Most leather products’ manufacturers claim that their leather is authentic… This is mostly not the case. 

In this article, we’ll tell you 7 methods best used to distinguish between genuine and artificial leather products: 

Is Color That Important?

There is this myth that genuine leather cannot be anything but its original color. The fact that it can be dyed by any color you want without being affected. 

To really spot the difference, focus on the following points instead.

Smelling Like a Million Dollars.

Ever walked by a leather products store and found its smell intoxicating? That’s probably because it’s selling original leather. 

Genuine leather has a very distinct smell that isn’t present in artificial leather. It’s a very huge difference. It’s also a way you can spot the difference because artificial leather will smell more like plastic. 

It’s weird, we know. But try smelling the product before buying it and see if you can sense something. 

Setting Your Doubts on Fire

This is, by far, the most famous way to tell the type of leather you’re getting: setting it on fire. It’s even been mentioned on the show How I Met Your Mother. 

Genuine leather doesn’t burn, that’s it. If you get a product and pass a lighter on its surface and it melts. Sorry, but you probably overpaid. 

“If burnt, genuine leather would be marked, maybe the dye will fall off, but it will never melt. Contrary to artificial leather”.

Feeling Is Knowing

Natural or genuine leather is made from, well, nature. An animal’s skin is never silky smooth. The texture of genuine leather is always inconsistent, without a recurring pattern. 

On the other hand, faux leather’s texture is smooth, with perfect pattern repetition, and it feels too much like plastic. 

Really FEEL the product before buying.

The Edges Say It All

Just like the texture, genuine leather’s edges have to be on the rougher end of the spectrum. Having a perfectly polished edge is a perfect sign of faux leather. 

A Back Can’t Be Perfect

Sneak a look at the underside of any product you buy. It shouldn’t be perfect. It should be a little furry or has a figment of dye. 

If it looks ideal, then you’re maybe getting scammed. 

At Viola Art Gallery, we try our best to produce products that have the least amount of suede fibers possible on their underside. 

Trust the Most Trusted

We don’t all have the time or energy to be leather experts. To avoid this hassle, go to the most trusted genuine leather products manufacturers. 

The ones who your friends or family have tried out and have a positive experience with their products – Maybe ask if they tried our products?

If you actually DO want to be an expert at making this distinction, you need to practice, a lot. Pick out two products, one you know is faux leather, and the other you know is genuine leather, and try to spot the difference according to the previous differences. 

That’s the best way to become a leather aficionado