Patent leather is leather that has been given a high gloss, shiny finish. The original process was developed by Newark, New Jersey–based inventor Seth Boyden in 1818 with commercial manufacture beginning September 20, 1819. His process used a linseed oil–based lacquer coating. Modern patent leather usually has a plastic coating. Modern leather-working tools Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides and skins of animals, primarily cattlehide. ... Nickname: Map of Newark in Essex County Coordinates: , Country State County Essex Founded/Incorporated 1666/1836 Government  - Mayor Cory Booker, term of office 2006–2010 Area [1]  - Total 26. ... Seth Boyden Seth Boyden (November 17, 1788 – March 31, 1870) was an American inventor. ... is the 263rd day of the year (264th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1819 common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Patent leather is sometimes confused with poromeric imitation leathers such as DuPont's Corfam and Kuraray Co.'s Clarino which are manmade materials with a similar glossy appearance. Sometimes referred to as poromerics, poromeric imitation leathers are a group of synthetic breathable leather substitutes made from a plastic coating (usually a polyurethane) on a fiberous base layer (typically polyester). ... Dupont, DuPont, Du Pont, or du Pont may refer to: // E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, the worlds third largest chemical company Du Pont Motors Gilbert Dupont, a French stock brokerage part of retail banking network Crédit du Nord ST Dupont, a French manufacturer of fine... Corfam was the first poromeric imitation leather, invented by Lee Hollowell, and introduced by DuPont in 1963 at the Chicago Shoe Show. ... Kuraray Co. ...

Patent leather and poromerics are cleaned in a similar way. Dirt adhering to the coating can be removed with a damp cloth, using a mild soap if needed. Minor scratches and scuff marks in the coating itself can be removed using one of several special-purpose patent leather and poromeric cleaners on the market. With wear and tear, patent leather will eventually lose its glossy finish, but will still be smoother than most other types of leather, looking almost rubbery. A collection of decorative soaps used for human hygiene purposes. ... This does not cite any references or sources. ...

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, kinky boots and professional wrestling boots, and trench coats. In recent years patent leather has become a popular material for limited-edition sneakers made by companies such Nike, Bape, and Greedy Genius. For other uses, see Fashion (disambiguation). ... An example of a wallet A wallet is a small (usually pocket-sized) storage device used to keep personal items such as credit cards, cash, drivers licenses for frequent quick access. ... This article is about the terms most basic meaning; a purse is also a race track term. ... For other uses, see Dance (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Uniform (disambiguation). ... A shoe is an item of footwear worn on the foot or feet of a human, dog, cat, horse, or doll. ... Kinky boots are boots which are intended for or by some people are connected to some kind of shoe fetishism and thus a form of fetish clothing. ... For the video game, see Pro Wrestling (video game). ... For other senses of this word, see boot (disambiguation). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... ‹ The template below is being considered for deletion. ... Nike, Inc. ... A Bathing Ape (often called simply Bape) is a Japanese clothing company that specializes in urban streetwear. ...

History

Sporting a high gloss finish, patent leather has long been established as leather that is considered uptown and formal. Here is some background on how patent leather is created, and some examples of the fine products that are made using patent leather.

The history of patent leather begins in the early 19th century and owes its invention to Seth Boyden of Newark, New Jersey. During the year 1818, Boyden began to investigate the possibility of creating a version of leather that was treated in such a way that the material retained its desirable qualities of protection and durability. At the same time, this new type of leather would also have an appearance that would be decidedly more dressy than work boots and similar leather goods.

Using a formula that was based on a series of treatments using layers of linseed oil based coats, the new shiny leather began commercial production on 20 September 1819. Boyden’s efforts resulted in the production of glossy leather that quickly caught on the perfect compliment for formal dress. Almost two centuries later, patent leather still maintains the status of being part of a formal look for men and women alike.

Patent leather begins life as a superior grade of fine grain leather that undergoes a process to achieve the glossy look that is considered sophisticated. Originally, this was accomplished by applying layers of a linseed oil finish to the leather, gradually creating the sleek appearance. As time went on, the invention of plastics impacted the methods for producing patent leather.

Plastic finishes were able to produce effects similar to the application of several treatments with linseed oil, with the advantage of considerably less monetary investment on the part of the producer. Over time, the development of synthetic resins further simplified the process and cut production costs even further, making the mass production of patent leather possible.

Characterized by a glass like finish that catches the light, the typical patent leather accessory is a solid black. In addition to the mirror like finish, patent leather is also virtually waterproof, while still retaining a very flexible texture. The visual elements of patent leather have made it a sought after material for all sorts of formal accessories. Just about all men’s footwear produced to be worn with tuxedos are patent leather shoes. Many formal types of heels for women are also produced using patent leather. Clutches and small handbags for women are also made using patent leather, as well as some formal wallets and cigarette cases. Essentially, patent leather is always considered an integral part of formal wear.

With almost two centuries of history, patent leather is one type of material that seems to keep going no matter what current fashion trends dictate. It seems that as long as there is a need to dress up for an occasion, patent leather will be found in closets and tuxedo shops across the country.