Artificial suede for furniture, cars, clothing: advantages and disadvantages

“Since the emergence of artificial suede, human life has become more beautiful and comfortable. A wide range of types, affordable prices and stunning performance have made Substitute a leader, one that not only transcends the need for original materials but also discovers options for new uses.

At any time, natural suede was an expensive material and out of reach of most people. Only a few people can afford a few pairs of suede boots. However, everything changed when the first man-made fibers were invented. Soon, fabrics that imitated the natural originals in appearance and consumer characteristics soon appeared in the public domain – alternatives to silk, leather and, of course, suede. Modern man-made fabrics are high-tech materials that are mass-produced in large factories. It comes in two types: woven and non-woven, with the latter sprayed from various man-made fibers.

The best, most durable, and most expensive faux suede based on woven fabrics is made from microfiber. In production, the front side of the woven microfiber is first raised to the smallest fibers using a special brush, and then polished to obtain an even, smooth surface. Additionally, there is a technique that “bonds” two materials, a woven base and a polymer top, via an adhesive backing and a protective solution. The result is a fabric that’s a good quality, but denser and less breathable than the microfiber version.

One of the quickest and relatively easy ways to obtain suede fabric by spraying
is to spray polyester onto a base that is usually made of a man-made material. Their length and density depend on the type of pattern in the final product.

The surface is then sanded and treated with a Teflon solution to increase strength or make it water-resistant. However, it still tears easily, is less comfortable on the skin, and loses moisture resistance quickly.

Static
One of the cheapest types of faux suede is made using an electrostatic field of high electrical potential (over 50,000V). A layer of PVC resin is poured onto a fabric base (most commonly a tarp) and remains tacky for a period of time. The finely ground viscose fibers are then placed in an electrostatic field, causing them to adhere, polarize, and then align perpendicular to the substrate.

The excess is carded off and the resulting soft surface is additionally fixed with an adhesive substance, dried and painted. This suede fabric is cheaper than other fabrics, but due to its PVC base, it barely allows air and moisture to pass through, making it uncomfortable in contact with the skin. Used to make accessories, waterproof outerwear, and for interior decoration.

Properties
Modern technology works wonders: textile alternatives are not only identical to their natural counterparts in many aspects, but also significantly better than them.

Characteristics of suede fabric:

Wear resistance;
fade resistance;
uniform color;
no defects.
Additionally, faux suede does not build up static charges, does not crack, and does not absorb dirt and water. Relatively fire-resistant, will not catch fire or melt due to sparks.

Varieties
Like all man-made materials, suede comes in many varieties, and the variety is increasing every day as production adapts to consumer demand. Special artificial suedes for clothing appeared, these materials were targeted at the shoe industry, for the production of accessories, for the interior decoration of car showrooms – all with new properties that fully meet the needs of modern people.

Alcantara Fully synthetic suede alternative, patented by Italy-based Alcantara SpA for upholstery and upholstery, as curtain and upholstery material
Scuba diving double layer fabric, Upper – Polyester suede surface, Combined with a neoprene base, it is very valued in the fashion industry. For example, the Prada fashion house has been using scuba since 2018. It is used to sew men’s and women’s clothing and thermal underwear. Suede on a knitted base of double-sided suede fabric, usually
with Has extra elastane to ensure an excellent fit. Used for sewing women’s and children’s
clothing. Perforated rayon velvet is highly absorbent, durable, chemical-resistant and cleans well. Suitable for cleaning, polishing and washing in various industries, especially suitable for computer equipment, jewelry, automobiles

The choice of colours, textures and densities of man-made fabrics is stunning: knits, stretch, fur linings, matte and glossy coatings, opening up huge scope for creativity where, for quite objective reasons, original fabrics would simply not be possible This situation.

Differences between natural suede and alternatives
Despite their many similarities, natural suede and artificial suede are still easy to differentiate:

Natural materials have imperfections; if you look carefully, the characteristics of the leather used in suede are obvious; suede
smells like tanned leather, and this smell cannot be confused with other smells;
natural colors are not as uniform as artificial ones;
natural materials range from center to The edges vary in thickness.
Natural materials have a “”memory”” effect: if you run your hand over the surface, the fibers change direction and the color becomes lighter. However, in recent years some types of artifacts have emerged that have similar effects.

Unlike natural materials, man-made materials are supplied in conveniently sized rolls, which greatly simplifies cutting and sewing for clothing or use as furniture upholstery. Additionally, suede fabrics are much cheaper than any natural suede fabric.

Where is it used?
Alternatives to natural suede can be found everywhere, from the music industry (as supports for wind instruments) to sewing clothes, shoes, covers, curtains and upgrading the interior of any vehicle.

Sewing clothes, bags, shoes, accessories
To make clothes and shoes made of synthetic suede comfortable and not irritating to the skin, choose a type of fabric with a natural base – cotton or silk, or, like a coat, combine suede Place on lining. For dresses and suits, there is a wide range of suede knitwear.

Artificial suede with good water-repellent impregnation successfully combines all the properties required for high-quality sneakers. The relative ease of care and affordable price make them an ideal solution for dress shoes, which are typically replaced each season to keep up with the latest fashion trends.

Accessories – bags, backpacks, wallets, belts – are often made from PVC alternatives, which increases their lifespan and also makes them more resistant to environmental influences.

Upholstery
The best faux suede for furniture is microfiber material. These covers are easy to care for, easy to wash and dry, and are stronger and more wear-resistant.

Suede-covered furniture should be vacuumed regularly and cleaned with dry salt and a soft brush. It is recommended to purchase brushes with special attachments such as erasers or rollers.

Vehicle Upholstery
Seat covers in vehicles typically wear out more easily than furniture in your home, so automotive faux suede shouldn’t be too finicky to clean and care for.

It is recommended to keep a special repair agent and squeegee with you in the salon to eliminate the problem immediately and prevent it from getting old. Since suede absorbs odors, the car’s interior needs to be cleaned regularly at home with a steamer or a special service.

Positive and Negative Aspects of the Material
Faux suede is a beautiful and functional material that will make you fall in love with it the moment you touch it.

advantage:

Wide range, low price;
lightness and plasticity;
comfortable touch.
Wearing clothes made of artificial analogues is very convenient, since it does not stretch, stretch or wrinkle. Upholstery made of this material will not slip and will not wear out.

However, it also has some drawbacks, but they are easy to adapt to. If we leave aside the instability of active injuries (such as puncture wounds from a pet’s paw or sharp objects), the only disadvantage remains: the artificial version is difficult to care for.

Care characteristics of suede fabrics

Faux suede is fickle and requires careful care. Some types cannot be washed or cleaned at home, so first you’ll want to carefully study the label or manufacturer’s recommendations.

Dry Cleaning
For hygiene purposes, items must be cleaned regularly. A rubber brush is suitable for this, but you will need to “”comb”” the material in one direction. The stain will be allowed to dry and then gently washed away.

Outerwear and accessories made of suede should be dry cleaned if they are heavily soiled. However, if the product is soiled in some way, it is not recommended under any circumstances to wash it or use stain removers.

Or you can fight fire with fire: For example, use acetone to remove nail polish, alcohol to remove lipstick, and soda to remove tea stains. Do not rub, only gently blot.

Washing and ironing

You can wash suede fabric in a regular machine using a mild detergent on gentle cycle and wring it out. However, we must remember that artificial pile fabrics cannot withstand high temperatures and high speeds; improper washing may irreversibly damage the product.

Use only napkins and iron on the soft base from the wrong side. If the pile breaks, spray with steam, but from a distance.

Restoring Wear and Color
To restore the structure and color of faux suede, special products are commercially available that work very well.”