What is patent leather? Patent leather, in general, is fine-grain leather with a high-gloss coating that creates a shiny and smooth surface. Moreover, the coating also makes it soft and waterproof to some extent. Due to such characteristics, this leather has been widely used to make fashion products such as handbags, shoes, jackets, etc.
However, explore this guide to have a deeper understanding of patent leather’s advantages, drawbacks, and how it differentiates from natural leather.
Patent Leather vs Leather
Although patent leather is a type of leather, it contrasts significantly with natural leather, as both have different characteristics. Look at the table below for a better understanding.
| Features | Patent Leather | Natural Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Highly glossy, shiny finish | Grain texture, matte finish |
| Durability | Water-resistant but prone to blemishing over time | Natural leather can last a lifetime, extremely durable |
| Feel | Smooth, yet plastic touch | Somewhat buttery-soft and rough |
| Comfort | Rigid, less flexible | Highly flexible and comply with your body over time |
| Care | Easy to maintain, can be cleaned with a damp cloth | Often requires conditioning and traditional cleaning |
| Uses | Used for fashion apparel and accessories | Used for everything |
| Price | Inexpensive | Prices vary leather to leather, generally expensive |
| Smell | Chemicals smell more like plastic | Rich, authentic, organic aroma |
Advantages of Patent Leather
Appearance
The sparkling finish gives it a stylish look. The shiny surface of patent leather shoes and accessories makes them stand out, be it black patent leather shoes or a sleek handbag.
Waterproof Properties
One of the best advantages of patent leather is its waterproofing ability, which gives it an edge over leather. The coating on top resists water from getting inside the leather, allows it to be worn even on rainy days.
Durability and Versatility
Patent leather is strong and durable despite its shining appearance. The varnish coating makes sure that glossy pelt items can bear daily wear and tear. Moreover, due to its adaptability, it can be molded to make an extensive range of products, either formal or informal.
Maintenance
As compared to natural leather, glossy pelt doesn’t require regular cleaning or occasional conditioning. You can just clean it by wiping with a damp cloth, and it will look just like new.
Affordability
When it comes to affordability, patent leather is budget-friendly. It isn’t costlier, and that’s why it is highly used for fashion and accessories.
Disadvantages
Comfort
Due to stiffness, it becomes pretty uncomfortable to wear. Not only that, also the varnish layer makes it less breathable as it blocks the airflow.
Discoloration and Darkening
One of the biggest setbacks of polished pelts is discoloration. If it is exposed too much to sun, the UV rays cause color migration and darkening.
Scratches and Scuffs
Although patent leather is durable, it is prone to scratches and scuffs. If kept on an abrasive surface or not taken care of properly, it will diminish the luminance and gloss of this polished leather.
Environmental Impact
Last but not least, the heavy use of chemicals to produce the varnish leather negatively impacts the ecosystem. Besides, it is directly contributing to climate change.
Uses of Patent Leather
Considering the cost of natural leather, many manufacturers are shifting to glossy leather to create goods.
- Shoes: Due to its shiny material, the glossy leather shoes have become a new trend. Nowadays, more people are bent towards it.
- Handbags: In handbags, the varnished leather is used to add a touch of elegance.
- Jackets: Used more in jackets to make them bold and eye-catching.
- Accessories: Used in multiple accessories such as wristwatches, bands, belts, wallets, hats, and phone cases etc.
How to Care for Patent Leather
If you are looking for an answer to protect and increase the lifespan of your goods made from varnished leather, then follow these tips:
- Wipe the Dirt: To clean your polished leather, use a clean, soft damp cloth gently to remove dirt and dust from the surface. Plus, don’t use chemicals as it hurts the varnish overlay.
- Clean with Mild Soap: To remove the wistful stains, use a mild soap solution with a damp cloth on areas that require cleaning. Moreover, when cleaned, dry it out entirely to avoid creases.
- Avoid Exposing to Heat: Don’t let your glossy leather stuff be exposed to sun directly, as the UV rays aren’t friendly to it.
- Store in a Cool Place: Keep the products made from polished leather in a cool place to prolong its life.
- Pro-Cleaning: In some scenarios, items made from patent leather like couches requires professional cleaning, so it’s wise to consider it.
Alternatives to Patent Leather
Top grain and full grain leathers are the closest alternatives to this shiny pelt. They are good in quality, natural in appearance and more appealing due to its texture. Also, the full grain and top grain leather are more durable.
Conclusion
In the end, we can admit that patent leather is a stylish and affordable option among other leathers, and it rightly stands out because of its shine surface. However, as discussed, it also comes with some consequences. Therefore, it’s completely up to you to decide if it’s right for you or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is patent leather made?
A: The process involves wrapping up the leather with glossy plastic (usually polyurethane) that gives it a polished and shiny look.
Q: Is patent leather waterproof?
A: We can debate on its durability, but there is no second opinion on it being waterproof and water-resistant.
Q: Is patent leather real leather?
A: Yes, patent leather is a real leather, there is no doubt about it. It undergoes multiple finishing process to get this bright and polished look, even though it looks different from natural hides.
Q: Can patent leather get wet?
A: Yes, patent leather can get wet, but don’t worry; it has a water-resistant coating.
