Faux leather is a synthetic, or artificial leather.  It's known by a few names – faux leather, pleather, and vinyl, to name a few.

Faux leather is a PU material which stands for Polyurethane and doesn’t contain any real leather.

PU and PVC leathers are different in their make up or structures.

PU has less material layers which makes it more pliable, and with its flexibility, makes it easier to work with.

Faux leather has more of a leather look. This comes from the polyurethane coating. The texture looks and feels like natural leather.

Faux leather has a fabric material backing, next is the skin layer, topped with a coat of polyurethane.

Vinyl is also classed as a synthetic or artificial leather. It’s known as vinyl or PVC leather.

Vinyl is a PVC material which stands for Polyvinyl Chloride.

PVC vinyl also mimics the look of leather. It contains no real animal products.

PVC contains more layers than PU making it tougher and more durable yet it’s still pliable.

PVC is made up of a fabric backing, then a layer of foam, a skin layer, then a plastic based coating.

Faux leather benefits include:

• more affordable than real leather
• low maintenance
• easy to work with
• UV resistant so it won't fade easily
• realistic look of real leather
• wide selection of colours and prints.

Vinyl benefits include:

• more affordable than real leather
• low maintenance
• easy to work with
• realistic look of real leather
• wide selection of colours
• very durable.

Faux leather disadvantages include:

• not breathable, unlike leather
• over time it can lose its luster (more so furniture and clothing) if not cared for properly
• over time it becomes prone to cracking if not cared for properly, and also from heavy use.

Vinyl disadvantages include:

• not breathable, unlike leather
• over time it can lose its luster if not looked after properly
• over time it can become prone to cracking and creasing from heavy use and age.

If you are looking for a realistic leather look, then aim for Faux Leather PU. 

If your project requires you to use something soft, flexible, and pliable, head to our A4 Faux Leather Panels or our larger Printed Pattern Products.

If your project needs to be durable and there will be heavy use, Vinyl Leather PVC is the way to go. Vinyl is more suited to, but not only:

• upholstery
• footwear
• outdoor/indoor furnishing
• clothing. 

Bag making uses both Faux and Vinyl Leather. 

Either Faux or Vinyl Leather is a perfect substitute for real leather. It’s cost effective, and has a vast range of colours and styles to choose from.

All PVC and PU Synthetic Leather fabrics require care and maintenance. This helps to prolong the life of the item you have.

The manufacturer recommends the following cleaning procedure.

• Remove any loose dirt or soiling with a suitable cloth (e.g. microfibre cloth) or soft bristled brush and lukewarm water.
• Apply a mild, lukewarm pH neutral soap solution with a sponge or soft bristled brush.
• Allow the soap to stand briefly, but not to dry.
• Remove soap residue with microfibre cloth and clean water.
• Dry thoroughly with dry microfibre cloth.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or cleaners containing solvents, gasoline, petroleum, or concentrated bleach. These have the potential to damage the fabric surface.

Charges are always made in our store location payment currency, which is the AU$ (Australian Dollar). 

Displaying prices in different currencies just lets our customers know the prices of their products in their own currency, without having to convert prices themselves.

The panels are pretty robust. I store my personal panels in a plastic container without the lid. When I travel the lids go on. It will be fine with or without the lid. I personally don’t over stack for no other reason than it makes it easier for me to find panels. As for sweating I haven’t experienced that at all with any sized faux or vinyl I have (personal stock) or sell. I will ask the printer for more info. Keeping your panels flat is the way to go. I haven’t had any trouble with panels being stacked. If you want to keep them rolled make sure you rest them meaning allow them to flatten out.

For printed faux leather rolls and A4 panels, there is a 2 week turnaround.