Hi beauty! Being a fashion enthusiast, I have always been intrigued by that really shiny, mirror-like leather that we get to see on the red carpet and at high-end events. You know what I’m referring to is patent leather!

Today I’d like to tell you all I know about this fabulous material. Whether you’re considering purchasing your first pair of patent leather shoes or just interested in what makes this leather so unique, you’re in luck.

What Is Patent Leather?

Patent leather is normal leather that receives a special glossy finish. It’s like applying a clear, shiny top layer on regular leather. It gives the leather a really shiny and silky look – nearly like a mirror!

The term “patent” doesn’t indicate that someone owns it. It originates from the antiquated method of creating it. Long ago, people applied linseed oil to produce that glossy finish.

A majority of patent leather currently employs plastic treatments such as polyurethane or acrylic. These protect the leather against water and provide it with that infamous glossy appearance we adore.

Benefits of Patent Leather

I just adore patent leather for so many things! Let me explain why this fabric is the best:

It’s SUPER SIMPLE to Clean 

Unlike normal leather, patent leather requires only a simple wipe with a damp cloth. No fussing creams or tricky cleaning procedures required!

Water Can’t Damage It 

Raining on the way home? No problem! Patent leather is essentially waterproof due to its plastic finish.

It Never Goes Out of Style

Patent leather has been in style for decades. From stiletto heels to show-stopping handbags, it always has an air of elegance about it.

Perfect for Special Events 

Want to look especially glamorous? Patent leather gives your outfit instant sophistication. It’s ideal for dates, nights, parties, or formal occasions.

Stays Shiny Longer 

In contrast to ordinary leather which tends to lose its beautiful shine after some time, patent leather remains shiny for many years if well-maintained.

Disadvantages of Patent Leather 

Now that we have been realistic – there is no such thing as a perfect material. Let us take note of these:

It Can Crack Over Time 

The plastic coating could crack minutely, particularly if you do not store it well or subject it to harsh heat.

Scratches Are Visible Easily 

Since it’s so shiny, the smallest scratch is hugely prominent. You need to be more careful with patent leather things.

Breathability Reduced 

The plastic coating doesn’t allow air like normal leather does. So your feet may feel slightly hotter in patent leather shoes.

Does Get Sticky 

In extremely hot temperatures, the surface can be a bit sticky to the touch. It’s not a big issue, but worth noting.

Few Color Choices 

Although you can obtain patent leather in varying colors, the color options aren’t as extensive as for standard leather.

How Is Patent Leather Produced?

The process is actually quite cool! Let me take you through how standard leather transforms into that shiny work of art:

Step 1: Begin with Quality Leather Leather manufacturers start with good quality normal leather – typically cowhide.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare The leather is cleaned and pre-treated to ensure the surface is smooth and ready for coating.

Step 3: Put on the Base Coat A special primer is applied first to ensure the shiny coating adheres properly.

Step 4: Apply the Glossy Layer Multiple coats of polyurethane or acrylic coating are applied. It becomes shinier with each layer!

Step 5: Polish and Finish The last step is polishing to achieve that fabulous mirror finish we adore.

The entire process may take a few days since each layer must dry completely.

How to Care for Patent Leather

Taking care of leather which is patent leather is actually much easier than regular leather! Here’s my simple routine:

• Daily Care : Just wipe with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. That’s it!
• Weekly Deep Clean : Use a mild soap solution if needed, but make sure to dry it completely afterward.
• Monthly Conditioning : Unlike normal leather, patent leather does not require heavy conditioning. A mild use of patent leather cleaner monthly will suffice.
• Handle with Love Clean gently : The shine can become scratched if you are too vigorous with it.

Remember – do not use normal leather conditioners on patent leather! They can harm the shiny finish.

Environmental Impact of Patent Leather

As a person who loves our planet, I feel that it’s worth discussing. Patent leather does have some environmental issues:

The plastic finishes they use are not biodegradable like normal leather. This is to say patent leather products take a lot longer to degrade in landfills.

But many brands are currently developing more environmentally friendly finishes. Some opt for water-based products over aggressive chemicals.

My tip? Spend money on good patent leather items that you can keep for years instead of getting cheap things you’ll discard within no time.

Is Patent Leather Expensive?

Price really depends on the quality and brand! This is what I’ve observed:

• Budget Options ($20-50) You will be able to find low-cost patent leather shoes and bags, but perhaps not so durable.
• Mid-Range ($50-200) This is the best bang for the buck for good quality patent leather that will look fabulous and last long.
• Luxury Items ($200+) Designer patent leather items are certainly more expensive, but the quality and workmanship are typically well worth the cost.

Overall, patent leather is slightly more expensive than ordinary leather due to the additional coating process. But I believe it’s worth it for that fabulous shine!

Alternatives to Patent Leather

If patent leather isn’t your thing, then there are some nice alternatives:

Faux Patent Leather 

Composed entirely of synthetic materials. It’s less expensive and vegan-friendly, but may not be as durable.

Glossy Vinyl 

Extremely shiny and water-resistant, but less sophisticated than genuine patent leather.

Lacquered Leather 

Much the same shine as patent leather but employs alternative methods of coating.

Metallic Leather 

Provides you with shine without the reflective appearance of patent leather.

High-Gloss Synthetic Materials 

Most contemporary synthetics are almost indistinguishable from patent leather for a small fraction of the price.

Patent Leather vs Regular Leather: What’s the Difference?

Here are the main differences, explained by me:

Appearance 

Patent leather boasts that mirror-like high shine, whereas regular leather is more natural and matte-looking.

Care Needs 

Patent leather is a breeze to clean – wipe and forget! Regular leather requires special conditioners and more advanced care procedures.

Longevity 

Regular leather will last decades with good care. Patent leather is also long-lasting, but the coating can crack or peel over time. For an explanation of the differences in types of leathers and their longevity, read our guide on types of leather.

Breathability 

Regular leather allows air to pass through, so it’s more comfortable for shoes. Patent leather isn’t as breathable.

Versatility 

Regular leather is suitable for casual and formal styles. Patent leather is most suitable for dressier events.

Price 

Both can go from affordable to high-end, but patent leather tends to be a little more expensive since it involves the coating process.

Common Uses of Patent Leather

Patent leather appears in so many fashionable forms! Here are my top uses:

Shoes : From timeless pumps to bold boots, patent leather shoes are a wardrobe essential. I particularly adore them for night-out events!

Handbags : A patent leather bag instantly gives a look a touch of sophistication. It’s ideal if you need to bring some glamour.

Belts : A sleek patent leather belt will turn even the most basic dress into a chic, put-together look.

Jackets : Patent leather jackets are fashion-forward and edgy. They’re ideal for making a strong statement with your style.

Accessories Consider wallets, phone covers, and hair clips. Tiny patent leather details bring shine but never feel overwhelming.

Why Go with Patent Leather?

After all those years of wearing and adoring patent leather, here’s why I believe you should give it a shot:

Confidence-Boosting : There’s something about the shine that makes me feel that little bit more confident and glamorous.

Super Practical : The simple maintenance routine equates to less time caring for your accessories and more time using them.

Always Appropriate : Patent leather is suitable for professional occasions and nights on the town.

Great Investment : Patent leather items are long-lasting and never date.

Instant Outfit Upgrade : Even a plain black outfit gets dressed up with patent leather shoes and a coordinating bag.

How to Care for Patent Leather

Let me share my tried-and-true maintenance routine:

• Store Properly: Keep patent leather items in dust bags or soft cloth covers. Avoid plastic bags that can trap moisture.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t leave patent leather in hot cars or near heaters. The coating can crack or become sticky.
• Clean Spills Immediately: While patent leather is water-resistant, clean up spills right away to prevent staining.
• Use Proper Products: Only use cleaners designed specifically for patent leather. Using regular leather products can ruin the coating.
• Handle Gently: Handle with care using sharp objects or abrasive surfaces that may scratch the shiny finish.

How to Remove Stains from Patent Leather

Oops! Stains do occur. Here’s what I do with various kinds of stains:

For General Dirt : Mix a small amount of mild soap with water. Gently clean the stain with a soft cloth, and then dry at once.

For Scuff Marks : Attempt to rub very lightly with a pencil eraser or a cloth with a small amount of petroleum jelly.

For Stubborn Stains : Use a patent leather cleaner according to the manufacturer’s directions. Never use harsh chemicals!

For Water Spots : Wipe with clean, damp cloth and dry at once. Water spots generally wipe off easily.

Prevention is Best : The perfect stain removal is prevention! Clean your patent leather frequently and keep it well-stored.

How to Repair Scratches and Cracks in Patent Leather

Small damages don’t necessarily mean you have to discard your favorite items! Here’s what you can do:

• For Minor Scratches : A small bit of petroleum jelly and a soft cloth may help minimize small scratches.
• For Deeper Scratches : Professional repair may be in order. Do not attempt to repair deep scratches.
• For Small Cracks : Patent leather polish may sometimes cover small cracks, but this is only temporary.
• For Major Damage : Your item may need to be taken to a professional leather repair shop.

Know When to Let Go Sometimes the damage is too extensive to repair cost-effectively. That’s okay – it happens!

How to Store Patent Leather

Proper storage is super important for keeping patent leather looking amazing:

Use Dust Bags : Store each item in its own soft dust bag or wrap it in acid-free tissue paper.

Avoid Direct Contact : Don’t let patent leather items touch each other during storage. They can stick together!

Climate Control : Store in a dry, cool environment. Don’t store in basements, attics, or areas with drastic temperature fluctuations.

Shape Maintenance : Use shoe trees to keep shoes and pack handbags with tissue paper to maintain their shape.

Check Regularly : Inspect your stored materials every few months to ensure they’re maintaining good condition.

FAQs About What is Patent Leather

1. Is patent leather genuine leather?

 Absolutely! Patent leather is genuine leather with a distinctive shiny finish put on top. It’s not man-made, although the finish itself tends to be made of plastic components.

2. Can I wear patent leather shoes in the rain? 

Patent leather is water-resistant, so light rain is generally fine. But I wouldn’t wear patent leather shoes in heavy rain since water may still seep in through seams and holes.

3. How long will patent leather last? 

Quality patent leather, with good care, lasts 5-10 years or more. The surface coating may wear somewhat over time, but it usually remains in good shape.

4. Can patent leather be repaired if it cracks? 

Minor cracking can sometimes be reduced with special creams, but extensive cracking typically can’t be completely fixed. Prevention through good storage is the way to go!

5. Is patent leather easy to wear? 

Yes! But patent leather shoes may feel less breathable than normal leather, so your feet may feel hotter.

6. Can I treat patent leather with regular leather conditioner? 

No! Regular conditioners can ruin the shiny coat. Only treat patent leather with special products for patent leather.

7. Does patent leather stretch? 

Patent leather does not stretch like regular leather due to the hard coating. Be sure to purchase the proper size in the first place.

8. How can I restore patent leather to its shiny state? 

A clean, soft cloth will regain most of the shine. For added gloss, apply a patent leather polish made for this type of material.

9. Can patent leather only be black? 

Not in your life! Patent leather comes in red, white, nude, metallics, and lots of other colors. Black is simply the best-selling one.

Conclusion

I hope this guide made you a patent leather expert! This stunning material has been a style sensation for decades, and I can see why.

The reflective shine, low maintenance routine, and ageless sophistication make patent leather an ideal selection for anyone looking to bring some glamour into their wardrobe.

From a simple pair of black patent pumps to a statement handbag in a bright color, you’ll be sure to love how patent leather has you feeling stylish and confident.

Don’t forget to take proper care of your patent leather items, and they will remain looking stunning for many years to come. Happy styling, gorgeous!

Do you have a favorite patent leather item? I’d love to know about your tips and experiences with this incredible material in the comments below!

Read more about different types of clothing and you go girl !!