Patent leather is a type of coated leather that has a high-gloss finish.[1][2]
In general, patent leather is fine grain leather that is treated to give it a glossy appearance. Characterized by a glass-like finish that catches the light, patent leather comes in all colors just like regular leather. In addition to the mirror-like finish, patent leather is also virtually waterproof, while still retaining a very flexible texture. The visual aspects of patent leather have made it a sought-after material for formal accessories.
Patent leather and poromerics are used in applications where an eye-catching glossy appearance is the most important consideration. Examples include fashion items such as wallets and handbags, dance and uniform shoes, thigh-high boots and professional wrestling boots, belts and trench coats. In recent years patent leather has become a popular material for limited-edition sneakers.
Originally a lacquer coating that was based on linseed oil was used, the process was then widely substituted with plastics such as Parkesine. Modern patent leather is typically made with a plastic or synthetic coating. This has also allowed for more colors and patterns available.
Patent leather is sometimes confused with artificial leathers such as DuPont's Corfam and Kuraray's Clarino, which are artificial materials with a similar glossy appearance.
- ^ Fallows, Samuel (1885). The progressive dictionary of the English language: a supplementary wordbook to all leading dictionaries of the United States and Great Britain. Progressive Publishing Company. p. 352. OCLC 17609997. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- ^ Gilman, Daniel Coit (1906). The New international encyclopaedia. Vol. 12. Dodd, Mead and Company. p. 55. OCLC 4802145. Retrieved August 4, 2011.