When choosing a shoe, bag, wallet or belt, the buyer often has to deal with different materials. Among them, genuine leather and suede predominate, but increasingly 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. To process the skin in such a way that it acquires a velvety texture, began relatively recently.
Origin of material
Many consumers confuse nubuck and suede. Although they have a slight resemblance, there are many more differences. Suede is more subtle and delicate. It is impossible to say about nubuck that it is a wear-resistant material. But it is much less susceptible to moisture and dirt. It is used most often 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 slightly wiped to create a low pile. Due to this, it has a pleasant velvety surface.
Application
Many people think when they see nubuck that this material is suitable only for sewing demi-season or winter shoes. But experienced craftsmen who work with genuine leather in any form do not agree with the majority opinion.
Nubuck is a noble material. Its natural shades, delicate aroma, 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 in the West furniture covered in nubuck is very popular: comfortable, cozy sofas. Familiar leather few people love for home decor. 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, nubuck boots - this is its most common use.
Buckskin shoes
Not every buyer chooses shoes for himself not by appearance, but by studying the characteristics of different models. The maximum that a person expects from shoes or boots is that his legs always remain dry and warm.
Nubuck breathes great. This leather is ideal for sewing demi-season shoes. It will be warm until the frost, a fine autumn or spring day is also comfortable.
The water repellent properties of ordinary nubuck are not very good. Manufacturers warn that it does not need to be wet. It is better to wear such shoes in dry weather. If there is no other way, then it can be treated with special moisture-repellent agents.
Varieties
In addition to products from the traditional type of material, manufacturers offer customers shoes for the sewing of which artificial or oil-nubuck was used. What is it and how do these species differ from simple fleecy skin? To give the material additional water-repellent properties, a longer service life, it is impregnated with a special fat solution.
After this treatment, the nubuck changes its appearance a bit . It becomes as if wet to the touch and heavier. In this form, it is used for sewing winter shoes for children, 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 does not understand wisdom does not immediately distinguish a fake.
In terms of properties, these are two completely different materials. Of the minuses, it should be noted that artificial nubuck "does not breathe." But resistance to mechanical damage, impermeability, 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? About what care for nubuck is, you need to find out before the shoes got into operation. This rule is without exception.
In order for the chic appearance to be preserved, the product must be carefully looked after. In order to reassure the owners of shoes from this wonderful material, it is worth saying that the care procedures themselves are very simple, even a child will cope with them.
After acquiring shoes (before the first exit to the street), it must be treated several times with a spray. This is a special water-repellent spray paint for nubuck. It comes in different shades; it’s not difficult to choose the right spray for a particular pair of shoes. Such a preventive measure will help to avoid mashing in places of contact of the skin with trousers and on the ankles.
You need to tint 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, they are all good. If the house already has a special sponge or brush for suede - great! She will also cope with her task, it can be used to care for nubuck. If you need to buy a brush, then there are plenty to choose from. They come in bristles with soft and delicate bristles, foam and rubber.
Severe dirt on a nubuck should be carefully wiped with a cloth dampened with water, but shoes should be dried immediately. This will help to avoid an unpleasant “greasy” appearance.
Important Tips
So, the answers to the question: "Nubuck - what kind of material?" - received, but there are some more important points:
- Dry cleaning is required - washing shoes under the tap or rinsing in a basin will forever ruin it, the product will not be able to return to normal condition.
- The use of special cleaning products is allowed - this is a foam that is applied to previously cleansed skin. After application, it is cleaned with a rag or sponge, and the shoes are dried.
- For the winter, boots or boots need to be packed in a cardboard box or linen bag. A plastic bag for storing nubuck shoes is not the best option.
Simple tips will help keep the product attractive longer. Wear your shoes with pleasure!