{"id":580,"date":"2022-02-10T05:30:27","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T03:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leatherinformer.com\/?p=580"},"modified":"2022-02-10T05:30:34","modified_gmt":"2022-02-10T03:30:34","slug":"how-to-dull-patent-leather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leatherinformer.com\/how-to-dull-patent-leather\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Dull Patent Leather: (6 Easy Methods)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Do you have a patent leather bag or shoes that you’ve just grown tired of? Maybe they’re too flashy for your current style, or maybe they’re just plain old scratched up. Fear not! In this article, I will teach you how to dull patent leather using some simple household items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patent leather is a material that has a very glossy finish. It is made by coating the leather with an acrylic or polyurethane layer which gives it protection from water and stains as well as makes it shiny. This material is often used in making shoes, bags, and other accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While patent leather can be very attractive, it can also be a bit too flashy for some people. If you’re one of those people, or if your patent leather items are just plain scratched up, then read on to learn how to dull the finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patent leather is a type of leather with a shiny, glossy coating that makes it look like plastic. The term patent only refers to the finish and not to any specific material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the first reasons why patent leather is really shiny is because it’s made using a plastic coating over the surface of traditional leather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The plastic coating is applied as a liquid then dried to create the glossy look we associate with patent leather. The shiny is largely the result of the coating’s ability to reflect light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be quite durable and resistant to water, but without proper care, patent leather can become dry or even crack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another common reason why patent leather sometimes appears shiny than you will often like is usually because of patina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Patina is an extra layer of shine that develops on leather or patent leather with time and use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s caused by the oils on your hands and body interacting with the leather and causing a natural protective layer to form over it – which is also sometimes very shiny and adds to the shiny surface of the patent leather material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you first get patent leather, especially if it is still new, there are usually no patinas present yet because they have not had time to develop or accumulate yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, as soon as you start using them and handling them, the patinas will begin to form slowly over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, there are also products that you can use that can significantly add to the shine of your patent leather. These products are usually the same ones that are used to clean and polish the patent leather material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of these products include commercial leather cleaners, shoe polishes, or any other type of household cleaner that is marketed as being able to clean patent leather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is because some of the products contain waxes and oils that can add to the shiny surface of the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, patent leather can be made dull. However, it is not a very easy process and it will take some time and effort. If you’re not up for the challenge, then I suggest taking your items to a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even in the hands of the professional if the method used is too severe it can strip all the color from patent leather and make the patent leather weak or damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, if there are too many chemicals involved the leather underneath could get compromised and result in a really bad reaction so it is best to test any method on an inconspicuous part of the leather item before starting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about some of the potential downsides to dulling patent leather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With all that said, if you’re still interested in learning how to dull patent leather, read on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few ways to dull patent leather, but we will be focusing on the two most common methods: using a lot of very common household items and a few commercial products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the easiest and most common ways to dull patent leather is by using rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a common household substance and chances are you already have some in your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you need is a soft cloth or sponge, some rubbing alcohol, and a little bit of elbow grease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n