Bicast Leather Fabric: History, Properties, Uses, Care, Where to Buy
Bicast leather, also known as PU leather, is made using split leather backing, which is covered in a vinyl or polyurethane layer. While making leather, when the layer of grain with a higher grade splits off, the lower grade remains, and the Bicast is made using the same lower-grade grain. To make it shining and long-lasting, it has been coated with a thin layer of vinyl or polyurethane.
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History of Bicast Leather Fabric
The production of synthetic leather dates back to 1958 with China’s pursuit of making artificial and cheaper leather; therefore, the development of Bicast Leather started in China. The first PU or Bicast Leather appeared in the 1050s. Afterward, DuPont development of US-developed Bicast leather in 1964 for upper.
In the early days, Bicast leather was mainly used by the apparel industry. The industry used it for making polished shoes. Later, the furniture industry also adopted it, and today most of the leather sofas and furniture are made of Bicast Leather.
Properties of Bicast Leather Fabric
Unsightly Crack Development:
The item made of Bicast Leather creates unsightly cracks over time, and the only way to get rid of it is to replace it, and users have no other option.
Non-Durable:
Unlike other fabrics like Fleece, Denim, and natural leather, Bicast leather is not durable and long-lasting. It does not develop a natural patina like the original leather. Besides this, the original leather can last around 25-40 years while Bicast shows signs of normal wear and tear in just 6-8 months of use.
Budget-Friendly:
The major advantage of buying Bicast leather is its price. The original leather sofa costs around $6,000 while you can get a Bicast leather sofa for around $800. For customers with a lower budget, the Bicast leather is the most affordable option.
Uses of Bicast Leather Fabric
Shoes and Furniture:
Bicast leather was originally used for shoemaking. It allowed companies to manufacture cheaper footwear for those with a lower budget. But later, it was adopted by the furniture industry too. The furniture industry uses it for making sofas, settees, and couches.
Other Usages:
Along with shoes and furniture, Bicast leather also has a variety of other usages. From clothing, handbags, men’s bags, belts, and luggage to the vehicle, you will find products made of Bicast leather almost everywhere. It has been highly recognized in the market for its lower price in recent years.
Caring for Bicast Leather Fabric
Unlike the original leather and other fabrics like linen, the Bicast leather requires special care due to its nature and quality. It would help if you never cleaned it with products made for original leather’s cleanings. Special Bicast protectors can be used for preventing it from stickiness.
Sometimes you can fix small cracks with a hairdryer. However, while doing this, you should be cautious and try on the invisible areas like the furniture’s underside first.
If you want your Bicast leather items like furniture to be used for a longer duration, you should daily dust it with a dry cloth or a cloth free from slightly damp lint. The surfaces of Bicast leather should be protected and cleaned with its Colourlock Protector every 3-6 months. You should take some protector on a soft piece of cloth and wipe it gently over the surface. It removes soiling, preserves gloss, and makes the surface smooth.
Where to buy Bicast Leather Fabric
We recommend buying Bicast Leather fabric at Fabric.com.
