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What is Patent leather

Complete Guide: What is Patent leather?

Everything about Patent leather

While many other leather finishes and treatments are utilised in the creation of luxury products, patent leather is undoubtedly one of the most popular. In this article, we will learn all there is to know about patent leather, including what it is, what it is made of, why you should pick patent leather, major features of patent leather, what can be done with patent leather, and a comparison of patent leather to real and synthetic leather. 

What is Patent leather?

Patent leather is a fine-grained leather that has been treated to give it a glossy appearance and a high-gloss polish. This characteristic finish has been applied to a variety of products for centuries, including shoes, handbags, coats, and other accessories.

Patent leather's slick appearance makes it one of the most distinctive leather varieties. Because of its unusual finish, it was once considered a luxury in the upmarket fashion industry, but it is now often used for accessories such as shoes, handbags, and leather bags.

Imitation patent leathers have just begun to appear in retailers, and patent leather has become more affordable. This glossy, high-gloss material is certainly one you have seen used by various manufacturers at a variety of rates. 

Also Read : What are the different types of leather

What is Patent leather made of?

patent leather

Patent leather is a type of leather that has been given a high gloss sheen. Contrary to popular assumption, it is not a separate sort of leather, but rather a treatment done to standard leather. The procedure entails putting layers of lacquer or plastic to the leather's surface, resulting in the trademark shining sheen.

This not only improves its visual appeal, but also increases its longevity by making it more resistant to scratches and scuffs. So, the next time you're wondering what makes patent leather so great, remember that it's all about that glossy surface created by a precise coating procedure!

Also Check This: What is top Grain Leather?

Why Choose Patent Leather?

Choosing patent leather has several benefits, making it a popular choice for a variety of purposes.

  • Style: Its glossy texture provides a sense of refinement and elegance to any item, including shoes, handbags, and accessories. The sleek surface exudes a rich aura that quickly boosts your look.
  • Durability: Another reason to choose patent leather is its durability. The patenting process entails putting a specific coating that not only improves the beauty of the leather but also protects it from scratches, stains, and water damage. This endurance guarantees that your patent leather products remain in exquisite shape for extended periods of time, making them an excellent long-term investment.
  • Maintenance: In addition, patent leather is quite easy to clean and preserve. Unlike other forms of leather, which may have particular care regimens, patent leather can often be wiped clean with a wet cloth, making it excellent for busy people who want to keep their accessories looking great with no effort. Learn How to clean leather by clicking here.
  • Versatility: Finally, patent leather has a variety of uses. It comes in a number of colours and may be used to achieve a broad range of designs, from classic and classy to dramatic and statement-making. Patent leather allows you to showcase your particular style, whether for a formal event or adding a burst of colour to everyday clothes.

Also Check This: What is Split Grain Leather?

Key Points of Patent Leather:

Make sure to undertake extensive research before investing in this type of leather product! Before purchasing a purchase, thoroughly consider all of the pros and negatives.

There are several variables to consider. If you've ever been interested in patent leather, now is the time to discover everything there is to know! Here are five things to know about this unusual genuine leather:

  • Resistance to scratches: This leather is the best choice if you want scratch resistance. Its glass-like shine and exceptionally smooth surface make it ideal for usage in high-end furniture and other settings.
  • Ecological: Patent leather helps to save resources since it is both animal friendly and environmentally beneficial. It is derived from the skin of ethically bred calves that have not been exposed to harsh chemicals, hormones, or antibiotics.This signifies that the animals were not exposed to cruel treatment, such as hanging, stabbing, or cutting. The hide is processed into a range of things, including handbags and shoes, creating jobs in the commercial manufacturing process, all of which contribute to the decrease of CO2 emissions.
  • Durable: Given that patent leather is a specific type of leather that has undergone a patent process, the leather's surface is exceptionally durable and resistant to degradation. 
  • Water-resistant: Patent leather is waterproof leather that has been coated with several layers of lacquer or varnish to give it a long-lasting, glassy gloss. As a result, this sort of leather is referred to as water resistant, which implies it will not be damaged by rain or other moisture.
  • Special Features: People admire patent leather shoes, jackets, and other essentials for a number of reasons. It is the best leather for these items, and it also has a pleasant aroma. It is perfect for shoes or jackets with elaborate straps or motifs because of its smooth and delicate feel to the touch. Its appearance may also be greatly modified; no two pieces are ever identical!

Check This: What is Full Grain Leather?

Applications of Patent Leather:

Applications of Patent Leather

Patent leather is utilized in the production of many consumer products. The material's shiny, expensive look works well for formal accessories, but it is also used to manufacture a range of ordinary items: Now, let's look at some of the accessories that may be made from patent leather:

  • Footwear: Patented shoes are among the most popular consumer purchases. They are manufactured from a number of basic materials and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Shoes may be made from a variety of materials, including rubber, plastic, and leather. Shoes can be basic or elaborate, and they may have distinguishing traits (such as shining leather). Patent leather shoes are extremely durable and resistant to harm.
  • Clothing: Clothing is one of many things that may help someone feel and look better. This type of leather is a fabric made from many layers of leather sewed together, giving it an exceptional look and feel similar to genuine suede, making it ideal for formal wear and shoes. Patent leather production is a costly process for companies since it necessitates specific knowledge and experience. However, technological developments have made this sort of fabric more inexpensive than it has ever been.
  • Wallet: A wallet is an essential piece in the wardrobe of every fashionable individual. The variety of designs, colours, and patterns makes it easy to choose the right one for you. Patent leather is a type of shiny leather that is quite fashionable. This leather is stylish and durable, making it excellent for accessories such as shoes. Because it takes time to manufacture, be prepared to spend extra on your wallet or shoes!
  • Bags: Exquisite patent leather is commonly used in bags and other accessories. Its glossy, smooth, and velvety surface makes it perfect for adding a luxurious touch to any outfit. This leather comes in both synthetic and animal varieties. Your bag will look brand new for a longer amount of time because of the treatment process that makes leather resistant to water, oil, dirt, and other contaminants! 

Also check : What is Nubuck Leather

How to choose Patent Leather?

When choosing patent leather, quality should always come first. When selecting patent leather, look at the quality, sheen, and hue. Confirm that the leather is genuine and free of imperfections. For the best sheen, choose a high gloss finish. Choose hues that complement your attire and consider the durability and maintenance requirements.

Let's go over the factors to consider while choosing patent leather:

  • Shine: Choose leather that is smooth, shiny, and has few defects. A high-quality item will have a consistent lustre and feel soft to the touch.
  • Check For Imperfections: Closely scrutinise the material for any wrinkles, scratches, or discolouration, as these might indicate poor quality. 
  • Consider Quality: By concentrating on quality, you can ensure that your patent leather things not only appear elegant but also last a long time.
  • Testing Flexibility: Flexibility is a critical factor in determining the quality of patent leather. Bend the leather gently to see how it behaves. Patent leather that is of high quality can flex without cracking or creasing.

Patent Leather vs Genuine Leather:

Feature

Patent Leather

Genuine Leather

Appearance

Glossy and shiny surface

Natural texture with visible grains and imperfections

Durability

Prone to scratches and scuffs

Highly durable and long-lasting

Maintenance

Easy to clean with a damp cloth

Requires occasional conditioning and care

Flexibility

Stiffer and less flexible

Flexible and conforms to shape over time

Water Resistance

Resistant to water and stains

Resistant to water and stains to some extent

Price Range

Often more expensive than genuine leather

Typically less expensive compared to patent leather

Common Uses

Formal footwear, handbags, accessories

Apparel, accessories, upholstery

Origin

Coated with a plastic layer for shine and durability

Derived from animal hides, preserving natural characteristics


Patent Leather vs Synthetic Leather:

Feature

Patent Leather

Synthetic Leather

Material

Genuine leather coated with a glossy, plastic-like finish

Made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Appearance

Glossy and shiny surface

Can mimic various textures, including leather or other fabrics

Durability

Prone to scratches and scuffs

Varies depending on quality, can be durable or less so

Maintenance

Easy to clean with a damp cloth

Generally easy to clean, may require gentle care

Water Resistance

Resistant to water and stains

Varies depending on manufacturing process and treatment

Price Range

Often more expensive than synthetic leather

Typically more affordable compared to genuine leather

Eco-Friendliness

Not environmentally friendly, due to the use of genuine leather with heavy coatings

Can be more eco-friendly if made from recycled materials

Common Uses

Formal footwear, handbags, accessories

Apparel, accessories, upholstery

Origin

Coated with a plastic layer for shine and durability

Entirely synthetic, not derived from animal hides


Conclusion:

Patent leather is animal skin that has been surface-tanned to give it a smooth, glossy finish. The term "patent leather" is often linked with calfskin, although it can also refer to other types of animal pelts. Patent leather is commonly used in shoes and accessories because it combines superb design with durability. In this post, we've covered all you need to know about patent leather, so you can decide whether it's the ideal type of leather for your needs.

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