The opulent material nubuck is renowned for its chic appearance and velvety texture. Nubuck accessories, such as shoes, purses, and coats, can quickly update any ensemble. However, special attention at home is needed to keep nubuck looking brand new.
Nubuck is more sensitive than regular leather, making it more susceptible to wear, moisture, and dirt. How long your favorite nubuck items last can be greatly affected by how well you clean and protect them. You can prolong their life and maintain their brand-new appearance with the correct care.
This post will discuss how to properly care for nubuck at home and discuss how long items made of this material can "live" with proper upkeep. You’ll discover easy techniques to maintain the velvety feel and excellent condition of your nubuck items for many years to come.
| How to Care for Nubuck at Home | How Long Nubuck Items Last |
| Use a soft brush to remove dirt and dust. Avoid water exposure. Apply a nubuck protector spray to prevent stains. | With proper care, nubuck items can last around 3-5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. |
| Regularly use a special eraser for scuffs and marks. Store items in a cool, dry place to avoid damage. | Frequent use may reduce the lifespan to 2-3 years, especially for shoes and bags exposed to harsh conditions. |
- Difference with suede
- Nubuk material and its types
- Natural
- Artificial
- Oiled
- Care principles
- How to dry
- How to clean
- How to restore color
- Video on the topic
- How to care for nubuck shoes?
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Difference with suede
Variations in the leather-tanning process and its origin. The table unambiguously demonstrates the performance characteristics of suede and nubuck.
Table: Distinctions between nubuck and suede
| Parameters | Suede | Nubuck |
|---|---|---|
| Tanning | — With vegetable and animal fats | — With mineral salts (chromium) followed by grinding of the top layer |
| Leather | — Small cattle | — Cattle |
| Stretchability | — High | — Medium |
| Moisture resistance | — Medium | — Low |
| Shock resistance | — Average | — High |
| Wear resistance | — Medium | — High |
| Application area (most common) | — Outerwear; — bags; — hats; — wallets; — shoes (rare) |
— Shoes; — bags; — belts; — jackets; — furniture |
Fascinating fact: nubuck is what most "suede" shoes are really made of. Suede is not utilized in apparel without a substantial lining due to its extreme softness and high stretchability. Because the material deforms quickly and reacts sensitively to anti-icing reagents, it is very rarely used for sewing shoes. However, perfect for purses, wallets, and jackets. However, cheap suede is probably nubuck.
Nubuk material and its types
Modern "craftsmen" are capable of replicating any natural material. However, this does not imply that the synthetic version’s qualities are significantly worse than those of the original. At times, synthetic materials resemble natural materials exactly in terms of appearance and feel, but they are far more useful in practical applications. Is the artificial equivalent of Nubuck really that bad? Let’s talk about the different kinds of nubuck and their advantages and disadvantages.
Natural
Nubuck is real leather that has been specially tanned. It looks better, feels softer, and is more pleasant to the touch than smooth leather. Its products have an intriguing and refined appearance. However, the substance’s moisture permeability is due to the subtleties of tanning. Damage is done to the leather’s thick outer layer during the grinding process. However, there is a solution to this issue: nubuck can be impregnated with specific compounds to give it water-repellent qualities.
Natural nubuck shoes are flexible, readily conform to the contours of the foot, seldom rub, and most importantly, they "breathe" and effectively retain heat. Outerwear looks amazing, fits the body flawlessly, and is a pleasure to wear. Natural materials are not cheap; in general, they cost more than leather but less than suede. The primary drawback is the high level of care required.
Artificial
Here, layers of various polymers are progressively sprayed on top of one another to create the "velvety" effect. Minus: This kind of material lacks natural air permeability and is not porous. However, it also offers some benefits:
- water and dirt resistance;
- wear resistance;
- low price.
The primary benefit of the analogue is that it doesn’t require complicated maintenance; all you need to do is brush it with a specific brush and apply impregnation. The visual difference between natural and artificial nubuck is negligible.
Oiled
There’s also nubuck-oil. Special fats are used to treat natural material. It takes on water-repellent qualities, allowing you to stroll through puddles. Its appearance slightly changes: the villi are less flexible, it is heavier, and it is not as soft. Nubuck oil feels slightly damp to the touch, but it also feels really nice. For sewing high-end winter and semi-season shoes, oiled material is typically utilized. It makes sense—storing your wallet or sandals away from moisture is pointless.
It appears that there are only benefits. However, no. The primary drawback of oiled nubuck is that its price is higher than even that of natural suede.
Care principles
Taking good care of natural nubuck items is the best way to preserve them in their original state and increase their lifespan. This phase starts in the store: buy special products right away when making a purchase.
- Brush for nubuck and suede . It has soft bristles that do not damage the pile. With its help, it is easy to remove hard dried dirt from shoes.
- Special "rubber" brush . With rubber or silicone plates. Such a brush is also called an eraser for suede. It easily "sweeps" dust from under the pile.
- Foam cleaner . If after all the manipulations with the brushes there are stains and streaks on the shoes, then you cannot do without "dry cleaning".
- Impregnation . This is a mandatory component, otherwise it is impossible to protect nubuck from moisture. Exception: summer shoes or sneakers.
Proper storage is a crucial component of maintaining nubuck products. Plastic bags are not an option for storing them; the packaging needs to "breathe." Shoes should ideally be kept in their "original" boxes. Haberdashery and outerwear in specialized fabric bags.
How to dry
Heat and temperature fluctuations cause natural nubuck to become rougher, so it cannot be dried on a radiator. Artificial nubuck makes it simpler because shoes made of it can withstand "radiator" drying with ease. However, the quality of the material is the most important factor because aggressive drying can cause low-quality material to crack. Do not take a chance if you are unsure. Although electric dryers are slightly softer than heating radiators, it’s best to avoid testing natural materials.
Dry nubuck without any tools or tricks, at room temperature. If your boots are completely wet, you can stuff newspapers or paper napkins inside of them. The shoes will dry faster because they will absorb the majority of the moisture.
How to clean
Wash in the same way as rubber boots or leather; washing a nubuk in a typewriter is even more important. The only way to clean the nubuk of dirt is in dry form. Dry your shoes first when you get home. Additionally, the dirt needs to dry out to avoid just smearing. Only then should you start cleaning. Perform three phases.
- Remove dry dirt . Use a nubuk and suede brush. Pay attention to the places of connection of the material with the sole. It can be washed with a damp cloth, but here it is important not to wet the nubuk. Go through the entire surface with a brush-lastic. The remains of dirt will be removed, and the pile will rise. If there are no visible spots and the weather is dry – cleaning can be considered completed.
- Spray the foam-duster . This is done if there are spots and divorces. For example, salt or from reagents. The composition is applied from a distance of about 30 cm. Next, you need to rub the surface with a brush without pressing. According to reviews from "experienced" people, you can use a regular sponge for washing dishes, just rub with the soft side – the hard side will damage the pile. Wipe off the remaining foam with a soft cloth, such as flannel. Leave the shoes to dry.
- After drying, spray the impregnation spray . Over the entire surface from a distance of 30 cm. Let it dry and spray again on the most vulnerable places: seams and folds.
It is essential to allow the composition to thoroughly dry after impregnation; the product should not be used for at least 12 hours, if not a day. Finally, if possible, let the shoes dry for at least a night.
How to restore color
Standard shoe cleaning usually works well for dark shoes, but it can be more challenging for light shoes. It is preferable to entrust the cleaning of light nubuck shoes to professionals if you are unable to thoroughly clean them and visible dirt remains even after "dry cleaning." Almost any stain can be removed by them, even from white nubuck.
If you are unable to locate these artisans, you may attempt a DIY method of nubuck restoration; spray paints specifically designed for this purpose are available. First, pick a product that comes as close to the same color as you can. The next eight steps are what you need to follow.
- Do basic cleaning.
- Dry the shoes completely.
- Spray the paint from a distance of 25-30 cm.
- Dry.
- If there are unpainted areas, repeat the procedure.
- Dry the paint.
- Comb the pile with an eraser brush.
- Apply the impregnation.
It is important to follow the recommended distance when spraying paint to avoid uneven distribution and the potential for streaks to persist. Recognize that chemicals can trigger allergic reactions. Remind yourself to wear rubber gloves and properly ventilate the room after finishing all procedures if you are allergic to strong smells or aggressive substances.
Nubuck is an elegant and robust material, but to preserve its beauty and longevity, it requires proper maintenance. Your nubuck items can look brand new for years with regular brushing, moisture protection, and specialist cleaning.
Although nubuck has a luxurious feel to it, it is also somewhat stain- and dirt-sensitive. You can prolong the life of your nubuck shoes, jackets, or bags by being diligent about your cleaning regimen and acting promptly on spills.
Items made of nubuck can endure for several years if properly cared for. But how well you care for them and how often you use them determine how long they "live." If you take good care of your nubuck, it will reward you with long-lasting comfort and style.
To maintain the appearance of nubuck at home, gentle cleaning, frequent brushing, and moisture protection are necessary. Like suede, nubuck is a delicate material that ages more quickly if improperly cared for. Items made of this material can last for several years with proper care, such as applying protective sprays and specialized cleaners for nubuck; however, the longevity of these items depends on how frequently and how well they are maintained.
