Bi – cast is a created material, using a laminating process with a plastic sheet, normally to a split hide, giving you what can only be described as a leather backed vinyl material.
Some times bi cast has different names PU leather, by cast , bicast leather and bycast leather they are all the same normally made from a split and bonded together by means of laminating at the tannery.
Body oils can dissolve the bi cast plastic coating so maintenance is essential on this type of material. Normally you will feel a sticky feeling / sensation on the surface coating.
Body oils can break down the surface coating very quickly, in some cases within months of purchase. It’s the same care processes as items like protected leathers, but it’s essential they are kept clean and protected at all times.
Surface colour loss, scratches and sheen issues can be repaired reasonably well, more extreme damage is almost impossible to repair, blistering is common with bi-cast leathers and the surface coming away from the substrate below.
This type of leather if you can call it leather is very shiny and peoples perception is that its a high quality leather, its far from it as its leather content is so minimal, its more of a plastic surface coated product.
Restoration of this type of material is not easy to say the least, as its not the type of finish you would get on a pigmented leather, as the surface coating is plastic. When looking at it through a magnifying glass it can be extremely deceiving as it can look like it has hair follicles in the leather giving it the appearance of a high quality leather when it fact it isn’t.
The best way to lengthen the life of this type of product is to have a special coating applied to the surface to help stop body oils and fluids from breaking down the pu coating