Alcantara vs Suede

[diegom6]

So, what's the main difference between both? Do they look similar, feels about the same? Costs? Wich is more unique or expensive? Wich wears out faster?

I ask this because I have heared both names for a while now and never knew what are the main differences if exists.

Maybe photos to compare?

Thanks

[StereoInstaller1]

Looks: same
Costs: same
Feel: same
UV protection: 80% same, suede loses.

[AndrewBird]

Suede is a type of leather. Alcantara is a brand name for artificial suede. So they are the same thing as far as appearance goes, but I believe Alcantara is designed to be used in interiors and is therefore more durable and holds up better to wear and UV light.

[SFGadgetGuy]

Alcantara is a manufacture brand of man made suede, suede is a type of leather, ultrasuede is another type of man made suede.

I use both ultra suede and alcantara brand suede in my upholstery work and there is a definite difference in the quality, feel and look from alcantara suede and other man made suedes. It also feels different then real suede.

Alcantara has a double rub wear rating of 200000 ultrasuede is 100000 real suede will start to have shiny shots on rub areas and isn't really a good choice for automotive interiors.

Alcantara is an approved material for a lot of the high line car manufacturers

[diegom6]

Thanks for the hint on this subject guys. Looks like alcantare is the way to go :p

[SFGadgetGuy]

Just make sure it's real alcantara. A lot of people try to pass off Ultrasuede as alcantara but if it doesn't have the Alcantara logo on the back of the fabric it's not real.

[Jean]

SFGadgetGuy - thanks for the info! What does the logo look like and where can one purchase black alcantara material at a good price?

[SFGadgetGuy]

SFGadgetGuy - thanks for the info! What does the logo look like and where can one purchase black alcantara material at a good price?

Gulf Fabrics is the Authorized distributor for Alcantara although other suppliers order from them and resell it. There is 2 types backed and non backed. Backed is used for seats so it doesn't stretch non-backed is for door panels or any curved surface which will allow you to wrap it with minimal to no wrinkles.

Here's a picture of the logo on the back of the backed material I use.

[Philipangoo]

how about microsuede ?

[diegom6]

Gulf Fabrics is the Authorized distributor for Alcantara although other suppliers order from them and resell it. There is 2 types backed and non backed. Backed is used for seats so it doesn't stretch non-backed is for door panels or any curved surface which will allow you to wrap it with minimal to no wrinkles.

Here's a picture of the logo on the back of the backed material I use.

Can you re-upload the pic? Couldn't see. As I'm trying to buy some Alcantara.

Thanks

[nmlss2006]

I'll pitch in: alcantara's wear properties are materially superior to suede - ask anyone who has had a genuine Sport Evo steering wheel / gearshift knob. Suede does *not* last long in those applications. Alcantara OTOH is one of the most resilient materials for car interiors.

[diegom6]

Cool to know that.

Could someone make a guess for what color I should look to match the below seats (bolster in alcantara seems?) ??

http://www.gulffabrics.com/alccolor.htm

[svn2002s]

It is definitely not black, I would say dark or medium dark anthracite. Charcoal?
OTOH (...Peruvian cap on...)
Diego,
Antes de botar la guita en Alcantara, yo iria a Gamarra a chequear el suede que venden ahi. Tienen unas telas de la PM.
La pregunta es, Porque no compras the 'real thing' Anda donde estan las curtiembres mayoristas por el ovalo de Santa Anita y compra una pieza completa. Pilas nomas que tienes que decirles que quieres grado automotriz. La otra vez que fui por ahi compre tres 'hides' de cuero para mis carros.
Bueno, Bonito y Barato.
HTH (...Peruvian cap off..)

Cliff Notes... Just telling him my opinion on why he should try the real suede before he over spends in fake suede. Which in my opinion was a creation of the Luxury makers to charge near leather prices for a better sued with a registered trademark and limited availability/supply. (Remember M stands for Marketing).

[Tricked 323i]

Cool to know that.

Could someone make a guess for what color I should look to match the below seats (bolster in alcantara seems?) ??

Black 9002
Kevin

[jeffnhiscars]

My turn to bump a 7yo thread..lol

Looking at ultrasuede for my bolsters (to go with the red mtech I got from Brandon)!and came across this thread. Fortunately Gulf Fabric is local so I'll check it out and report.

Can anyone tell me how many yards the seats take minus the centers ?