have already created a fairly extensive range of these products, which is suitable for various car models. This is one of the positive aspects for those who decided to purchase eco-leather car covers for their four-wheeled friend. Reviews from car owners indicate that such products fit perfectly under the seats of their vehicle. At the same time, there are no folds, snags or other shortcomings in the interior that are often found when using conventional capes.

What other advantages do eco-leather car covers have? Customer reviews indicate a variety of color palettes for these products. This allows you to make your car unique and create your own style.

One of the positive characteristics of eco-covers is their ease of care. To clean the interior, a damp cloth or rag is enough. As a rule, the use of special tools for this process is not required.

According to reviews from car owners, such capes do not crack or become rough when enduring heat or severe frosts.

Types of eco-leather for the automotive industry

The automotive industry is ready to abandon the skins of unfortunate animals. Environmentalists and “greens” are persistent in their demands. Therefore, auto giants order elite-level eco-leather from chemists and designers. These materials quickly became available to the wide market, since their prices were acceptable for mass production. Covers made from them can be ordered in showrooms and can beautify a budget car.

For example, “Nyulux” made for Lexus is almost no different from genuine leather. Very comfortable elastic material for sewing covers. In black it looks solid, but can be damaged by sharp objects. Fortunately, it can be restored. Scratches can be easily sealed and painted over.

“MV Tech” for Mercedes is a very durable eco-leather that can even withstand a cigarette falling onto the seat. No creases or abrasions appear on the upholstery. Sunsatek uses BMW, but it is rarely on sale.

Through the efforts of marketers, these eco-leather brands are positioned as “premium class”. They are available in black and 2-3 shades of beige, like natural animal skins. Black is a practical and noble color, beige requires care.

Eco-leather for sewing covers is more convenient than natural leather, because it is sold in rolls 1.5 and 2 m wide, the cheapest are 1 m. Each linear meter is of uniform color, stable thickness and of a given quality. The layout of the patterns is simpler than on the skin. Therefore, eco-leather is gradually replacing natural leather even in the elite segment.

In a professional salon for sewing car seat covers, the customer will be offered several samples of eco-leather to choose from. The beautiful name characterizes the thickness and texture. Eco-leather from different manufacturers may have the same product designation. Usually the front side is presented in two versions, matte and glossy.

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History of eco-leather

Engineers and chemists began to invent a worthy and high-quality substitute for natural materials back in the last century. A number of reasons prompted them to resolve this issue. First of all, some natural disadvantages of natural leather, as well as its high cost and support for the animal protection movement. All this prompted manufacturers to look for alternative options. This decision was also aimed at protecting the environment. After all, after processing natural leather, a large amount of various chemical waste remains.

A new, alternative material was invented in 1963 in the USA. Outwardly, it was no different from natural leather, and therefore received the name “eco-leather”. A year later, Japanese scientists took up the new product. The case was very promising. After all, the prefix “eco” in the name of the new material already indicated its safety. This attracted potential clients to him.

Popular brands of automotive leatherette

Many are alarmed by the inscription “Made in China”:

• For example, Oregon leatherette is very popular due to its attractive price. This is a mixture of vinyl and polyurethane. The manufacturer indicates this in the labeling. But some are silent about the composition and label it as; "Eco leather Oregon". It has been noticed that Oregon often turns out to be thinner than the thickness of 1 mm indicated in the documents;
• The second place in popularity is occupied by Alba, which is very close in appearance to genuine leather;
• Companion eco-leather is characterized by increased wear resistance;
• Dollaro comes in a variety of colors, which is why it is sometimes mistaken for leatherette;
• Softar is positioned as a self-healing leather substitute. Traces of deformation are smoothed out on it. Its service life exceeds that of genuine leather.

The term “spunbond” is used in eco-leather labeling. This is a technology for producing a non-woven base. It has good breathability and serves as a backing for the foam layer. Faux leather with such an addition on the reverse side sometimes comes with a ready-made figured screed. It is used for inserts on the backs and seats of chairs.

Features of the material in car interiors.

There are many types of artificial leather for car interiors, but the most popular is eco-leather. It is of high quality and increased wear resistance. It is produced by applying polyurethane to a cotton or synthetic base.

Diamond Pattern Capes

The larger the layer of polyurethane and the better the base, the better the quality of the material. Genuine leather is beginning to lose its popularity, since eco-leather looks like real leather and has a number of advantages, and is much cheaper.

pros

Previously, leatherette made from synthetic fibers was used instead of real leather, but it quickly deteriorated, had a strong odor and was not very aesthetically pleasing.

Autopro with cast headrest

Therefore, many people do not have a very good attitude towards artificial leather. But eco-leather covers destroy all misconceptions.

Note! Eco-leather began to be invented in the USA, back in the 60s of the last century.

The material is similar to a finely porous polyurethane fabric attached to a cotton base. The embossing process produces a pattern similar to natural leather. In appearance, synthetics are almost no different from natural fabric; the difference is only revealed by the reverse side.

This type of leather stretches well and has a pleasant feel; the only thing better than it is anilized leather, but it is very difficult to find in Russia, and its price is very high.

Cleaner

The quality of eco-leather depends on the density of the top polyurethane layer - the thicker the layer, the better the quality of the product. But in this case the skin will be much tougher.

Eco-leather has a huge number of advantages:

• Breathability. The composition has small pores, thanks to this, there is good air circulation in eco-leather;
• Water repellent. The seats remain dry in any case;
• High thermal conductivity. This indicator is almost the same as that of real leather; it maintains a pleasant temperature at any time of the year;
• Frost resistance. The fabric maintains temperature down to −30 degrees, and does not melt or fade in the heat;
• Persistence. Over the years, the skin remains the same as on the day of purchase (with proper care);

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Leatherette capes

• Safety. It contains no hazardous chemicals, so it is safe for children and adults and does not cause allergies;
• Ethicality. No animal skins are used in production; this is good news for concerned people;
• Availability. The price is much lower than natural materials, and is affordable for every car owner.

Minuses

Despite a number of advantages, the products have some disadvantages:

• When cleaning, you cannot use ordinary water, as it causes large stains;
• If the moisture is not removed immediately, the fabric will swell;
• If the interior is white, then you should try to avoid bright fabrics in clothes. Because the paint from them can be absorbed into the upholstery;

Incorrect installation

• The material may come out if there are severe defects.

Caring for such material is not difficult, but you need to do everything carefully. In order for eco-leather car covers to last a long time, they must be treated with water-repellent impregnation, and dirt must be removed with special means or a soap-alcohol solution. Do not use products that contain chlorine or bleach. Because of them, the covers will immediately dissolve their pigment.

Wrong side of eco leather

Eco-leather can be trimmed in the cabin for a better fit of upholstery and car seat covers. On a special machine it is combined with foam rubber and a special knitted fabric. The layers are fused at high temperatures. Materials containing low-melting polymers cannot be subjected to this operation. This is another difference and advantage of polyurethane.

There are options for different brands of eco-leather with an adhesive layer on the back. They are needed for pasting the hard parts of the interior to match the colors of the seats.

Advantages of the new material

In terms of its thermal conductivity, eco-leather is close to natural leather. To understand this, you just need to hold it in your hands. Heat will emanate from the material. It is also noteworthy that ecological leather is a hypoallergenic product. She obtained this property thanks to production technology, which is based on the creation of many micropores that literally penetrate the polyurethane film. All this allows the material to “breathe” like natural fabrics.

Products made from eco-leather perfectly absorb moisture. They received this property due to their ability to pass air through themselves. Also, eco-leather does not overheat at high temperatures and does not harden at low temperatures. This property allows products made from this material not to emit unpleasant odors and not create a greenhouse effect in the cabin.

Working with eco-leather, as opposed to natural leather, is very pleasant. The artificial material is smooth, soft and pleasant to the touch. Its texture allows for excellent gluing and sewing of the fabric.

When working with natural materials, the master faces a number of “natural” problems. These are elongation of the edges, unevenness of the surface structure and its “lifetime” defects. There are no such problems when working with eco-leather. Currently, this artificial material is not only similar in its properties to the original, but has also surpassed it in some characteristics. For example, the physical and chemical parameters of eco-leather do not allow stretch marks and cracks to appear on it. In addition, despite its softness, this fabric has quite high strength.

How to choose the right material for car seats?

When ordering seat covers, you need to look at all the offered samples. Rub and crush in your hands, smell, look at the cut of the material. Eco-leather covers last for many seasons. Their choice is justified if the car is planned to be used for a long time and not replaced in a couple of years. Classic colors and models are preferable. Although shocking lovers can choose a catchy color, original stitching and contrasting inserts.

If the upholstery selected from the sample is only available to order, you should wait. It's better to receive exactly what you ordered. Car covers will be made from high-quality eco-leather from a reliable supplier. It is worth thinking about comfortable additions.

An ergonomic cushion under the lower back will relieve the strain on your back on long trips. A foam insert with a shaped screed in the central part of the seat and back will add comfort to the driver and passengers. The screed looks expensive and looks more elegant than inserts in contrasting colors.

Seats in eco-leather covers do not create problems for the driver on long trips. They are superior to natural leather in strength and wear resistance. A car finished inside with this material corresponds to the business class level. The choice of an interesting color, a perforated insert on the back and high-quality tailoring transform the car’s interior.

Eco-leather on car covers must be at least 1 mm thick. Thinner material is cheaper. It is perfect for upholstering sofas and armchairs. But car covers experience increased stress. Clothes rub hard against the seats when boarding.

Eco-leather covers wear out before the warranty period if the manufacturer does not comply with the requirements for the thickness of the polymer layer.

Negative characteristics of eco-leather covers

• Lack of proper experience in installing seat covers will negatively affect the quality of the work you complete . For the first time, doing this on your own and without flaws is quite problematic. Irregularities may appear, which will bend over time and take on an unsightly appearance.
• In summer, when the weather is hot and sunny, the capes heat up quickly . It’s not pleasant to sit in a car where the seats are heated to temperatures that are uncomfortable for the body. The air conditioner copes with this task without any problems. Considering that in the summer there is practically no need to warm up the engine, quite a lot of time is spent cooling the seats.
• In winter, sub-zero temperatures also change the properties of polyurethane . The covers become hard and cold. Having a heated seat function will change the situation for the better. But of course, no one will return the dozens of minutes spent on creating comfortable conditions in the cabin for the driver and passengers.
• In case of deep chipped or cut damage, the capes cannot be repaired. The polyurethane in these places begins to rapidly peel off, exposing the fabric base.
• Covers should be cared for without using cleaning agents containing chlorine . The price to pay for using chlorine-containing products may be loss of color.
• Not all cars will be able to quickly and easily find the model you like. Manufacturers motivate this fact by the lack of demand for products that are intended for installation in rare and unpopular machines.

How to care for leather car covers?

Special products for the care of eco-leather allow you to install light-colored covers on car seats. The chairs inevitably get dirty with slush from clothes. In summer, sweat mixed with city dust remains on them. If dirt cannot be removed with a damp cloth, you will have to study the range of leather and eco-leather cleaners in the car store. Before you buy, you need to ask the seller what they take most often.

You can study reviews about the effectiveness of various products on forums, but each manufacturer praises itself. A proven product can be recommended at a cover sewing salon. There are special recommendations from manufacturers for caring for different brands of eco-leather.

It is better for the car owner not to spill red wine and tomato sauce on light-colored eco-leather car covers. The porous structure of polyurethane is more pleasant than leatherette, but the dyes are instantly absorbed. You will have to spend more time and cleaning product to remove the stain.

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If the leatherette is not afraid of water, it is recommended to wipe eco-leather covers immediately, not allowing moisture to be absorbed. The same recommendations are given to owners of luxury foreign cars, upholstered inside with wood and natural suede.

Hydrophobia is attributed to the lack of eco-leather covers. New materials, for example, MB Tech, will not be damaged by mineral water spilled on the seat. Car seats should not be washed with water or left on wet clothes. Use special products to care for and remove stains.

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Since eco-leather has a porous structure, it is suitable for special cosmetics for caring for products made from genuine leather.

Rules of care

The rating of car covers will help you choose the right model, but in order for eco-leather covers to wear well and not lose their appearance, you should follow the following care rules:

• When sitting down in clothes with sharp zippers, you need to be careful not to cut through the covering.
• Bleach or abrasives may scratch the surface.
• The covers should be cleaned with a soft sponge once every three months using artificial leather care products.
• Once every few months, the surfaces of car seats should be treated with a dirt-repellent spray.
• Eco-leather cannot be washed in a washing machine or dried with a hair dryer - overheating leads to deformation of the material.
• It is best to dry items at room temperature.
• Fresh dirt should be removed immediately before the dirt gets into the skin. Cleaning is carried out with a soft sponge soaked in a 40% solution of laundry soap or alcohol.

Car covers and seat covers help to quickly transform the interior of a car without the expense of reupholstering or temporarily protect the “original” seat upholstery while traveling with children or traveling outdoors.

How do covers behave in the cold?

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It is believed that eco-leather on car seats freezes in the cold. This could happen in Yakutsk or Norilsk at temperatures below -35. In such weather, leatherettes become covered with cracks. Polyurethane is a frost-resistant material with low thermal conductivity. It is even used as insulation in construction. In particularly harsh winters, you need to turn on heated seats or put fabric covers on the seats.

In the hot sun, the interior of the car becomes hot, along with the seats and covers. The air conditioner normalizes the temperature in minutes.

The main criteria for choosing such cases

There are six important nuances when choosing car covers.

For a specific model or for all types

Most people buy universal cases. They are not expensive and you won’t mind throwing them away in the future. Model capes are sewn for specific cars.

Model cases

Model cases

You need to check with the seller about availability. In this case, it is necessary to indicate the car make, model, production date, body type, whether it is equipped with a rear armrest, what kind of backrest is on the rear seat, the number of headrests (working/non-working), and other nuances of the car.

Eco-leather for car covers (fabric)

It can be eco, dermatin or leather. The base can be cotton or artificial.

What fastenings

Elastic bands around the perimeter are mainly used, with additional hooks or clips.

Quality of production and fit of patterns

Before purchasing, it is better to check several sites and reviews about the cases you need to buy. They should be without folds, bends and fit snugly to the chair. Should not hang or be large in size.

Interior design

Price

Good eco-leather car covers, today (August 12, 2019) have a price of 5,000 thousand rubles. You can get good discounts during seasonal sales. High price, these are high-quality raw materials, fittings, etc. You should not buy kits in the markets, without a receipt, from dubious sellers, and at a low price.

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