What is 'bycast' leather?

Question

What is 'bycast' leather?

Answer 1

Bicast or Bycast leather is a split leather that has a polyurethane coating bonded to it.  The thickness of the coating will dictate whether or not it can be called leather.  If the thickness exceeds 0.15mm  but does not exceed one third of the total thickness of the product then it has to be called coated leather and cannot be sold as real leather. BS2780:1983/56.  If the thickness exceeds one third of the total it is not leather.

The coating can be very tough and durable but body oils etc. can break it down very quickly and a good leather protector should be used to inhibit this from happening.  The surface should be kept clean to help avoid body oils and dirt from damaging the finish.

Answer 2

BYCAST LEATHERS - (B): also called - COATED LEATHER.

This is a new development in using split leather. It is produced from the lower split by first melting a type of glue on the surface, then rolling on a film of coloured polyurethane.

It normally is produced in darker colours and when stretched it lightens. It also scratches quite easily. This type of leather is now coming on to the furniture market but has been used for handbags and belts for some time.

This product varies in quality. We recomend that any ByCast leather used is independently tested to minimum British Standards.

It is also important that the temperature of room that the ByCast leather is kept remains below 30°C.

As the top surface has a high polyurethane finish normal leather creams should NOT be used.