How to distinguish patent leather from artificial leather

What is this text about? In this text we will answer the following questions: how to distinguish patent leather from artificial leather How to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather: useful tips

Modern technologies make it possible to fake leather so well that substitutes are almost impossible to distinguish from natural material. Experts have learned to make not only the front side, but also the back side. As a rule, artificial leather goods have a specific smell, but some “virtuosos” interrupt it by adding leather crumbs. In order to understand how to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather, you need to know the basic subtleties and secrets.

How to check the authenticity of material in a store?

There are quite a few ways, but not all are successfully implemented in life. For example, they won’t set fire to a product in a store. Therefore, you need to know other, more loyal methods for determining quality.

Water. To check the authenticity of the material, drop a small amount of water onto the surface. If the leather is natural, the liquid will quickly be absorbed and the area will darken. The artificial material will not change color and will not absorb water.
Deformation. In order to figure out how to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather, you need to bend it. If folds formed in this area during exposure and disappeared after it stopped, this is an indicator of a natural material.
Slice If possible, you need to carefully examine the cut. Genuine leather should be much thicker than artificial leather, which is made on a textile or polyamide basis.
Palm check. In this case, you need to place your palm on the surface of the product and wait half a minute. Natural material heats up very quickly and gives off heat by absorbing moisture. Substitutes are a little cold and do not absorb moisture.

How to check the quality of patent leather?

High-quality patent leather will never be scratched by a fingernail, bends well and does not form cracks even with numerous bends. Like any natural leather, it is not afraid of either cold or heat. Unfortunately, in Russia it is very, very difficult to find material of similar quality. If you nevertheless decide to get your hands on this particular specimen, then we advise you to go to Italy, where, according to experts, they produce the highest quality leather in the world. There is also production in China and South Africa, but the quality of this material is also noticeably poor - the skin is easily scratched, and with numerous bends and stretches, the varnish layer bursts quite quickly.

Before checking the quality, coordinate your actions with the seller; most likely, in the case of counterfeit and poor-quality workmanship, you will be denied the procedure. And thereby any need for carrying it out disappears.

Softness and elasticity

Typically, natural material is not as hard as artificial material, but modern technologies make it possible to make a very soft substitute. The skin stretches smoothly and elastically, although the tension in areas is uneven. The artificial material is more like rubber. By pressing on natural leather, you can feel its density and elasticity, and the dent quickly disappears. The artificial one practically does not press through, and the fingerprint is visible for some time.

This material is completely dyed, so the product should have the same or lighter color when folded. Not knowing how to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather, you need to pay attention to the reverse side. Substitutes may have fabric or other material as a base. The inside of the skin is fleecy and looks like felted plush, only short. A quality product always comes with a piece of the material from which it is made.

Patent leather bag - versatility and unique appearance

Many things and accessories are made from patent leather, but the bag is deservedly the most popular of them. They have not lost popularity for several seasons in a row and are constantly present in the collections of fashion houses. Girls love her for her versatility and unique appearance, which becomes one of the centers of attraction of the entire look.

When choosing a patent leather bag, you need to focus on your requirements. For most fashionistas, it is very important that the bag has a long service life and is resistant to bad weather. If you are interested in these characteristics, along with appearance and color, then natural patent leather will be more than ever useful. It will not crack with frequent use, will not be damaged when exposed to moisture or hot weather, and is also not susceptible to other mechanical damage.

Even a black patent leather bag looks elegant, but it’s worth paying attention to other colors. For example, beige will become a universal option, largely due to its noble shade. Such a thing will look good with clothes in any style, and the unique glossy shade will attract the attention of other fashionistas. But the most luxurious shade is definitely white, which requires regular care, but it's worth it. In the upcoming season, there are also other bright colors so that every fashionista can choose an accessory to match herself and her wardrobe. And don’t forget about black - it is the very nobility and sophistication, therefore other things should look accordingly. This shade looks good with bright dresses of a simple cut and classic pumps, and they will add some zest to an office outfit, just don’t forget the bright detail.

And finally, I would like to remind you that you should not combine several things from this material in one image. If your choice fell on patent leather, then the shoes or belt should be made of suede or soft leather. In this case, the image will be gentle and harmonious, which will undoubtedly add admiring glances to you.

How to choose quality shoes?

Today, even experienced craftsmen cannot always determine the quality of shoes. The easiest way is to look at the small sticker with graphic marks on the shoes. It indicates what the sole, lining and surface of the shoe are made of. If an emblem is drawn that follows the outlines of an animal skin, it means the shoes are real. In the case where a diamond is depicted, synthetic materials are present. The matting indicates that there is a textile component. But the inscriptions are not the only characteristic of the skin, so you need to look at the cut.

Patent leather shoes

Patent leather shoes are the second most popular item. This material is used to make everything from ballet shoes to winter boots. By the way, the latter are very popular not only in winter, but also in autumn. Most often, designers, like most girls, prefer a very bold and sexy model - stocking boots, the length of which sometimes reaches mid-thigh. Over the knee boots with flat soles and stiletto heels look more modest and interesting. Lovers of the classics can choose a model with a wide shaft with a stable heel, or ankle boots with a wedge or heel. Such patent leather shoes will certainly attract the attention of others, especially if you choose a model with bright colors.

In summer shoes, patent leather is most often used as a decorative insert along with other materials - this trend has been followed by many designers for several seasons in a row.

The only disadvantage of such things is that they are not practical, although they look amazing. But if your choice nevertheless fell on this model, then you should choose shoes that combine several bright colors: classic black and white, black and red, wine and dark blue, etc. Such things are ideal for formal and evening outings, and for going to the club.

Material structure

The edge of the product is a very important indicator, as you can see the structure of the material. The edges should have a “raw”, untreated appearance, which is something that substitutes do not have. Their cuts are smooth and resemble plastic.

The basis of many products made from artificial materials is textile or polyamide, so you can see protruding threads. The folded edges of the skin are thicker and rounded.

When thinking about how to distinguish natural leather from artificial leather when choosing shoes, you must remember that the pores of the substitutes are uniform and repeating, unlike natural materials, which have an uneven pattern.

You should not focus on the area that is located next to the “zipper”; some manufacturers specifically add a small strip of leather there to give the product a natural look.

Modern production

Today's lacquer production process is not much different, with the exception of mechanization. The same problem exists in finding the balance between hard and flexible coating, and manufacturers use different recipes and methods.

Typically the finish is a mixture of polyurethane and acrylic. Polyurethane provides a hard surface that is shiny and durable, while acrylic provides a more flexible end product. Thus, leather chemists combine these two qualities to achieve optimal results.

What kind of fabric

Laque was born not so long ago, but many fashion connoisseurs already know what kind of fabric it is. It is very similar to leather, but has a lower cost, so it quickly won the hearts of leather lovers.

The name of the material varnish comes from the French language “laquee”, which means “shiny” and “smooth”. There is also another name - varnish fabric or varnish fabric.

Lacque fabric is produced using the latest technologies, so it has many positive properties. The description of the material is similar to leather - it also shines, has a smooth surface, and is bright in color.

Clothing and decorative items made from lacquer leather are stylish and trendy. This analogue is often used in the production of youth items.

Flaws

Despite the abundance of advantages, the disadvantages of this material seriously make you think about the possibility of purchasing another material.

First of all, the fabric does not breathe. This means that any clothing will have a “greenhouse” effect. That is why the fabric cannot be used for summer clothing or for people with excessive sweating.
Over time, abrasions or scratches may appear on the material, which cannot be removed.
Sewing at home from lacquer fabric is very difficult. The needle must be very thin and sharp - when piercing the film, a hole appears, which under load can spread out, thereby irreversibly ruining the product, and a metal foot will scratch the material, so you should only use a plastic one. And so that the fabric in the seam area does not deform, it must be glued.
When heated, the material irrevocably changes color, so it cannot be ironed, which also makes sewing yourself much more difficult.
If the quality of the material is not good enough, the top film may burst and peel off, forming unaesthetic bald spots.

Patent artificial leather. How to choose good patent leather shoes

Choosing shoes is always quite difficult; it becomes even more difficult when it comes to patent leather products.
In order not to be disappointed and not to spend extra money, it is advisable to avoid rash actions when purchasing. Among the parameters that influence the choice of a pair, the main ones are purpose, seasonality, material and color. 1. Purpose

All shoes, including patent leather, can be divided into three categories:

Men's. The most common models are oxfords, brogues, loafers and derbies. Such products are distinguished by a particularly restrained design, which adds solidity and presentability to them. Lacquer-coated shoes or boots are perfect for both a business style and an everyday fashionable look. When choosing such a pair of shoes, it is necessary to take into account the lifestyle and style preferences of the buyer.
Women's patent leather shoes. Leather products coated with varnish look feminine and elegant. They will be appreciated by fans of an individual approach to creating an image, who have a sense of style and self-confidence. Patent leather boots usually have simple decoration such as laces. Choosing the appropriate option will not be difficult. The range of these products is represented by almost all popular options: flat and tractor soles, stiletto heels, platform and other types of heels.
Children's room. Patent leather shoes or boots look great on children's feet, in addition, they create a child's idea of style from an early age. Children's models are characterized by a more diverse color palette. The height of the boots varies; the closure is often made in the form of a zipper, sometimes in combination with lacing.

Application area

The varnish material goes well with many things, so it has a wide range of applications.

Shiny lacquered raincoat fabric is used to produce waterproof clothing, since its top layer does not allow moisture to pass through. These are jackets, raincoats, vests, children's overalls, windbreakers, coats.

The material has good thermal insulation, products made from it can be worn even in winter. Jackets made of varnish fabric are insulated with padding polyester or silicone.

Dresses and sundresses are made from lacquer fabric. To make them fit better on the figure, they are lined with cotton or viscose. Young people are closely following new products in tight trousers and skirts made of lacquer. Dance groups order stage costumes from this fabric. Black lacquer fabric looks gorgeous on artists.

Original patent leather accessories. These are various handbags, cases, wallets, belts. Bows are used to decorate shoes, sandals, and curtains.

Matter seems airy and weightless. In fact, it is very durable and has a long service life. Therefore, furniture is decorated with lacquer upholstery fabric.

Natural varnish

All natural leather is made from animal hides and they are a major part of the leather industry. The process of making leather, called tanning, involves removing the fat and chemically altering the thick middle layer to preserve and strengthen it, making it flexible.

Patent leather is usually light and thin, usually calf or kid leather. However, today lacquered products can be made from the skin of any animal.

Composition and properties

Lacquer fabrics are canvases coated with a special film that is applied over the base.

The finished material can contain different types of fibers:

synthetic nylon or nylon threads;
synthetics with viscose artificial threads;
synthetic base with natural fibers - cotton or wool varnish.

During production, a special coating is applied to the canvas under pressure. It is a film made of latex, polyamide or other substances that impart strength, elasticity, and softness. Thanks to this, the varnish has water-repellent properties and is wear-resistant.

Manufacturers most often use thin synthetic fabric when making things. Polyurethane film is used as a coating.

Lacquer fabric has different characteristics. Its properties depend entirely on the composition of the fabric. The bright color is obtained using pigment added to the impregnation. With the help of modern technologies, fashionable mother-of-pearl shimmers are created. Manufacturers also use the degradation effect, which is a smooth, unnoticeable transition from light to dark color.

The density of the finished canvases is also different. It ranges from 85 g/m² to 130 g/m².

Varnish comes in more than just a smooth texture. Often there is a material that looks no different from leather. The canvas can also be matte, embossed or printed.

For those who do not like solid colors, specialists produce lacquer fabric with prints. The metallic color is very popular.

Advantages

This material is very strong and elastic, so products made from it are durable.
Thanks to the extensive range, you can choose not only the required color and texture of the material, but also the density. This allows the fabric to be used in many areas.
Even the densest version of varnish will weigh less than genuine leather and other leather substitutes, so the products are very light and comfortable to wear.
The polyurethane film covering the base fabric is homogeneous, so the varnish fabric does not allow water to pass through and is not blown out. In addition, it is not susceptible to the influence of fungi and microorganisms.
The fabric holds its shape and volume well, while being soft enough to form folds, which, combined with color, shine and texture, makes even very simple models spectacular.
It is very easy to cut out parts from such material. It does not deform, does not shrink, and its edges do not crumble.
In addition to what has already been listed, it remains to be said that the cost of this fabric is very affordable - about 400 rubles. per meter