What is Patent Leather? Understanding Its Features and Care Tips

Genuine leather material known as patent receives a lacquer treatment to obtain its shiny appearance. Patent leather has such a distinctive gloss that consumers choose it for making patent leather shoes, handbags and various accessories.

The main variation of this leather consists of its genuine composition despite its shiny application. 

This blog examines producing methods and examines leather authenticity while discussing maintenance practices.

What Is Patent Leather?

The coating of lacquer on the original leather creates patent leather by producing its distinctive glossy finish. Even though patent leather receives a glossy finish, it shares the strength and softness characteristics found in natural leather. The shiny surface of the leather material stands different from its gloss finish.

Is Patent Leather Real Leather?

The material that constitutes patent leather is actual full leather. Patent leather features a shiny finish applied to actual leather that may include polyurethane or resin coating. But the underlying leather is still genuine. 

The primary difference between normal leather and patent leather is in the finishing process, not in the material itself.

Advantages of Patent Leather

Patent leather possesses numerous exclusive advantages that confer upon it a great demand in fashion and accessories. Following are some of the key benefits:

1. Glossy and Stylish Look: Patent leather garments attain their luxurious shine quality that elevates footwear and leather accessories to refine their appearance.

2. Durability: Patent leather garments attain their luxurious shine quality that elevates footwear and leather accessories to refine their appearance.

3. Water Resistance: The coating of patent leather offers a level of water resistance, thus it is more for use in moist conditions than usual leather. To learn more read: Can Leather Get Wet

4. Easy to Clean: Damp cloths effectively remove stains and dirt from patent leather making it a practical material for patent leather shoes and all other items constructed from this material. To learn more read: Easy cleaning tips.

5. Flexible: The stiffness of patent leather remains manageable due to its flexibility attributes which make it suitable for shoe production and belt and handbag making.

Disadvantages of Patent Leather

Even with so many advantages of patent leather, it does have its drawbacks. Following are some of the disadvantages:

1. Susceptible to Scratches: The reflective surface of patent leather shows every dent, which points out all its small damages.  

2. Stiffness: Patent leather has a stiffer feel than regular leather, particularly in patent leather shoes. It can occasionally become less comfortable over long use.

3. Lack of Breathability: Natural airflow into patent leather is not as easy as it is for genuine leather. People using patent leather items could notice discomfort in shoes specifically when it is hot outside.

4. Shiny Finish Can Fade: After some time, the institution’s shiny patent leather coating will start to lose its shine or it will dull. Improper maintenance causes the shiny surface to vanish, resulting in a less attractive appearance of your peace.

How Is Patent Leather Made?

Several stages exist for producing patent leather products. The manufacturing process targets the creation of a shiny gloss surface to separate patent leather from other kinds of leather.

1. Selection of Leather: High-quality leather material selection marks the starting point of this process. The leather surface ought to be free from defects along with being completely smooth.

2. Coating the Leather: A thin layer of high-gloss resin or lacquer is applied to the leather. This is what gives patent leather its shiny appearance.

3. Curing: Heating the covered leather completes the process of hardening the applied coating. The final heating process ensures the high-gloss finish remains compact and prevents any possible smudging or peeling.

4. Polishing: The patent leather receives final finishing through polishing operations to produce a uniform gloss finish. The smooth and glossy finish follows the polishing process for practical use in fashion products.

How to Clean Patent Leather

If you want the best result from your patent leather item, it helps to know how to clean it. Here is a quick instruction: 

1. Regularly Wipe Off: A soft cloth should be used for removing surface dust and dirt from the object. The cleaning process with a soft cloth helps to both minimize dust accumulation and shield against damage through scratching.  

2. Clean Marked Areas: For a marked area, apply a damp cloth with mild soap directly onto the area until the stain is fully soaked. Make sure to dry it so that watermarks aren’t left behind.

3. Polish for High Shine: Apply a patent leather polish to add an extra level of shine to your item. Use sparingly and buff lightly. To learn more, read the best oil for leather jackets.

Does Patent Leather Stretch?

Patent leather is also less pliable than untreated leather, and does patent leather stretch? The response is no—patent leather won't stretch as quickly as standard leather material. If you are asking yourself how to stretch patent leather shoes, perhaps try the use of a shoe stretcher or go to a professional at a cobbler.

How to Stretch Patent Leather Shoes

The stretchability of patent leather shoes stands below traditional leather footwear but you can try some methods to improve your fit.

1. Use a Shoe Stretcher: The use of a shoe stretcher allows proper stretching of patent leather shoes without damaging their structure.

2. Wear Thick Socks: Patent leather shoes can be stretched through heat application from a hairdryer after wearing the shoes with thick socks.

3. Professional Help: The failure of previous stretching methods will require professional shoe stretching services from a cobbler with your patent leather shoes.

Is Patent Leather Sustainable?

Patent leather should not be considered an eco-friendly option because synthetic finishes used in its production lead to sustainability issues. A significant benefit of patent leather is its ability to last an extended period, which might compensate for frequent purchasing needs.

Conclusion

Patent leather represents a fashionable and long-lasting substance that fashion designers use to manufacture patent leather shoes and handbags along with accessories. Water resistance and simple cleaning are the principal benefits of patent leather yet careful care must be taken to defend against fading and scratches. 

Correct treatment and cleaning methods for patent leather will keep your items shiny and fashionable throughout multiple years.

Are you in the market for the best leather goods? Get unparalleled patent leather products from Nomad Nappa that are crafted to perfection and stand the test of time.