Can You Get Stains Out Of Patent Leather?


Patent leather is an outfit winner with its beautiful gloss and shine. Though a bit on the expensive side, it is worth purchasing. Buying this type of leather can be a beneficial investment in the long term. For it to stay with you for a long time and not abandon you, you must take care of it.

What is Patent Leather?

Patent leather is a type of coated leather. It is instantly recognizable by its glossy surface. It is known for being virtually waterproof, flexible, soft, and virtually maintenance-free. These properties come from the coating applied to the leather. Initially, the coating used on it was oil-based but is now usually synthetic. It is now a combination of polyurethane and acrylic most of the time. This glossy leather is usually solid black, but many other colors are also found. Patent leather has long been synonymous with wealth, or at least grandeur, but this material is now widely available and affordable. The lower costs result from innovation in the production process making it more cost-effective and reducing costs.

Benefits of Patent Leather

This type of leather is expensive, but the higher cost guarantees more benefits. These benefits are due to the amazing characteristics of the material. Some of the characteristics of this material are;

  • Versatility
  • Low-Maintenance
  • Waterproof
  • Glossy/Shiny
  • High dirt resistance

These characteristics allow it to provide many benefits. Some of these benefits are;

  • Flexible

The acrylic coating on this leather makes it very flexible and less likely to crack or peel than natural leather. And because it is thin and supple, manufacturers can use it for various products, from belts to boots. It is used very commonly for different products due to its flexible quality.

  • Durable

It can be debatable whether the material is durable or not. Overall, it is a good type of leather, so it is durable. It might not be as durable as other types of leather, but it is not frail or cheap enough to break. Its water-repellency and stain resistance certainly suggest a certain robustness. It is worth noting that these properties are solely due to the varnish forming a protective layer that prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the leather fibers. Dirt on the surface of patent leather can be easily removed with mild detergent and a damp cloth.

  • Glossy Look

Another benefit that this leather provides is its glossy look. The glossy look instantly makes your outfit look more expensive and gives it an expensive feel. Another great thing about the gloss is that it looks natural on the leather’s surface, making it look even prettier. The gloss and shine make it aesthetically pleasing.

Stains and Scuffs on Patent Leather

It is very important to take off your leather. Damage can occur easily. Whether it is water or any other liquid, it can get stained easily. Furthermore, the discoloration can make your leather look uneven and dull. To avoid these problems, you should always keep it safe, away from liquids. If some water or other liquid has its way onto your leather’s surface, you must act very quickly. Letting the liquid stay on your precious item can be damaging and ruin your item completely. Even though this specific type is water-resistant, damage can occur. The material allows stains and scuffs to occur easily.

You can save your leather if you act fast. If you are stuck in a sticky situation like that, fret not. Here are some easy ways to clean your patent leather.

How to Clean Patent Leather?

You can clean your leather and have it return to how it was initially. Different methods can be used to clean different types of problems.

  • Lost Gloss and Shine

Suppose you are in a situation where your leather item has lost its shine and gloss; then, using soap and water helps. Use a soft-bristle brush to brush off dirt and debris that may accumulate in the creases that form in the leather over time. Add mild soap to the water and let it form the lathe. Gently apply the mixture with a soft brush. You must look at how long you let the mixture stay on your leather. It would be best to keep it from staying for a long time and gently clean it off with a soft dry cloth. This will remove the dirt accumulated on the surface and give it back its shine.

  • Scuffed

The best way to remove surface scratches from leather is to use a common household product, olive oil. Soak a microfiber cloth in olive oil and gently rub the area where the scratch is. Leave it on the surface for about fifteen to twenty minutes, and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Another useful thing is petroleum jelly. For minor abrasions, unscented petroleum jelly is useful. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to a clean cloth and rub it gently on the stain in circular motions. Leave it on the surface for ten to fifteen minutes and wipe it with another clean, dry cloth. A patent leather cleaner is probably the best way to remove stubborn stains, but you can also use a furniture polish if you’re in a pinch. It removes most stains and is especially suitable for shoes.

  • Stained

Whether on clothing or accessories, visible stains can be unsettling for everyone. Patent leather has a coating. The varnish makes the material stain-resistant, but it is prone to color transfer and can leave stains with pens (ink) and water. First and foremost, always spot-test before using any product, even if it’s technically safe for leather. If the stain is a water stain, you can use rubbing alcohol on the surface of the affected area. Keep applying gently until the stain is no longer there. You can use ink-removing materials to avoid discoloring the leather for an ink stain.

Just follow through with the above- steps, and you will be able to clean your patent leather in no time! 

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