What is Patent Leather?

Patent leather is actually a way for preparing leather. A lot of people thing that it is an inexpensive leather alternative. But really its leather that has been treated with special glossy finishes and coatings to give it that sheen. It can come in a variety of different colors. For a while, black was the most popular patent leather color but red and other colors are just as popular. The reason why people often mistake patent leather for a cheap alternative to leather is because there are actually materials that are similar in appearance to patent leather that are synthetic. But true patent leather is made from real leather. It looks fashionable but is also very durable. Patent leather is less likely to scuff than other leather products. It is also easier to clean. History of Patent Leather Patent leather was invented in Newark, New Jersey in 1818 by a man named Seth Boyden. Thomas Edison called Boyden the second greatest inventor that he knew. (Edison considered himself to be the ...  more

So, just what gives patent leather its luster? According to the International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Society, it's several layers of lacquer. Patent leather is a leather with a lustrous mirror-like surface, built up by the application of one or more coats or daubs, varnishes or lacquers, which are based on linseed oil, nitrocellulose, polyurethane and/or other synthetic resins. Crinkled patent is a soft patent leather with a creased or crumpled appearance produced mechanically after the patent finish has been applied and dried.  more

They put a layer of PU (poly urethane i think) or PVC (poly vinyl coating) over the top of the leather and thats how it gets the shiny look  more