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sandgrubber · 01-28-2016, 02:02 PM

The cushions in my Caravel are ugly, and being light colored velveteen-type cloth, I'm sure the dogs will make them much uglier in no time flat. Ultraleather seems to be flavor of the month . . . or the year. But it's a bit pricey.

Our local recycling shop bought out the stock from an upholstry shop that folded and has a big selection of naugahyde for $6/yard. I bought a bit and find it's pretty easy to work with. Am I going to regret it if I go for the less expensive solution? I'm afraid I'll hate myself if I buy ultraleather and make a mess of things

Those of you who have used naugahyde . . . do you like it? Are there other faux leathers that are worth considering?
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Bruce B · 01-28-2016, 02:13 PM

I can tell you that UltraLeather is AMAZING! I've cleaned ballpoint pen off with just a little 409 and we loved it so much in our Bambi that we chose it for he interior of our Sabre sailboat!
I can't imagine sitting on Naugahyde on a hot day...bleeeahh!

55AS · 01-28-2016, 02:31 PM

+1 on Ultraleather. Pricey but worth it.

Foiled Again · 01-28-2016, 05:14 PM

I don't know if Naugahyde ever changed it's formula - but the original stuff was hell if you wore shorts. It would weld itself to bare thighs on hot days. Pleather and Ultraleather breathe much more like natural leather.

If you cannot afford the more expensive stuff - well you can't afford it. But before you finally decide, get a sample of the Naugahyde and the Ultraleather and test it. - One swatch under each bare cheek.

If you do end up choosing the less expensive option,well it IS very durable, and if it's been reformulated may feel the same as the expensive stuff. If you think sweating or sticking will be a problem, there is a simple solution - get big fluffy "bath sheet" sized towels and drape them over the upholstery during summer. Years ago, an elderly neighbor of mine always put white slipcovers on her furniture in the summer. Apparently pre-air conditioning this was a standard thing to do to prevent sweat from staining your furniture (And this was before people WORE shorts outside of their boudoirs!)

Let us know what you decide.

ON EDIT- IF you can find matching shades - do the SEAT in UltraLeather and the rest of the pieces in Naugahyde.

Gneiss Guy · 01-29-2016, 06:50 PM

Actually, neither is my favorite. I have ultra leather recliners in my AS and, while they are okay, would rather have a fabric cover. I have a genuine leather recliner and a fabric-covered one at home and I prefer the fabric. I find myself covering my ultra leather recliners with a throw most of the time, so why not follow "Foiled Again" and use the Naugahyde and throw a cover on it if it sticks to your thighs.

AWCHIEF · 01-29-2016, 07:00 PM

I thought ultra leather was nothing more than a higher grade Naugahyde.

Bruce B · 01-29-2016, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I thought ultra leather was nothing more than a higher grade Naugahyde.

Not sure how to answer this...except that they are entirely different feeling, wearing,cleaning materials.
We had ultra suede previously. It was comfy but didn't hold up as well as the UltraLeather has...
My wife was concerned about using the UltraLeather on our boat but it has been awesome! Talk about a hot humid environment too! I'm convinced that nothing else comes close...
I once loved a cotton corduroy interior we had on a previous boat but his is better...

JACQUIE · 01-29-2016, 07:45 PM

We re-upholstered our 2004 Safari dinette with ultra leather this past fall. In south west Florida this Dec & it was very hot & humid; the ultra leather dinette seats never felt hot. I have wiped a few minor spots which were removed easily. We are very happy with it. It is somewhat stretchy & possibly the upholsterer could have made them slightly smaller to avoid the wrinkles that appear when sitting on it.

Picked up the ultra leather ourselves in Indiana at Sailrite. Google it; I am sure you will be able to get free delivery in the USA.

ezairstream · 01-29-2016, 09:18 PM

Our 2006 30' Classic sofa and dinette are both covered with Ultraleather (custom install by Airstream factory). Both are still spotless and look like the day we took delivery. We haven't used the rig as much as we could have but upgrading the the fabric on the dinette to Ultraleather was the best thing we have ever done. Sofa came from factory standard with Ultraleather.

We agree that 409 takes ink off like magic.

Clyde

SeeMore · 01-29-2016, 10:50 PM

Jacquie... "It is somewhat stretchy & possibly the upholsterer could have made them slightly smaller to avoid the wrinkles that appear when sitting on it."

The cure for the wrinkles is to add a 1/2" layer of polyester batting around the foam core and then replace the covers. You can get various thicknesses from a local fabric store.

Foiled Again · 01-30-2016, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeeMore

Jacquie... "It is somewhat stretchy & possibly the upholsterer could have made them slightly smaller to avoid the wrinkles that appear when sitting on it."

The cure for the wrinkles is to add a 1/2" layer of polyester batting around the foam core and then replace the covers. You can get various thicknesses from a local fabric store.

Absolutely agree - can make a bleah average upholstery job look like a million bucks.

AWCHIEF · 01-30-2016, 05:06 AM

How do folks think ultra-leather would hold up under a cat? I do not have a purposely destructive cat but she can still use her claws climbing up and down.

sandgrubber · 01-30-2016, 05:25 AM

thanks, everyone, for input.
I made my decision in a split the difference fashion. I found 10 yards of ultraleather in a color I like (driftwood) on eBay for $180. I don't think that's going to be quite enough. Intend to use Foiled Again's suggestion and put naugahyde bottoms on them. I won't be able to find matching colors, so will go for a fun contrast. Teal or purple, or some such. That way if I get bored with things and the weather's not hot I can flip my cushions and have a different look.

p.s. if anyone wants to ultraleather but can't afford, here's the deal I got
http://www.ebay.com/itm/54-Illusion-...MAAMXQPatTKHFE

sandgrubber · 01-30-2016, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

How do folks think ultra-leather would hold up under a cat? I do not have a purposely destructive cat but she can still use her claws climbing up and down.

I don't know but wouldn't risk it.
I have a house full of dogs and entertain puppies from time to time. Also hard on furniture, so I only buy second hand. Some of my best buys have been real leather sofas that some one's cat has mangled. On the other hand, kevlar (as in bullet-proof vests) might work

. (can also be bought cheap on eBay but so tough it requires special scissors to cut).

NavyCorpsman · 01-30-2016, 08:15 AM

I just finished covering mine with "Whisper Vinyl" from Hancock fabrics. I am very pleased with the way it looks and feels. I used 2 thickness of foam covered with two layers of poly batting. I need to install some cover buttons to eliminate puckering at the fold. It has a very pleasing finish and is covered with a polyurethane to minimize scuffing and signs of daily wear. Originally 25/yd, on sale for 12.50, along with senior and military discount, I walked out with 6yds for a little over 40 dollars. I like the fabric backing. It is very well made. I also found some upholstery tacks that look like Olympic rivets at Lowes. Overall the other fabrics just didn't compare.