Alcantara® Ultra suedeâ„¢, Ecsaine, Micro suede, etc) are not leather and would more accurately be described as a fabric, it is in fact a synthetic materials composed of 68% polyester and 32% urethane, it has the appearance and tactile feel similar to that of suede, and it may be incorrectly identified as such. Toray Industries` Ultra suede or Alcantara is finding application in seating as well as dash trimming, steering wheel covering and headliners in many high-end original equipment manufacturer (OEM) automotive applications.



Suede and Nubuck -suede has a napped surface and is made from the buffed inner surface of calfskin or kidskin. Nubuck is produced by buffing the exterior of the hide.



Identifying characteristics – these materials are very soft to the touch and will scratch or scuff very easily.



The water-drop absorbency test- water drops will darken the surface and will remain dark or leave a water mark after drying.



Absorbency rate –Very High



Well known for its use in top marque automobiles such as Aston Martin, BMW and Ferrari, this material is both hard wearing, luxurious and stylish. Suede is rarely used for automobile upholstery, however Nubuck or a synthetic known as Alcantara® or Ultra suedeâ„¢ is commonly found in sports luxury vehicles; on the steering wheel, armrests and seat inserts both for aesthetic purposes and grip (on the seats and steering wheel) and the headliner, it is highly absorbent, creating a texture similar to velvet, many people confuse this product with suede leather.



Often a ‘worn’ Alcantara ® covering is caused by the nap becoming flattened, in most cases it can be revived simply by cleaning with the correct chemicals and using a napping brush. As a general rule when cleaning Alcantara ®, etc you should only to use products specifically designed for this type of fabric. Avoid using a product designed for cleaning leather. It`s also important to do a patch test before cleaning any fabric to make sure the colour or integrity of the fabric won`t be damaged. To do this, apply your cleaning product to an inconspicuous area to see what the effect will be.



Use a napping brush to raise the pile and loosen / separate the fibres. Remove pilling with a single-sided razor blade and then apply a suitable cleaning solution on to an applicator pad and apply to one area at a time (do not over-wet the fabric or use wet steam).



Localized stains can be treated with a Limonene (citrus) based cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash) ensure surface is dry before use by leaving window cracked/open. Avoid alcohol, strong solvents or spirit based cleaners (particularly perchloroethyene and trichlorethylene). When cleaning a surface with finished leather / Alcantara, tape of the Alcantara to avoid cross contamination by products.



Protection



Leather Masterâ„¢ Nubuck Eco Protector (N-Nubuck / Alcantara®) Nubuck /Suede Protectant are a water based product for highly sensitive leathers, it took several years to perfect, and was difficult to formulate due to the potential damage caused by water. It may be used on furniture, clothing, shoes, and accessories.



Eco-Protector provides an oil, water and alcohol barrier on Nubuck and suede. This unique formula is a step forward from the previous Leather Master Aerosol protectant. In fact, it has several advantages over all aerosol protectants - non-flammable and very safe for consumer use, environmentally safe, solvent free formula.



Application Instructions:

• Use on new or cleaned Nubuck or suede only. If needed, pre-clean with Leather Master™ Foam Nubuck Cleaner.

• Adjust spray to finest mist setting and spray no less than 12 inches from the surface of the leather.

• It is much better to apply two light coats than a single heavy application.

• Allow leather to completely dry. You may speed this up with a hair dryer on mild heat.

• Lightly rub over the surface with a terry covered sponge to maximize & restore the surface.

• Reapply every 6 months after cleaning.



Maintenance- in order to preserve your upholstery, vigorous cleaning of accumulated dirt should be avoided as dirt / grit is abrasive and may damage the finish.



It is therefore recommended that regular cleaning is carried out by brushing seating areas with a soft upholstery brush and then vacuuming to remove dust and loose dirt. Avoid rubbing too strongly. The use of vapour steam is preferred. (Do not use wet steam or 303 Space Protectant on Alcantara®)



Weekly



Dust the fabric using a soft upholstery brush, and then vacuum. Then run a lightly damp 100% cotton micro fibre towel over the surface to remove any small dust particles.



Alternative products - Swissvax Alcantara Cleaner



Leather Masterâ„¢ Foam Cleaner (N-Nubuck / Alcantara ®, Ecsaine, Micro suede and Perforated Aniline leather ) is a solvent free pump action product, which is extremely efficient for the cleaning of general soiling and water based stains on Alcantara ®, Nubuck, brushed aniline suede and perforated leathers. Always pre-test the product on a hidden area. This cleaner is an aerosol version of Leather Masterâ„¢ Strong Cleaner.



Application - after removing any loose dirt or dust by brushing the nap with a soft napping brush to loosen and separate the fibres, especially on areas that have become matted with body oils, constantly moving the brush to avoid over scrubbing one spot, remove pilling carefully with a single-sided razor or battery operated fuzz remover.



Always pre-test the product on a hidden area. Shake the container thoroughly. Spray the product at a distance of 12 inches from the leather to one section at a time, and allow to remain in place for approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Foam contains a surfactant that will lift dirt and soil.



Then gently agitate surface with the sponge, rinsing frequently and adding more product as required. For heavily soiled areas, or where the leather has become ingrained such as in creases in the leather, a soft brush can be used to agitate and loosen the dirt.



Remove excess product and debris with a clean, damp 100% cotton micro fibre towel. If the foam is allowed to dry the soil will be re-deposited to the surface. Check the results and repeat process as necessary. Air dry seating areas or steering wheel with a low-heat airgun/ hairdryer



Nubuck Protection (N-Nubuck / Alcantara®) Repellence, resists soiling and helps protect against both water and oil based stains



(LM) Products made specifically for Nubuck (Alcantara®) leather

• Cleans refreshes and revitalises Nubuck, brushed aniline and suede leather without the need for any additional liquids or chemicals. At the same time it will restore the nap (surface appearance) of the leather to its` original look.

• Foam Cleaner is a mild solvent product, which is extremely efficient for the cleaning of general soiling and water based stains. Swisswax Leather Brush for use with leather cleaner

• Always pre-test the product on a hidden area.

• Protection helps to protect Alcantara Micro suede and Nubuck leather against stains from drinks and food; it also makes the surface easier to clean.



Nubuck and Suede



Both these types of leathers are rarely used in automobiles, although they are sometimes found in custom interiors. Nubuck and Alcantara® are often confused with Suede as they all have a short fibre pile and feel somewhat similar



This leather starts out as an aniline leather which the surface has been brushed or sanded, and have created a texture similar to velvet on leather. Many people confuse these with suede leather. Suede is the flesh side of a piece of leather and Nubuck is an effect that is done to the grain side, making it incredibly soft.



Creating a nap on the leather makes it even more absorbent than aniline leathers. Nubuck is top-grain cattle rawhide leather that has been sanded or buffed on the grain side, or outside, to give a slight nap of short protein fibres, producing a velvet-like surface. It is resistant to wear, and may be white or coloured



Nubuck is similar to suede; but it differs in that suede is created from the inner side of a hide, whereas Nubuck is created from the outer side of a hide, giving it more strength and thickness along with a fine grain. It is generally more expensive than suede, and must be coloured or dyed heavily to cover up the sanding and stamping process. [1]



• Nubuck leather has a soft, velvety short pile surface and is one of the most expensive leathers. Similar to Suede, Nubuck leather is far more durable and is subject to the same kind of easy staining that occurs with suede and often requires pre-treatment or stain resistant protection to extend its life.



• Both Suede and Nubuck both look and feel similar; both types of leather are sanded to produce the velvet soft feel.