Imitation leather is also called "faux leather”, “synthetic leather”, “artificial leather”, "vinyl", "faux leather", "vegan leather" or “leatherette”. Synthetic leather in the furniture sector is a cheaper alternative to leather. The intense price competition, the attempt to copy the softness of real leather and the trend towards recyclable materials has significantly reduced the durability of artificial leather in the last years.

Undamaged imitation leather is easy to clean and maintain. Clean soiled surfaces with Geist. Rapid & Vinyl Cleaner. In case of heavy soiling, let the product soak for a minute and also use the Geist. Leather Cleaning Brush to remove the dirt.

Protect the surface with Geist. Dye & Friction Blocker. The surface gets an invisible protective film that prevents penetration of dirt and prevents the coating from getting damaged in the long run. These products are also available as Geist. 3 Minus Care Kit.

Sometimes older imitation leather and plastics lose their softness and become dry, brittle and break. This process can hardly be influenced. Regular cleaning and sealing delays this process.

Little cracks and rips can be filled and repaired with Geist. Easy Leather Filler. Then work over with Geist. Easy Colour Restorer for leather & vinyl to adjust colour and gloss level. This procedure also applies to cats scratches, as long as the damages are not too excessive and too strong. Protruding fibres can be glued down with Geist. Leather & Vinyl Glue and with a needle tip. Put a little amount of glue using a needle tip under the protruding fibres, dry with a hair dryer and press down the fibre. Excess glue can be wiped away in the same direction as the fibre with a moist cloth.

Overly brittle and cracked surfaces are unrepairable. Such damage occurs often after 2 to 4 years in the contact areas. Such damage can only be repaired in the beginning. But as these damages worsen quickly, no real help is possible. Cover such areas with blankets to reduce the wear.

Preserve older imitation leather or vinyl surface with Dye & Friction Blocker. The Blocker prevents soiling and reduces friction damages and does not provide any additional or artificial gloss to the surface. Apply evenly with a soft cloth and let dry.

Key points to remember: 
If the surface starts peeling off, fractures extend all over the seating area, Seating area full of heavy damages - it is impossible to repair. Consider getting a replacement or have a new panel stitched in if the damage is local. 

Cat scratches on artificial leather can be fixed using Geist Easy Filler & Easy Colour Restorer but it will involve a gluing-down all the protruding and upstanding fibres first.