I’ve done my share of of RV and furniture jobs recovering seats where the polyurethane is just peeling off the backing. I tend to attribute this to UV and body oils, but what’s the real deal with this stuff?
Are there varieties that last longer? Are there treatments or cleaners that maximize the longevity of PU faux leathers or should I toss my sample books in the trash?
Anything on furniture/RVs/Boats that’s like a Faux leather are inferior materials… I’ve seen the same thing on early 2000’s SeaRay boat dinettes. I’ve replaced plenty of them.
Best Faux leather I’ve used is Ultra Leather. I was surprised how it held up on a customer’s, live aboard boat with 3 dogs. It’s actually pretty hard to scratch/damage almost like Sunbrella canvas in a vinyl sense.
I don't know what they are using but we have redone several MBZ vans where the seats and armrests were peeling and delaminating. And as far as UltraLeather, I had to redo the seats and wall panels in an airplane that was done in UL, it was terrible as bad as the stuff in the vans.
Sorry, John Webber, for not getting back to this. I do auto work in the southeast with all its heat and humidity. I’ve done a little reading and have learned that a significant factor for PU is the resins used to produce it. I’m not discontent with vinyl, I just need to get a feel for what products I can offer my customers that won’t peel away in short order.
Keep in mind that not all faux leather is the same. They come in different grades -- you want automotive grade. This way it's treated for higher levels of UV exposure, withstands more rubbing, etc.
You never want to use a fabric made for indoor furniture on automotive. Just like you never use automotive on marine. All these fabrics receive different chemical treatments to withstand the elements they'll face.
A good supplier should be able to point you in the right direction.