Caring for PU split leather and glossy artificial leather

PU split leather looks like genuine greased leather, but its construction is fundamentally different and it requires completely different care. The wrong care product does more harm here than none at all. Here we explain what is important and correct.

What is PU split leather?

PU split leather is sold under various names: “Bycast leather”, “pull-up look”, “pull-up leather” or simply “leather”, although strictly speaking it is coated split leather. It is a drum-dyed bovine split leather with a polyurethane coating. This film gives the leather stability, gloss and a grained structure, but not the natural breathability and warmth of genuine smooth leather. Due to the heavy coating, this leather feels “colder” than uncoated leather and is more likely to stick to the skin.

Risk of confusion: PU split leather and genuine greased leather (pull-up leather) look similar. The difference: a fingernail test produces a light mark on greased leather that can be rubbed out. There is no mark on PU leather. For genuine greased leather, read our guide here.

Why does PU leather require different care?

Traditional leather care products do not penetrate the leather through the polyurethane coating. Wax-based or oily products can even attack the PU coating and make it sticky. With PU leather, the priority is therefore not caring for the leather, but caring for the coating itself.

Areas with constant contact with skin and hair are particularly delicate: headrests, armrests and seating surfaces. There, body fats make the material sticky and cracked if it is not cleaned and cared for regularly. Cleaning and care in contact areas are therefore very important.

Cleaning and care

Dust PU split leather as needed with a lint-free, dry or slightly damp cloth. Every 3 to 6 months, and more frequently on contact areas if necessary, clean and care for it with PU-Protector. Lightly moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with PU-Protector and wipe the surface. Soiling is removed, the surface becomes supple again, slight signs of wear are evened out and the gloss is preserved.

Scratches

Deep scratches are more difficult to treat. A hair dryer can help with some scratches. The leather must be heated strongly, and with a little luck the scratch will almost disappear completely.

IMPORTANT: Excessive heat damages the coating irreparably. Always first make a comparable scratch in a concealed area underneath the sofa and test it. The method only works for scratches that are not too deep.

PU split leather is sensitive to fats. Therefore, no “conventional” leather care product should be used, and areas with constant contact with skin or hair in particular should be cleaned and cared for regularly with PU-Protector. Where possible and desired, contact areas should be protected with cushions and throws. PU coatings that are already damaged (matt, sticky, roughened, cracked) can rarely be repaired. Usually, only reupholstery or replacement remains.