Bicast leather (also spelled as bi-cast leatherorbycast leather) is a material made with a split leather backing covered with an embossed layer of polyurethaneorvinyl. Bicast leather was originally made for the apparel industry for glossy shoes, and was later adopted by the furniture industry.[1]
The hide material used in the making of bicast is usually a portion of the fibrous, lower grade of leather that remains when the higher-grade grain layer is split off. [1]
Bicast leather is produced by building up a layer of plastic (typically polyurethane) on top of an embossed release paper known as casting paper.[2] Split leather is then pressed into the plastic. After the resultant bicast leather has cured, the casting paper is removed,[3] and optionally re-used.[4] The embossing usually gives the appearance of top grain leather, although it may be smooth depending on the desired finish.
New bicast leather can have a chemical odor, but this typically dissipates about a week after the piece is exposed to air.[5]
The use of terms like "genuine leather" or "100% leather" in relation to bicast treatment is considered a misrepresentation and therefore not permitted in some countries, including the UK,[6] Denmark, and New Zealand.[7]
Furniture manufacturers say that the main benefit of bicast leather is its surface appearance at a low price.[5] With constant use, however, the polyurethane layer may crack and split free of its backing, and abrasion may cause large unsightly marks.[6][8]
