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PU leather samples in a range of colors and grains
Materials · PU

PU Leather Fabric

Solvent-based, water-based, solvent-free, and semi-PU leather in rolls from Fuzhou Leather, made to your color, texture, and backing.

Request SamplesYou approve a counter-sample before bulk production.
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Product range

PU Leather Samples

Samples from our solvent-based, solvent-free, and semi-PU constructions. Filter by type, click an image to view it larger, or request a sample.

Solvent-Based PU

Printed Pattern Range

Printed patterns on grey, pink, olive, and blue.

Sample
Solvent-Based PU

Printed Swatch Fan

Printed swatches in pink, purple, and blue.

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Solvent-Based PU

Grey Print Range

A grey printed sheet with pink, olive, and blue bands.

Sample
Solvent-Based PU

Pastel Print Range

Printed patterns in pink, olive, purple, and blue.

Sample
Solvent-Free PU

Light Mint and Grey

Pale mint and grey sheets in a soft wave.

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Solvent-Free PU

Mint, Teal, and Cream

Mint, teal, and cream sheets side by side.

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Solvent-Free PU

Black and Beige

Black and beige sheets side by side.

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Solvent-Free PU

Brown and Black Close-Up

Brown and black sheets curled to show the surface.

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Solvent-Free PU

Dark Brown Wave

Dark brown and black sheets in a wave.

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Solvent-Free PU

Multi-Color Swatch Fan

A fan of swatches across many colors.

Sample
Semi-PU

Green and Black

A green sheet on a black base.

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Semi-PU

Green and Black Fold

Green and black sheets folded at the corner.

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Semi-PU

Green and Black Close-Up

Green and black sheets up close.

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Semi-PU

Neon Yellow and Green

Neon yellow and green sheets on a black base.

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Semi-PU

Printed Rainsuit

A printed children's rainsuit, shown as an application example.

Sample
Semi-PU

Yellow Rain Jacket

A yellow hooded rain jacket, shown as an application example.

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Semi-PU

Red Raincoat

A red children's raincoat, shown as an application example.

Sample

Samples shown are examples. Colors are matched to your physical reference sample.

Overview

What Is PU Leather?

PU leather is a fabric base coated with polyurethane to look and feel like leather. It is also called polyurethane leather, and the material itself is sold as PU-coated fabric. Because the surface is manufactured, it can be made in a wide range of hand-feels, colors, and finishes.

PU leather is one type of faux leather, which is the wider name for any leather imitation. Leatherette and pleather are other names for the same family.

Faux leatherLeatherette · PleatherPVCPU leatherPolyurethane leatherPU-coated fabric
Process

How PU Leather Is Made

  1. Base fabric

    A woven, knitted, non-woven, or microfiber substrate is selected and inspected.

  2. Coating

    Polyurethane layers are applied to the base fabric or to release paper at controlled thickness.

  3. Curing

    Oven curing or coagulation bonds the coating and sets its strength and hand-feel.

  4. Finishing

    Embossing rollers or printing lines create the target grain, gloss, and texture.

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Some products sold as PU leather put polyurethane over a split-leather backing. These are called bicast, and they are not animal-free. Our PU leather is built on fabric bases.

Constructions

Four PU Constructions

Fuzhou Leather manufactures PU leather in four constructions, in rolls for furniture, footwear, bag, garment, and seating makers. The difference between the first three is the coating system.

02
Construction

Water-based PU

Water is the main medium in the coating

Water-Based PU
Specification

Standard Specification: Solvent-Free PU

These are standard figures for solvent-free PU. Thickness, base fabric, and texture can be adjusted. Specifications for other constructions depend on the product, so send your requirement.

Choosing between the four PU constructions?

Send your application and a reference sample. We will recommend which one fits and make a counter-sample for you to approve.

Request a PU Counter-Sample
ItemStandard · Solvent-free PU
Width
137cm
Thickness
0.4–0.5mm
Weight
170–240gsm
Base fabric
Woven, warp-knitted, or microfiber
Textures
Full grain, animal-skin looks, fashion crackle
Supply
Rolls; colors made to your reference
Pros & limits

Advantages and Limits of PU Leather

Advantages

  • Made without animal hide
  • Uniform surface from roll to roll
  • A wide range of colors, textures, and finishes
  • Wipes clean

Limits

  • A coated surface breathes less than natural leather
  • Does not develop a patina with age
  • Water-resistant, not fully waterproof
  • Quality depends on the construction: base fabric, coating, and thickness
Durability

How Long Does PU Leather Last?

There is no single lifespan. Quoted figures vary widely because PU leather varies widely. Three things decide it: the base fabric, the thickness and quality of the coating, and how the product is used.

PU that cracks or peels has usually failed at the coating, often after long exposure to moisture, heat, or repeated bending. This is why we test finished rolls for flex durability and abrasion resistance.

Water resistance

Is PU Leather Waterproof?

PU leather is water-resistant. Light moisture and spills sit on the surface and wipe off. It is not designed for long immersion. If you need a fully waterproof surface, PVC leather is the construction to look at.

PVC Leather →
Compare

PU Leather Compared With Other Materials

  • PU leather

    Polyurethane coating; a wide range of hand-feels

    PVC leather

    PVC coating; waterproof and wear-resistant

  • PU leather

    Coating on a fabric base

    Microfiber leather

    Microfiber base combined with polyurethane

  • PU leather

    Made without animal hide; uniform surface

    Genuine leather

    Animal hide; breathes better and develops a patina

PU leather samples in different colors and finishes
Specify

What You Can Specify

  1. 1

    Thickness

    Adjusted for structural firmness or soft drape.

  2. 2

    Backing

    Knitted, woven, brushed, non-woven, or microfiber.

  3. 3

    Surface

    Matte, semi-matte, glossy, two-tone, or distressed.

  4. 4

    Texture

    Custom embossing to your sample or artwork.

  5. 5

    Color and print

    Matched to your reference; digital printing available.

Care

Care and Cleaning Guidance for Your Customers

Confirm care instructions for your own product and construction before printing them on labels.

  • Wipe with a soft damp cloth and a mild soap solution.

  • Avoid strong solvents and abrasive cleaners.

  • Keep away from long exposure to heat and direct sun.

How to identify

How to Tell PU Leather From Genuine Leather

  • Back of the material

    PU leather shows a fabric or paper backing. Genuine leather shows a fibrous suede-like reverse.

  • Surface grain

    PU grain is uniform and repeats. Genuine leather varies from spot to spot.

  • Edges

    A cut PU edge shows the coating layer over the fabric.

Applications

Where PU Leather Is Used

Ordering

Ordering PU Leather

500–800m per color

MOQ is 500–800 meters per color, depending on the construction and product page. For existing textures and colors, we can send swatch samples. For custom projects, mail us a physical reference and we will make a counter-sample for your approval.

Existing textures & colors

Swatch samples

Choose texture & color→Swatch samples
Custom projects

Counter-sample

Physical reference→Counter-sample→Your approval

Finished rolls are tested for abrasion resistance, flex durability, and colorfastness. Production parameters are fixed and recorded from the approved sample, and each bulk batch is checked against it.

Abrasion resistanceFlex durabilityColorfastness
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PU stand for?
Polyurethane. PU leather is a polyurethane layer on a fabric base.
Is PU leather real leather?
No. It is a synthetic material. Only bicast products use real leather as a backing.
Is PU leather the same as faux leather?
PU leather is a type of faux leather. Faux leather is the wider name, and it also includes PVC and other types.
Is PU leather better than PVC?
Neither is better in every case. PU suits a wide range of hand-feels and finishes. PVC suits a waterproof, wear-resistant surface. Choose by your product and use.
Is PU leather good for furniture, bags, and shoes?
Yes. These are its main uses. Which construction fits depends on the part and the wear it sees. See our application pages.
Is PU leather vegan?
When built on a fabric base, it contains no animal hide.
Which PU construction should I choose?
It depends on your application and any requirements on the coating. Send both, and we will recommend one.
What is the minimum order?
500–800 meters per color, depending on the construction and product page.

Send an inquiry

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2Your project

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