What is the difference between nubuck and suede, the advantages and disadvantages of these materials? Almost identical in appearance, but so different in manufacturing methods and applications. The article discusses Interesting Facts about the types of leather, the characteristics and areas of their application are presented.
What is nubuck: a separate subspecies of leather
Now you can find on the market clothes and shoes made from ecological inexpensive materials: eco-leather, a substitute for natural fabric, cheap analogues from synthetic raw materials. Nubuck, like suede, is equated to a type of natural fabrics. At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish them: soft surface, matte finish and budget price range.
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The difference between nubuck and suede is as follows:
Such a sequence in the methods allows you to get a smooth surface with a minimum pile length. Elasticity is lost, and it is almost impossible to stretch the canvas, unlike suede. If not cared for, nubuck becomes greasy, moisture and natural fat are lost.
The porous surface allows air to pass through well, so the feet “breathe” in such shoes. The material is extremely susceptible to water. It is not recommended to wear nubuck shoes in slush and rain. The surface hardens and loses its elasticity. In order for the purchase to serve for a long time, you need to take care of it by treating it with impregnations.
Incompetent sellers often pass off nubuck as suede, increasing the cost of goods. The secrets of an experienced buyer, which can be found below, will help not to become a victim.
What is suede: material features
Suede, unlike nubuck, is an expensive material from a subspecies of polished leather. Such a dressing keeps its shape well, it is made from the skins of large animals. Raw materials at the production stage are processed with a fatty agent - tanning allows you to get a fabric with a thin velvety pile at the exit. It is tall, soft, not subject to deformation:
Among the shortcomings can be identified:
To make traces of use less noticeable, suede is treated with water-repellent agents, rubber sponges are used for cleaning. Visually, you can notice the differences between suede and nubuck. The photo shows:
This is a suede fabric. It is worth paying attention that villi are visible on it. Feels soft and smooth to the touch.
The nubuck canvas is somewhat different: the villi are visible, but they are practically not felt. With a long touch, there is a feeling of rubbing, smoothness, unusual for suede.
Reading time: 13 minutes
What is Nubuck material? This is a type of leather, and its name is a combination of the words new and buck (English - new suede). Nubuck leather is a type of polished leather that allows the grained surface to mimic the look of velvet or suede.
Natural nubuck has a soft and velvety surface that is used on the upper side of shoes and furniture. This material is more expensive than suede due to its durability. Nubuck is hard to distinguish from suede as both materials look and feel almost the same. The main difference between nubuck and suede is that nubuck is buffed on the outside of the leather while suede is buffed on the inside. Since the outer surface is more durable than the inner surface, nubuck lasts longer. It has many uses and many companies choose to use nubuck instead of suede for the product to be stronger and last longer.
Many people like the soft feel of velvet. The problem is that velvet requires quite complex care and is short-lived. Nubuck leather offers an alternative.
Many of their unique properties The material is indebted to the way it is made. If fat and fat-formaldehyde compounds are used for tanning suede, then nubuk is treated with mineral salts, often chromium. As a result of such tanning, the skin becomes more pliable in work and wear-resistant, but at the same time - capricious. Products made from it are resistant to stretching and perfectly withstand shock loads.
Some characteristics of nubuck are similar to aniline leather.
- Nubuck very soft to the touch
- Nubuck leather is very sensitive and easily scratched.
- Drops of water temporarily darken the skin, but after drying it returns to its original color
Kinds
There are several types of nubuck, and each of them has its own characteristics.
- Natural is a material tanned from the skin of cattle. For dressing, chrome salt is used, after which it is treated with fine materials from the face. It can be sand or sandpaper.
The material has a delicate velvety surface and a small pile. It is airtight and requires little maintenance. However, it is not wear-resistant and must be regularly treated with antiseptics and special products. It is more decorative than practical. It is more often used for upholstery of upholstered furniture - sofas, armchairs, etc.
- Artificial nubuck is made from synthetic raw materials by alternately spraying several layers of polymers. Outwardly, this material is actually similar to the natural version, only it is hydrophobic and does not allow air to pass through. And although shoes made of this material perfectly protect against rain, but the feet will sweat in them.
- Oil (oiled) is of natural origin. The material undergoes a special additional treatment from moisture: during the dressing it is impregnated with a composition of various oils. As a result, not only its wear resistance increases, but fatted nubuck acquires not velvety, but external moisture. Here's what it looks like:
Why is nubuck preferred over velvet or suede?
The main reason nubuck is preferred over velvet, suede or synthetic materials is durability. Manufacturers of velvet shoes and other garments that use velvet tend to have problems with the sewing of the material, leading many to use polyester corduroy as an alternative.
However, with synthetics, the authenticity of the product is lost and the risk of poor workmanship increases. Nubuck shoes are made from bovine leather, producing a thicker fabric than velvet, allowing the manufacturer to manage the production of shoes, wallets and the like without the typical durability issues that weaker materials present.
The top of the animal's hide is buffed to remove any imperfections that may be on the skin. And in "traditional" leather, this step is optional, in an attempt to imitate suede or velvet.
Softer material than "traditional" leather
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about leather goods is Italian shoes, wallets and belts. And while these products definitively dominate traditional leather, they are not representative of the versatility of leather, especially when it comes to nubuck. The traditional material has a very rough texture, which is essential for wallets and items that will constantly fold and unfold.
For example, nubuck shoes do not require the same thickness of leather. As a result, there is a level of flexibility for the user that doesn't strain when stitching or ruin the overall design.
What is nubuck made of?
According to Wikipedia, "Nubuk is similar to suede, but is made from other types of leather, usually from cattle." Here the added thickness affects the layer level and not the overall product.
In traditional leather, the skin of the animal is not polished and is used with all the roughness. For leather to be usable, it must be layered (thus it will have a thicker state). Nubuck is thicker and requires fewer layers. Therefore, when the overall layer is thicker, the overall product tends to be thinner.
What is nubuck in comparison with mass material, its pros and cons
In addition to the durability discussed earlier, synthetic materials present several problems for the buyer. Of course, there are nubuck shoe suppliers who mass-produce it, but there are many local manufacturers who also offer quality products.
According to Forbes, non-mass-produced products can have more consistent results by creating one flawless unit at a time. Joanne Mueller, Forbes contributor
And while the Forbes article focused on single cavity presses versus mass sewing methods, it's safe to conclude that similar results can be found in machines that have to cut, glue, compress, embroider, and mold (because most shoes have rubber soles) - they will have a higher level of inconsistencies in mass production than in single production. The fact is that synthetic materials are usually used in mass production, and not at the private level. The reason is that materials are sold in bulk (both in roll size and quality), which is not ideal for a local leather manufacturer.
Nubuck is considered high quality or luxury leather. This in itself puts the product above quality leather. However, the added value is confirmed by the added elasticity of the leather upper and its versatility of use.
Flaws
Leather shoes Nubuck leather tends to be slightly more susceptible to water damage than "traditional" leather. As with any leather product, water can cause the material to first expand (because leather is an absorbent material) and then overcompensate with contraction as it dries. This puts stress on the adhesive, seams, and other areas of the shoe. In addition, it is prone to cracking and tearing if not cared for regularly.
- Water damage aside, buyers should be aware that nubuck is slightly more susceptible to staining than regular leather.
- As the pores open up a little more and polish is applied to the surface, any stains or dirt that comes into contact with the boot should be brushed off immediately.
- The surface of the nubuck also needs to be dyed to begin with, so any dyes that accidentally spill (like wine or other such stains that tend to have permanent effects) become harder to remove.
How to take care of this skin?
Perhaps the biggest limiting factor for a particular material is the care and maintenance that is required to keep the object in good condition. Stains and dust penetrate the threads of the material and this requires a deep level of cleaning, sometimes special equipment if you have sofas. This is both expensive and inefficient.
When it comes to leather, maintenance usually involves the use of a cleaning product. Such is the case with nubuck. The only concern is the preservation of the fibers that give the illusion of velvet. Some cleaners and solvents have been shown to adversely affect the retention of this soft feel, and as such, anyone using a cleaner or leather conditioner should check their specifics.
What is the best way to care for nubuck leather boots? Proper care is critical to maintaining quality. Dirt and moisture have little effect on properly cared for boots.
Airing
The insoles absorb a lot of moisture and should be removed after every long ride as they dry out faster on the outside of the boot. This is especially important after many hours of wear. Ideally, a soaked leather boot should be dried for 24 hours before being used again.
Cleaning nubuck boots
Never leave boots dirty. Remember to remove the laces before cleaning or polishing your boots. After you take out the insoles and laces, wipe off any dirt from the surface. Nubuck is susceptible to staining and any stains should be removed as soon as they appear. Do not let the stains dry out as they are very difficult to remove completely afterwards.
- Medium levels of soiling require only cleaning with warm water and soap, which can also be used to clean the soles.
- Very dirty boots should be treated with cleaning products designed specifically for shoes. This type of product can be found in high-end shoe and sports stores.
Since cleaning and detergents open the pores and leave the skin unprotected, the water will be instantly absorbed. To avoid wet shoes on your next trip, it is important to thoroughly soak your boots to close the pores and restore their water repellency.
Drying
After cleaning leather boots with water, dry them completely before further processing. The best way to ensure this is to let them dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Also, if you've cleaned the inside of the boot, you can stuff it with newspaper for 30 minutes to get rid of excess water and reduce drying time.
Leather boots are somewhat sensitive to heat. Therefore, we recommend keeping the drying temperature at 37°C or lower. Do not place boots on a dry surface or near a radiator, fireplace, or other heat source. Wet skin can become brittle and shrink, often leading to cracks and other damage.
Impregnation of nubuck boots
The pores of a cleaned boot remain open due to the cleaning agents and it easily absorbs water. Soak boots to close pores.
- If the boot has waterproof Gore-Tex® technology, it is important to use a special impregnation.
- Shoes without Gore-Tex® can be treated with any type of leather impregnation.
It is preferable to apply the impregnation in two layers, but first dry them before adding the second. Then let the boot dry again.
- The impregnation maintains the breathability properties of the boots and they will not absorb water.
- Proper care keeps dirt from adhering to the outer material and protects against wear. On the other hand, untreated leather will be very susceptible to damage.
- Remember to clean your nubuck boots frequently with shoe balm or wax and polish properly. This is especially important after they get wet, as shoe polish provides extra protection.
What types of impregnation should be used?
For material with a non-sanded surface, wax-based shoe care products are generally recommended. After thorough cleaning, it may be useful to use a liquid impregnation as a base coat. Boots with waterproof Gore-Tex® technology must be treated with a special impregnation.
Do not use high-fat products on unsanded leather as this reduces breathability and can lead to sticky feet.
Boots without Gore-Tex® can be treated with any type of leather treatment, but we do not recommend care products with creosote (resin) for environmental reasons.
Cream impregnation for shoes Saphir Graisse Hp Dubbin
Tarrago Nubuck Suede Renovator
| Duke of Dubbin Duke Velours Nubuck shoe polish, 100 ml, colorless | Liquid cream for the care of shoes made of suede, velor, nubuck and textile. Protects a product from moisture, prevents formation of steady pollution. Refreshes the color and makes the product softer and more pleasant to the touch. |  |
| Eraser for shoe care Collonil "Nubuk Box/Vel.Nub.Box", for suede, velor, nubuck | Collonil "Nubuk Box/Vel.Nub.Box" eraser is designed for dry, delicate cleaning and combing of suede, velor and nubuck products. Suitable for use after impregnation and wet cleaning. The eraser is two-layer. The second layer is used as a crepe brush. Eraser for dry, delicate cleaning and combing suede, velor and nubuck. Suitable for use after impregnation and wet cleaning. The eraser is two-layer. The second layer is used as a crepe brush. |  |
| Shoe spray Collonil "Nubuk + Velours", for suede, velor, nubuck, color: colorless | Spray Collonil "Nubuk + Velours" based on fluorine is intended for the care and protection of products made of suede, velor, nubuck, textiles and membranes. Provides long-term protection against moisture, dirt and grease. Maintains breathability and material quality. Refreshes the color. Fluorine-based spray for the care and protection of products (clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, etc.) made of suede, velor, nubuck, textiles and membranes. Provides long-term protection against moisture, dirt and grease. Breathability and material quality to the touch are maintained. Refreshes the color. |  |
Use of creams on nubuck and suede leather
Boots made of nubuck and suede need special care so that they do not dry out. We recommend using a sponge to apply a special nubuck care cream that does not ruin the look. These products are less likely to clog the skin compared to conventional wax based products. Heavy brushing creates heat which aids in skin absorption. Gentle brushing with a stiff brush is a great way to freshen up original look nubuck and suede leather.
SILVER Cream paint for shoes Premium restorer for nubuck.
Many leather manufacturers suggest using a dust brush regularly.
How often do you need to take care of your shoes?
The frequency of impregnation depends on the amount of use.
Rule of thumb - look at the boots; when they start to absorb water and darker spots appear at some points, it's time for proper care. Before longer excursions or multi-day walks, it is recommended to carefully treat the boots. Properly treated boots will repel water.
You can apply shoe polish as often as you like. Remember that proper care will greatly extend the life of your boots.
Storage
Store your boots in a dry, cool and well ventilated place. Never store wet boots in damp areas or in a car, as they are prone to mold and discoloration. Also, don't store them directly on warm floors, as they dry out the rubber and reduce the life of the sole.
With frequent and proper care, your leather boots will serve you for many years!
Furniture cleaning
In the case of cleaning nubuck furniture, it is advised to vacuum it once a week to remove dust.
To clean up spilled liquids or to remove greasy spots on nubuck, use cotton fabrics or leather cleaners that are approved for nubuck.
Caring for nubuck furniture is very difficult. It is ideal for a home where neat adults live. You should not use such expensive furniture in homes with children or pets, as they can easily tear or stain the nubuck.
Why buy nubuck
Although there are several disadvantages of using more thin skin for your shoes and clothing, the good news is that the material is still much cheaper and more resistant to wear and tear than its alternatives. The aesthetics of nubuck are generally considered equal to luxury products. This doesn't mean you have to shell out a lot of money for shoes or even a nubuck sofa. There are so many manufacturers that the price range varies greatly.
Of course, the cheaper the purchase, the greater the admixture of synthetics and organic materials, but the choice is yours.
Cheaper, more durable, more aesthetically pleasing, higher quality production and ease of maintenance make it clear that nubuck is the solution for anyone looking for an alternative to velvet, standard leather or synthetics.
Maria Zakharova
A woman devoid of good taste, even in a stylish dress, will be tasteless.
Content
The velvety, suede-like look of leather has hit shoe and furniture stores recently, and shoppers are left with a lot of questions. Find out if such a material is really durable, for which its artificial counterpart is used. Find out what kind of care he needs at home, for what purposes he is used.
What is nubuck
If you saw the inscription "nubuck leather" in the store, be sure that this is a natural material, a special type of dressing of animal skin, mostly large ones. So that the product does not lose its properties, the base is treated in a special way. The product is classified into three types:
- natural;
- artificial;
Nubuck properties
Learn about nubuck - what kind of material, what is characteristic. If he is not familiar to you, but is often found in shoe boutiques, specify his main qualities. Shoes are valued for water resistance, impermeability, durability. Nubuck has all these properties if it is made specifically for sewing boots, sneakers, and boots. If the skin is processed for furniture finishing, then strength, wear resistance, and water-repellent properties are needed here.
Understand how nubuck differs from suede, because these materials feel and look similar. The main difference is that the processing is done with different materials, and suede is also obtained from dressed leather of small livestock. During tanning, nubuck is initially treated with salts, and suede with fats. The first type of skin is easier to clean than the second, and it is a little easier to care for.
To the touch the material is very delicate, soft, light, fleecy. Various chemical compounds and abrasive substances manage to achieve the desired consumer properties. Sand, chrome mineral salts are used for processing. Hydrophobic oil nubuck is finished with fatty compounds: to improve its water-repellent properties, it must be oiled during production.
Leather
What is nubuck leather? After treatment with salts and sand, the natural base becomes soft, slightly fleecy, pleasant to the touch, breathable. Often it is used in the furniture industry. Italian craftsmen appreciated the tactile properties of the fabric, furniture made from it is in demand and expensive. Shoes are almost never made from such a base - only sandals, because it:
- more decorative than practical;
- poorly withstands difficult climatic conditions;
- not very resistant to dirt, and it is difficult to clean it.
Faux nubuck
No animal skin is used in the production of this foundation. Various polymers are combined and layered on top of each other. The result is quality material with properties like:
- durability;
- dirt and moisture resistance;
- high resistance to temperature conditions, exposure to sunlight;
- softness;
- strength;
- resistance to pollution: products are easy to clean, care for them;
- low price.
The color range of artificial nubuck allows you to include this base in the production of both furniture and shoes. When buying custom-made furniture, you can paint the base in any tone. Among the colors in which products are made, you can see red, brown, black, beige, light blue, yellow, pink. Products from faux leather of this type is:
- indoor and outdoor shoes, boots, shoes;
- furniture upholstery;
- decorative napkins;
- bags;
- gloves.
Nubuck shoes: pros and cons
The advantages of nubuck shoes include a high level of durability, tactile qualities. But this foundation also has disadvantages, and there are many of them. What is nubuck for shoes? This is a number of nuances, for example:
- the need to buy special brushes for cleaning;
- rapid loss of appearance when worn in slushy weather;
- difficulty in cleaning is a significant drawback for those who are not ready to spend a lot of time caring for shoes;
- mandatory use of antistatic agents and other chemicals - the fabric will have to be processed regularly.
Today, more and more often you can find nubuck shoes on store shelves. Boots or boots look no worse than leather or suede, but at the same time they are much cheaper.
In order not to spoil boots or boots, you need to know: the care of nubuck shoes depends on the type of material. It is divided into several types.
Types of nubuck
Nubuck can be natural, artificial and oiled (nubuck-oil). These varieties differ in the way they are made.
natural nubuck
This is leather tanned with impurities of salts and chromium and treated on the front side with sand or sandpaper, due to which a fine, delicate pile is formed on the surface. The material has good breathability, but wear resistance leaves much to be desired. To protect natural nubuck from external influences and extend its service life, it must be regularly treated with special products.
Faux nubuck
Artificial nubuck is created on the basis of leatherette or synthetic materials. Outwardly, it is not easy to distinguish whether it is natural or not. But at the same time, the substitute is much cheaper, and the product is worn longer. The disadvantages of the synthetic version include the fact that shoes made of such material do not pass air well, and, therefore, are less comfortable.
In addition, artificial nubuck is easier to care for at home, it is much simpler and more practical to use than its natural counterpart.
Oiled nubuck (nubuck oil)
This material is obtained by tanning the natural skin of an animal, followed by impregnation with oil compositions. Its surface is less velvety than the natural or artificial type of this material.
Due to impregnation, nubuck-oil has water-repellent properties and increased wear resistance. For this reason, it is most commonly used in the footwear industry.
Pros and cons of nubuck shoes
Nubuck is more often used in the production of winter and demi-season shoes. The benefits of this material include:
- durable surface structure;
- high breathability, which allows the skin to breathe;
- long service life;
- the ability to retain heat;
- beautiful appearance.
In addition, nubuck boots or boots are significantly lower than leather or suede, but they look no less attractive.
However, with all the advantages, there are also disadvantages, for example, poor tolerance to water exposure. But this problem is easily solved thanks to special means that increase water-repellency, which are produced specifically for nubuck shoes.
Nubuck or leather: which is better?
Leather boots are considered ideal for winter: they retain heat, do not let in moisture from thawed snow, but at the same time “breathe”, since the material has good breathability. But in a frosty winter, it wears out faster, creases and cracks appear, because prolonged exposure to low temperatures harms leather products.
As for natural nubuck, it should be noted that it will protect your feet from frost just as well as skin and allow the skin to breathe. But in thaw, rain and slush, it is better to leave such boots at home, since the fabric will instantly get wet, which will lead to discomfort for the person and reduce the wear resistance of the material.
Boots made of artificial nubuck will also not allow you to freeze, their appearance is almost the same as natural, but such material does not allow air to pass through, which is bad for the health of the feet.
So which is better, nubuck or leather? If we are talking O winter boots, then when choosing, be guided by the climatic conditions of your area. For harsh and mostly frosty winters, it is better to purchase nubuck shoes. And for slushy and relatively warm - leather.
Which is better: nubuck or suede
At first glance, it is not easy to understand how to distinguish suede from nubuck. In fact, both are leather of a special dressing, only the processing methods differ. Artificial versions of these materials are also made on the same basis, it is leatherette or synthetics. The external difference is that nubuck has a smoother surface than suede.
So which is better, suede or nubuck? When it comes to natural materials, you need to know that the leather used in the manufacture of nubuck is of a higher quality than for the production of suede. In addition, the latter is less resistant to moisture.
Both materials look beautiful and expensive, and each consumer makes the final choice independently.
Nubuck care products
Care for nubuck shoes at home involves the use of special means. To restore the old look of boots or boots, dry cleaning is required. In addition, the shoes will need to be painted.
To care for such shoes you will need:
- Paint for nubuck shoes. This is the main care product for this type of material, in order to restore the attractive appearance of the shoe and the original color, it must be dyed. In addition, this measure improves the wear resistance of the material.
Before painting the boots, the surface will need to be cleaned of dirty, greasy and dusty stains, and paint should only be applied to a dry surface.
- Protective aerosol. Using this product will protect the material from moisture and help keep the color longer.
- Brush for nubuck shoes. With its help, comb small villi on the surface.
- Special shampoo. Nubuck shoes periodically require dry cleaning, and shampoo will help rid the surface of dirt, grease stains and streaks.
- Eraser for nubuck. If the dirt is not strong, they can be removed with an eraser so as not to expose the material to water.
When choosing products, pay attention to the labels on the packages. Only those on which there is a mark "for nubuck" will suit you.
To clean nubuck use special brushes How to clean nubuck shoes
How to clean nubuck shoes and do it right? Dry cleaning and painting of nubuck shoes is carried out in the following order:
- Shoes dry naturally.
- With the help of an eraser, stains and dust deposits are removed.
- The pile is evenly combed with a special brush.
- If the eraser could not cope with all the stains, dry cleaning with shampoo is required.
- The paint is applied. It is important to know that you can paint the product only after the material has dried after dry cleaning.
- Shoes are treated with a protective water-repellent agent after the paint has completely dried.
When dry-cleaning and painting nubuck shoes at home, you must carefully study the instructions for using special products. This will allow you to do the job correctly and not harm the delicate material.
How to restore nubuck
When you have worn shoes for a long time or actively used a bag made of this material, you can see the shiny spots on the product. Do not be afraid, these are crumpled villi, and it is not difficult to cope with the problem.
If there are few problem areas, and they are small, it is enough to process them with an eraser, and the attractive appearance of the thing will be restored. But in the case when the damage is extensive, it is better to use another method: hold the product over a pot of boiling water, and then comb the pile with a brush.
In addition to wrinkling the pile, the problem may be with the color of the product, it becomes not as bright as before. If the changes are minor, you can do this:
- Clean the product with a brush.
- Sprinkle fine salt on the surface and gently rub over the material. This nutritional supplement perfectly restores the structure and color.
- Shake off the pile from the grains, if necessary using a brush.
By doing this, you will remove the remaining dust that has eaten into the surface and freshen up the color of this thing.
How to dye nubuck
Nubuck needs to be repainted periodically. You can use only those compositions that are intended for this material, otherwise you will destroy the pile. You need to paint nubuck like this:
- Clean the product from dust and dirt with a special brush, if necessary, use shampoo and stain remover.
- Dry the nubuck. Remember that this material should dry naturally; you cannot place such products on radiators.
- Apply paint to the surface, and do it evenly. If you are using an aerosol, hold the can at some distance from the product.
- Wait for the nubuck to dry and evaluate the result. If the surface is uneven, repeat the procedure.
- After drying, comb the cleaned pile and apply a water-repellent composition to the material.
Remember: only dry material can be cleaned, painted and treated with anti-moisture agents.
How to care for nubuck shoes
A product such as nubuck shoes requires delicate handling and care for it must be not only correct, but also careful. The following rules must be observed in order for the boots to last a long time and retain their original appearance:
- Do not clean the product until the material is completely dry.
- You can dry shoes only in a natural way, in no case put them on a radiator or any heating devices, this will lead to deformation of the surface.
- Nubuck is contraindicated in conventional shoe creams, which are used for leather products. In this case, the material loses its “velvety”, and it will not be possible to restore the previous appearance of the product.
- You should not use ordinary soap, only a special shampoo should be used for dry cleaning.
- Shoes made of this material are afraid of water, so you can’t wash it, just wipe it with a dampened sponge.
- If you decide to paint the product, do it only after all dirt and grease has been removed from the surface, and the fabric has dried well. Otherwise, the paint will “lie down” unevenly.
- It is better to store nubuck boots in a bag of cotton fabric and not in a plastic bag.
By following these rules, you can keep the original look of your boots or boots for a long time, and they will serve you for more than one season.
Of course, the service life of shoes also depends on its initial quality, so you should not buy the cheapest options, but pick up a new thing from the middle price category.
Not really
When choosing shoes, a bag, a wallet or a belt, the buyer often has to deal with different materials. Genuine leather and suede prevail among them, but more and more often designers use nubuck to create beautiful things. What it is and what it is made of, many do not know. There is nothing surprising in this. Processing the skin in such a way that it acquires a velvety texture has become relatively recent.
Origin of material
Many consumers confuse nubuck and suede. Although they have some similarities, there are many more differences. Suede is thinner and more delicate. It is impossible to say about nubuck that it is a wear-resistant material. But it is much less affected by moisture and dirt. Most often used for the production of shoes.
The word "nubuck" itself has English roots, literally its translation means "new buckskin".
Perhaps at first it was made only from deerskin, but now it is made from the skin of cattle. The unique texture of the material is given by grinding with abrasive substances. The skin is lightly rubbed to create a low pile. Thanks to this, it has a pleasant velvety surface.
Application
Many people think when they see nubuck that this is a material suitable only for sewing demi-season or winter shoes. But experienced craftsmen who work with genuine leather in any form, will not agree with the opinion of the majority.
Nubuck is a noble material. Its natural hues, delicate fragrance, velvety surface and durability (with proper care) allow you to make both high-quality shoes and other accessories.
Most often you can find bags, wallets and belts, but furniture covered with nubuck is very popular in the West: comfortable, cozy sofas. Few people like familiar leather for home interiors. There are several reasons for this. The skin is cold in winter, and in summer, on the contrary, it can heat up quite a lot.
Be that as it may, boots, shoes, sandals, boots made of nubuck are its most common use.
Buckskin shoes
Not every buyer chooses shoes for himself not in appearance, but by studying the characteristics different models. The maximum that a person expects from shoes or boots is that the feet always remain dry and warm.
Nubuck is very breathable. This leather is ideal for tailoring. It will be warm until the very frosts, and it is also comfortable on a fine autumn or spring day.
The water repellency of ordinary nubuck is not very good. Manufacturers warn that it does not need to be wetted. It is better to wear such shoes in dry weather. If there is no other way out, then it can be treated with special water-repellent agents.
Varieties
In addition to products made from the traditional type of material, manufacturers offer customers shoes made from artificial or oil nubuck. What is it and how do these types differ from simple fleecy skin? To give the material additional moisture-repellent properties, a longer service life, it is impregnated with a special fatty solution.
After such treatment, the nubuck changes a little. It becomes as if wet to the touch and becomes much heavier. In this form, it is used for sewing winter shoes for children and adults. Impregnation makes the material very durable and resistant to water, dirt and various chemicals that are often sprinkled on the streets in winter.
Artificial nubuck looks very similar to natural. The resemblance is strong. A person who is not versed in wisdom will not immediately distinguish a fake.
By properties, these are two absolutely different material. Of the minuses, it should be noted that faux nubuck"does not breathe." But resistance to mechanical damage, waterproofness, good appearance are big pluses in using this material.
How to care for nubuck shoes
This question is one of the most frequent and painful. Why is that? You need to find out what care is for nubuck before the shoes are put into operation. This is a rule without exception.
In order to maintain a chic appearance, the product must be carefully looked after. In order to reassure the owners of shoes made from this wonderful material, it is worth saying that the care procedures themselves are very simple, even a child can handle them.
After acquiring shoes (before the first exit to the street), it must be sprayed several times. This is a special moisture-repellent spray paint for nubuck. She happens different shades, choosing the right spray for a particular pair of shoes is not difficult. Such a preventive measure will help to avoid rubbing in places where the skin comes into contact with trousers and on the ankles.
You need to touch up the nubuck every time after use. But before processing the material, it must be dried and cleaned of dust, dirt, sand. To do this, use special brushes. There are several varieties of them, all of them are good. If the house already has a special sponge or brush for suede - great! She will also cope with her task, she can also be used to care for nubuck. If you need to buy a brush, then there are plenty to choose from. They are made of bristles with a soft and delicate pile, foam rubber and rubber.
Strong dirt on nubuck should be gently wiped with a cloth moistened with water, but the shoes should be dried immediately. This will help to avoid an unpleasant "greasy" appearance.
So, the answers to the question: "Nubuk - what kind of material?" - received, but there are a few more important points:
- Dry cleaning is obligatory - washing shoes under a tap or rinsing in a basin will ruin it forever, it will no longer be possible to return the product to its normal state.
- The use of special cleaning products is allowed - this is a foam that is applied to pre-cleansed skin. After application, it is cleaned with a rag or sponge, and the shoes are dried.
- For the winter, boots or boots should be put in cardboard box or linen bag. A plastic bag for nubuck is not the best option.
