Material: Premium Laser-Safe Polyurethane (PU).

Composition: PU, Polyester/Cotton blend, Wood Powder.

Safety: 100% PVC-Free and Phthalate-Free; non-hazardous under GHS and EU standards.

Backing: Reinforced Polyester/Cotton for superior durability and easier gluing.

Adhesive: TPU Based Heat Activated Adhesive

Compliance: Meets OSHA, TSCA, and California Proposition 65 requirements.

Stability: Chemically stable and non-reactive for safe laser processing.

Laserable PU leatherette is designed for durability and ease of maintenance. However, the engraving process, particularly on matte finishes, can leave behind stubborn soot and debris. To achieve the best results, always perform a material test to calibrate your settings; excessive heat can "overburn" the polyurethane, making residue significantly more difficult to lift from lighter-colored sheets.

Basic Cleaning

• Solution: Use warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap.
• Method: Wipe the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth and dry immediately with a microfiber towel.
• Benefit: High-quality leatherette is engineered to be water-resistant and will not leave water spots.

Post-Engraving Residue (Matte Finishes)

Matte leatherette has a slightly more porous texture that can trap "smoke" or debris.

• The Fix: Use a diluted degreaser (e.g., LA’s Totally Awesome). This is the most effective way to cut through laser soot without damaging the material.
• Technique: Apply with a cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently lift residue from the engraved areas.
• Rinse: Always wipe down with a damp, water-only cloth afterward to remove any chemical film.

Pro Tips & Pre-Treatments

Pre-Engraving Hack: Apply a very thin layer of liquid dish soap to the surface and let it dry before laser processing. This creates a barrier that allows residue to wash off effortlessly with water afterward.

• Magic Erasers: Use with extreme caution. They are micro-abrasives and can "sand down" the texture, dulling the finish or creating a shiny spot on matte surfaces.
• Gloss vs. Matte: Note that glossy leatherette typically wipes clean much faster than matte variants.

Last Resort: Removing Persistent Marks

• Ink/Scuffs: For stubborn pen marks or light scuffs that soap and degreaser cannot move, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can be used.
• Application: Apply a small amount to a soft cloth or cotton swab first, never pour it directly onto the material.
• Warning: Alcohol is a solvent. Frequent use can break down the synthetic coating, leading to cracking or peeling. Immediately wipe the area with a damp, water-only cloth afterward to neutralize the solvent.

What to Avoid

• Abrasive Pads: Steel wool or scouring pads will permanently scratch the PU coating.
• Harsh Solvents: Avoid acetone or bleach, as they can dissolve the color or degrade the synthetic bond.
• Excessive Soaking: Never submerge leatherette; prolonged moisture can weaken the adhesive backing or the core material.

Note: All settings listed are recommendations only. Results may vary depending on laser brand, wattage, model, age, and maintenance. Always test on a small area before proceeding with a full design.

Laser Engraving Settings:

• 35W: 600 DPI, 90% Speed, 30% Power
• 60W: 600 DPI, 100% Speed, 30% Power
• 80W: 600 DPI, 90% Speed, 10% Power
• 30W Thunder Bolt: 600 Speed, 30 Power
• Glowforge (CO₂): Speed 600, Power 12, Lines Per Inch 225
• Glowforge Aura / Spark (Diode): Speed 100, Power 4, Lines Per Inch 270, Focus 0.07

Laser Cutting Settings:

• 35W: 20% Speed, 35% Power
• 60W: 25% Speed, 25% Power, 100 Frequency
• 80W: 65% Speed, 40% Power
• 120W: 85% Speed, 35% Power
• Glowforge (CO₂): Use Proofgrade Thin Leather setting
• Glowforge Aura / Spark (Diode): Speed 40, Power 10, Focus 0.07, 1 Pass

We have 90W CO2 laser and use around 300 mm/min and 10% power for engraving, adjusting to go quicker for darker colours.

Heat Transfer (TPU-Based Adhesive):

• Temperature: 280°F–320°F
• Pressure: Medium/Hard
• Time: 15–30 Seconds
• Peel: Hot

• Blue-light Laser Engraving
• CO2 Laser Engraving
• Infrared Laser Engraving
• Fiber Laser Engraving
• MOPA Laser Engraving
• UV Laser Engraving
• Scissors and Scoring Tools

This laserable faux leatherette sheet is a go-to material for clean, professional-looking results across a wide range of laser projects. Whether you’re just starting out or producing for customers, here are some of the most popular and profitable ways to use it:

Beginner-friendly projects:

• Custom hat patches (sports teams, brands, quotes)
• Simple keychains and tags
• Name labels for bags, gear, or organizers
• Gift tags and small decorative accents

Intermediate projects:

• Two-tone engraved patches with detailed logos
• Wallet inserts and card-style accessories
• Custom luggage tags
• Branding labels for small businesses

Advanced / business-ready projects:

• Bulk hat patch production
• Product branding for handmade shops
• Corporate logo merchandise
• Event or wedding favours

If you're just getting started, we’ve put together free step-by-step beginner projects so you can confidently create your first pieces without guessing settings or techniques:

https://yxecreations.com/blogs/beginner-leatherette-projects

These guides are designed to help you go from first test cut to finished product with real settings, real materials, and real studio-tested results.

Is this leatherette safe for laser cutting and engraving?
Yes, Leatherette we sell in YXE Creations Craft Hub is a laserable PU leatherette designed for clean cutting and engraving on both CO₂ and diode laser machines. It is tested in real production settings for consistent results and have safety documentation.

Does this material contain PVC?
No, this is a PVC-free PU leatherette, making it suitable for laser use and reducing harmful fumes compared to PVC-based materials.

What laser settings should I use?
Settings vary depending on your machine, but this material is commonly used with low to medium power and moderate speed for engraving, and higher speed with proper focus for cutting. We always recommend doing a small test grid first for best results.

What is the backing made of?
The sheet has a soft felt-like backing that adds stability and makes it ideal for patches and flexible craft applications.

Can I use this for hat patches?
Yes, this is one of the most popular uses. It cuts cleanly and engraves with strong contrast, making it ideal for custom hat patches and branding.

Will engraving leave a clean contrast?
Yes, the material is designed to reveal a strong contrast when engraved, which is perfect for logos, text, and detailed designs.

Can I clean the surface after engraving?
Yes, light cleaning with a damp cloth is usually enough. For stubborn marks, a mild soap solution or diluted alcohol on a soft cloth can help.

What projects can I make with this material?
You can create hat patches, keychains, tags, labels, wallets, gift items, and small branded products. It is suitable for both hobby projects and small business production runs.

Do you provide project guides for beginners?
Yes, we offer free step-by-step beginner projects to help you get started with confidence:
https://yxecreations.com/blogs/beginner-leatherette-projects

Where can I buy leatherette sheets in Canada?
You can buy laserable PU leatherette sheets from specialty laser craft suppliers. YXE Creations Craft Hub offers one of the largest collections in Canada with 100+ leatherette options, including both adhesive and non-adhesive sheets for all types of craft and production needs. All materials are laser-tested and selected for consistent engraving and cutting results.

We also offer quick shipping with same-day dispatch on eligible orders, so you can start your projects faster. Explore the collection here: https://yxecreations.com/pages/leatherette