Material World: Which Auto Upholstery Fabric is Best?

The material world we live in is ever-changing, but our cars remain steadfastly classic. Whether it’s a used model or a truly timeless beauty, upholstery is an integral part of every automobile’s character. For automotive aficionados, the right auto upholstery fabric makes a world of difference to the look and feel of their beloved classic car, their workhorse or their daily driver.

But to find the right company for classic car upholstery services in Portland, there’s only one choice: Bright Auto Upholstery. We understand the importance of finding the perfect fabric for your vehicle. With so many choices available—from Velour and polyester-based cloths to nylon and leather—it can be overwhelming to decide which is best for your vehicle’s unique needs.

Never fear! We are here today to help you explore the materials that make up the modern auto-upholstery fabric. Read on to find out why which fabric is best for which vehicles.

Leather: The Ultimate Luxury Upholstery

Perhaps no other fabric speaks to luxury like leather in the auto upholstery business. Most high-end luxury cars use leather exclusively. Modern leather treatments can create a material of varying pliability, colors and texture, from soft to rigid. Even better, there are spill-resistant variants that will give you time to prevent stains.

So whether you drive a Bentley or something more modest, leather can increase resale value immensely. Of course, this comes at a high cost, but if you want to show off some style and exclusivity for your classic Mustang, Corvette, Porsche 911 or other vintage vehicles, then this fabric is made for you!

Faux Leather: The Sturdy Alternative For Luxury

While not authentic, this stand-in doesn’t pull its punches. More choice is the name of the game, with the ability to imitate materials as diverse as crocodile or leopard skin. This diversity allows clients to go wild with their ideas! Even better, its synthetic nature means it’s hardier and more stain-resistant than actual leather.

So while this material might not work for a car show, it is the right choice for everyday drivers who want to add some style and personality to their rides. And when you consider that it can cost up to half as much as real leather, faux leather makes a great compromise for the daily driver who wants to imitate some class. Choose faux leather and never look back.

Vinyl: The Jack-Of-All-Trades

What can’t vinyl do? At times that seems to be the question. From being the best format for music to car wraps to making decals, it seems more and more like vinyl is the indispensable resin. Now luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz are developing high-quality vinyl seating that can mimic different materials, like suede, velour and other materials. You might be sitting on vinyl seating right now and not even know it!

Like leather, vinyl also offers a faux variant, albeit with diminished durability and a slightly lower cost. The faux also doesn’t mean that the vinyl is fake, just that the vinyl can mimic other fabrics like velour or suede. So if you are looking for an alternative to cloth or leather that looks great, is reliable and can take some wear and tear, vinyl or faux vinyl might be the way to go.

PVC: The Workhorse’s Best Friend

Not looking to spend big? Polyvinyl Chloride is the material for you! While most consumers might associate PVC with pipes and other home uses, it can also be molded for automotive use. Its flexibility and low-cost means it works for low-end daily drivers and commercial vehicles with a lot of wear and tear.

If you’ve ever been in a car with squeaky seats, you’ve probably been sitting on a PVC fabric. For the majority of drivers, though, it’s all about getting the job done, and PVC does that and more. So if you have a workhorse or commercial fleet in need of auto upholstery repair, PVC is the answer.

Nylon: Material For The Daily Driver

This synthetic material has an incredible range of uses, from sports apparel to parachutes to upholstery in cars. It’s a great alternative for those who want low-maintenance seats but don’t care for the faux look of vinyl. Nylon can be treated to reduce wear and tear, making it ideal for heavier use. It’s also great for those who don’t want to spend a fortune on luxury leather or vinyl but still have something that looks nice and can stand the test of time.

Many characterful cars use nylon upholstery, such as Renault’s classic 4 and 5 models. Nylon is still a popular choice in the automotive industry today, with high-end manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz using it on their A-Class sedan. So no matter what kind of car you drive, nylon can provide a jack-of-all-trades option for your car upholstery needs.

Classic Car Upholstery Portland Drivers Can Count On!

No matter what kind of car you drive, there is a fabric that can meet your needs in terms of both style and budget. Whether it’s luxury leather or inexpensive PVC, the choice is yours. But if you want to do something special for your classic car upholstery in Portland and nearby cities, there’s always Bright Auto Upholstery.

Our knowledgeable staff works hard to ensure clients find the right fabric for the right ride with friendly service and personal attention. With our expertise and experience in auto upholstery services, we can help you find the right material for your beloved classic car, workhorse or daily driver. From leather to vinyl to PVC, there’s only one answer for auto upholstery repair specialists and services. Check out our Google reviews to see just how many pleasant experiences we’ve made!

If you’ve already decided, however, call us at (503) 231-6055 or contact us via our website!