What kind of material is a nubuck?

Leather and suede, both natural and artificial, have long since become firmly established in our lives and everyone knows what their differences areand why they are used. But what for the material Nubuk, which many praise so much and from which today they sew not only shoes, but also upholstery for furniture - this issue is still asked. You will get full information about this material from this review.

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Nubuck -

production features The Nubuk material( natural) is similar to the usual suede, but its manufacture is somewhat different. To understand the difference, it is enough to know the following:

1. As the main raw material for the manufacture of nubuck, only the skin of large animals - deer, moose, yaks - is used. Suede is usually produced from the skin of small cattle.
2. Tanning technology is also different - for this process, mineral salts, usually chrome ones, are used to obtain nubuck material. Suede treatment is carried out by fatty and formaldehyde substances.
3. In appearance, to understand that for the material nubuck, too easy. The pile is rather short, and the material itself is hard and hard. Suede in tactile comparison is characterized by greater softness and lint height.

Important! Proceeding from such peculiarities of production, it is easy to conclude that the nubuck is more wear-resistant, although it also requires a neat attitude.

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The main pros and cons of the

In addition to its durability and longer life, the nubuck has the following advantages:

• is less prone to mashing;
• has excellent air permeability;
• has a higher strength factor;
• is light and practical.

Important! Disadvantages of the classic for all types of natural leather materials - poorly tolerates excess moisture or direct exposure to water. Although if there is a choice of nubuk or skin - which is better by the criterion of resistance to moisture and ease of care, it is better to give the natural skin. If you are willing to spend a certain amount of time on care, choose shoes or upholstery with high decorative properties - it's only a nubuck.

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Types of

In order to have a more complete idea of ​​what a Nubuck material is, you need to familiarize yourself with what it can be. To date, manufacturers of leather materials produce such variations of nubuck.

Natural

Here, as a basis, it is the skin of cattle that is tanned by special technology. The outer surface at the end is treated with small abrasive devices and substances - sandpaper or sand, thereby achieving the evenness of the material with a fine pile.

Important! According to the characteristics it is not very practical - it has a more decorative purpose because of its velvety structure. Suitable as an upholstery for any soft furniture.

Artificial

Unlike natural, artificial nubuck is very practical, because its composition is based on various polymers. The required structure and thickness of the material are obtained by successive spraying of the layers.

Important! This material not only tolerates the impact of moisture, but also any mechanical influence, temperature fluctuations. Due to the artificial base, this nubuck material for shoes is not very suitable, since it does not allow the skin to breathe fully. But as a decorative upholstery for rooms with intensive use and difficult conditions - kitchens, living rooms, hallways, will be just right. In addition, it costs an order of magnitude cheaper.

Nubuk-Oil

This kind of natural material appeared relatively recently. The main difference from classic nubuck is that after finishing tanning, the material is impregnated with special oil solutions in several stages.

Important! Nubuk-Oil in the end turns out not very velvety and even slightly moist to the touch, but its characteristics are much higher:

• it is easier to tolerate the direct effects of water and chemicals;
• retains its strength for longer;
• does not degrade at very high or low temperatures.

Great for manufacturing high-end designer shoes, which can be worn for more than 1 year.

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Price

If we talk about the fact that for the material Nubuk in general, it refers to the price group of the premium class. Comparing with products from more familiar leather or suede, you can draw the following conclusion:

• natural nubuck will cost a bit less than suede, but definitely more expensive than smooth skin;
• artificial nubuck - it is difficult to determine what is more profitable, it all depends on the manufacturer of artificial nubuck, leather, suede and the quality of raw materials in the basis.

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Nubuck care

Nubuck looks very interesting and dignified, that's why it attracts buyers attention when choosing not only footwear for any season, but also as an upholstery material. If you have decided for yourself that you prefer this particular option, simultaneously with the purchase of the main product or the upholstery cloth, purchase the necessary tools and care devices.

Important! It is desirable that ancillary care products are released under the same brand as the fabric itself or shoes.

For the care of the nubuck you will need:

1. Aerosol protective sprays. As a rule, these are moisture-repellent and antistatic agents that prevent contamination. The treatment of the product must be carried out immediately after purchase on arrival home. Then - as necessary, for example, before going out on the street in nubuck shoes in slushy or snowy weather.
2. Special brushes. To clean the nubuck, sponges and stiff brushes for smooth skin will not do, and tools to care for suede will not be very convenient. Therefore, buy exactly those on which there is a note "for nubuck" - they have the optimum stiffness and length / area of ​​the working surface.
3. If you need a thorough cleaning of the material from difficult spots, and there is no special tool at hand, use a not very concentrated solution of ammonia. It will take a few drops of alcohol for 1 tbsp.water.
4. Another way of cleaning is to hold the product over the steam, wait until the pile expands. Next - just walk on the surface with a brush and all the dirt will come down.

We hope now it became clear to you that for the material nubuck, where it is used and how comfortable it will be from it shoes or upholstery of your furniture. Correctly approach the choice of material, organize the necessary care for the interior or wardrobe and you will appreciate all the advantages of the Nubuk - its beauty, strength, tactile pleasantness, elegance.