Suede vs Flesh side of leather
  • Bryan Owens
    2
    Have any of you guys ever just used the flesh (fuzzy) side of leather as the finished side instead of actual suede in covering a panel or even a seat? I have a 94 Nissan 300ZX convertible in which I have free rein to do a complete custom (mild) interior. Seats, door panels & center console. The door panels and console were originally partially covered in an alcantara type material. I was thinking suede might be a suitable type replacement. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?
    Bryan Owens Options
  • Andy Laird
    43
    I have used the reverse side before and it holds up surprisingly well. I did this 54 chevy PU 12 or 13 years ago and it's still looking good. Its not near as fuzzy now though, it has almost a standard suede look. It will definitely be rougher / fuzzier than your regular suede. You can see the fuzziness in the 2 pic.myjgtd9ki0zpgjfg.jpg
    yqgkc2e025bpdchc.jpg
    Andy Laird Options
  • Bryan Owens
    2
    That looks really good! Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks Andy.
    Bryan Owens Options
  • Nadeem Muaddi
    86
    We're really intrigued by this question. @Bryan Owens, If you don't mind, we're going to pose it to Aaron Laithwaite, founder and CEO of Hydes Leather, for the next question in our monthly series "Ask Aaron"

    Here are two previous questions about leather that he answered for us:


    It'll be interesting to see what he says.
    Nadeem Muaddi Options
  • Bryan Owens
    2
    ↪Nadeem Muaddi
    Absolutely! That would be great to see what a real pro has to say about that. I haven't really gotten deep into my project yet although I have already made a new headliner for the 300zx and used the reverse side of some black leather for the suede look. I don't have it installed yet but so far, so good. Do you know approximately when the next question session with Aaron will be?
    Bryan Owens Options
  • Nadeem Muaddi
    86
    Thanks @Bryan Owens. We posed the question to Aaron this week. Hopefully, we'll have the answer for you next week. We're also interested in hearing his thoughts on the subject.
    Nadeem Muaddi Options
  • Nadeem Muaddi
    86
    Hi @Bryan Owens and @Andy Laird. As promised, we posed this question to Aaron Laithwaite of Hydes Leather.

    Here's the answer he provided us: Is the Back of Leather the Same as Suede?

    In short, he doesn't recommend it and explains why.
    Nadeem Muaddi Options
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