Have you ever thought about what is bicast leather and why it’s so popular in making leather goods? If you’ve ever bought a pelt product at a budget price, chances are it was bicast leather. It’s an affordable alternative to real leather, but it still looks sleek and shiny, just like the real thing. You might be curious if bicast is genuine hide or if it holds up over time.
In this guide, we’ll break down what is bicast leather, the process of making it, and its pros and cons. By the end of this, you’ll know all there is to know about bicast pelt and whether it’s the right choice for your next pelt purchase.
What Is Bicast Leather?
Bicast leather is also known as bi-cast or by-cast leather. This is the style of leather coming from split leather and covered with a top layer of polyurethane or vinyl, embossed for a smooth, shiny finish.
It originated from its first use in the shoe-manufacturing industry, where by-cast hide is used for furniture, handbags, belts, and jackets, among other products. Even though it has a real pelt, it is not considered as being full-grain or top-grain leather as only the lower layer of the hid from an animal is used.
Composition of Bicast Leather
Hide industries use split pelt in the manufacturing of bi-cast leather. It is that part of the skin from which the top grain has been taken out, and the remnant is left for more exquisite pelt products. Then, manufacturers coat split hide with polyurethane or vinyl for a glossy finish.
Finally, materials are embossed like pelt, and the polished look is quite attractive to many consumers. bicast can be tough but will not grow old like full-grain leather since it is a combination of real and synthetic layers.
Bicast Leather vs. Genuine Leather
When comparing bicast leather vs genuine leather, the main difference lies in the material’s source and structure. Genuine hide uses the whole animal hide, making it thicker and more durable.
In contrast, bicast hide only uses the split part of the hide, topped with a synthetic layer. While bicast pelt looks like genuine pelt at first glance, it doesn’t develop the rich patina or long-lasting durability that full-grain cowhide offers. This makes bi-cast a more budget-friendly option, but it may not last as long as genuine.
Bicast Leather vs. Bonded Leather
Bonded leather is made by blending scraps of hide with glue or other binding materials, which are then pressed and coated with a synthetic layer.
On the other hand, bicast comes from a solid layer of split leather. This makes bicast pelt a step up from bonded hide in terms of quality, but both are budget alternatives to full-grain pelt.
Advantages of Bicast Leather
- Affordable Price: Bicast is much cheaper than full-grain or top-grain hide. It’s perfect if you want the hide look without spending too much.
- Great for Families: Thanks to its polyurethane layer, bicast hide is resistant to stains and scratches, making it a smart choice for homes with kids or pets.
- Easy to Clean: A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you need to keep bicast hide looking good.
Disadvantages of Bicast Leather
- Shorter Lifespan: The vinyl layer on the top of bicast pelt peels over time.
- No Aging: It doesn’t develop a patina, nor does it get better with age, unlike genuine pelt.
- Wears Out Faster: It tends to wear out faster, particularly in high-traffic areas like furniture or shoes.
- Can’t Repair: Moreover, once bicast pelt starts to crack, it can’t be repaired.
Common Uses for Bicast Leather
Due to the shiny finish and affordable price of bicast, the material is applied to various purposes. Among some of the most common products manufactured from bicast pelt are as follows:
- Furniture: sofas, couches, chairs
- Handbags: traveling bags, haversack
- Apparels: Belts, coats, shoes
These products will yield the appearance of pure leather without the premium price which easily is one of the winners of cost-conscious consumers.
How to Care for Bicast Leather
To make your bicast items last longer, proper care is essential. Because it has a synthetic coating, avoid using waxes or oils meant for genuine hide. Instead, use a bicast leather cleaner specifically designed for bicast to remove dirt and oils that can cause the surface to crack. Regularly wiping down your bicast pelt products with a damp cloth can help maintain their shiny appearance.
Conclusion
Bicast leather is a budget-friendly option if you want the look of a pelt without the high cost. However, it doesn’t last as long as real leather. It tends to wear out faster, especially in high-use areas like furniture or shoes.