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TECHNICAL GUIDE

How to Select Waterborne Polyurethane for Synthetic Leather

Start with the coating position and the required surface result—not with a resin name alone. This guide organizes the information needed for a more accurate first material screen.

SELECTION LOGIC

Start with the layer, surface target and test requirements

Synthetic-leather projects can involve different substrates, coating structures and end-use requirements. A practical first screen should identify the substrate system, coat position, gloss or matte target, hand feel, durability tests and process conditions before a model is shortlisted.

1. SubstratePU/PVC synthetic leather, microfiber or another defined base system.
2. Coat positionTop coat, finishing layer or another specified position in the coating build.
3. Surface targetClear, matte, soft-hand or other appearance and tactile requirements.
4. ValidationProvide the actual test standards and process window used by the customer.
CURRENT FAST SCREENING

Match documented requirements to current TDS-supported candidates

Project directionCurrent candidateWhy it enters the first screen
Top coat with soft hand feel and durability requirementsRU-6720The current TDS identifies top-coat use and documents abrasion, hydrolysis, scratch, aging and yellowing resistance directions.
Matte surface with abrasion, scratch, cold and hydrolysis requirementsRU-6880The current TDS identifies a polycarbonate-based aliphatic matte PUD and lists these performance directions.
Clear film, extensibility, cold and flex requirementsRU-3340The current TDS documents clear film formation together with UV, cold and flex resistance and extensibility.

This is preliminary screening logic, not a final formulation recommendation. Suitability must be validated in the customer’s actual substrate, formulation, process and test conditions.

PROJECT DATA

What to send before requesting a sample

Application information

Substrate, coat position, target gloss, hand feel, dry coating weight or film build where available, and processing temperature.

Performance information

Required abrasion, scratch, hydrolysis, flex, cold, yellowing or other tests, including the customer’s test method and acceptance criteria.

FAQ

Common selection questions

Is one “synthetic leather resin” suitable for every layer?

No. Layer position, surface target and end-use test requirements can change the material screen substantially.

Should matte appearance be treated as a separate selection requirement?

Yes. Matte appearance should be discussed together with hand feel, durability and process compatibility rather than as an isolated visual target.

Can a TDS replace customer validation?

No. A TDS supports initial screening. Final suitability still depends on the complete formulation, substrate, coating process and required test method.

NEXT STEP

Send the actual coating requirements for model screening

Share the substrate, coat position, surface target, test standards and process conditions so FAST can continue the technical discussion.