What is this text about? In this text we will answer the following questions: how to get rid of scratches on patent leather shoes, how to remove a deep scratch on leather shoes, what to do if patent leather shoes are scratched, how to restore patent leather shoes
Patent leather shoes are a decoration for every look, but over time the product loses its attractive appearance. Don’t rush to throw away your favorite pair of shoes, as you can restore them yourself using available materials. Restoring patent leather shoes requires a little patience and care.
Preparatory work
To restore patent leather shoes to their attractive appearance, you will need to follow simple steps. First of all, shoes must be carefully prepared for restoration. For this:
- I need to wash it. An ordinary soap solution will do. It is important to use warm, but not hot water. You need to add a little soap to make the water soft. Use a lint-free cloth, moisten it in the prepared solution and wipe the product thoroughly.
- Wipe your shoes dry. A paper towel will help remove excess moisture. With its help, you need to wipe the product and leave the shoes to dry for at least 3-4 hours.
- To prevent the product from losing its shape, you need to stuff it with paper.
After the shoes have dried, you can begin restoration work: removing scratches and restoring color.
Reasons for material destruction
Any shoes need proper care, but patent leather items require special treatment.
Such a surface is more susceptible to any influences, be it the negative influence of the external environment or improper handling. Because of this, cracks, scratches and other defects appear on patent leather. Patent leather shoes are very smooth with a dense surface. During manufacturing, the material is covered with a thin film, which makes it vulnerable and sensitive to various types of damage. For this reason, manufacturers recommend wearing it carefully.
By slightly touching a corner or protrusion with the toe of a boot or shoe, you risk immediately leaving scratches on it, which will spoil the appearance of the product of even the most famous brands.
It is not advisable to wear such shoes every day, since street dust and dirt, as well as dampness, lead to dulling of the surface. Patent leather deteriorates from:
- sun rays;
- moisture;
- chemicals;
- sudden changes in temperature.
Patent leather shoes react extremely negatively to low temperatures. If the thermometer drops below -10°C, a network of tiny cracks immediately appears on the varnish surface. After this, they gradually begin to further destroy the leather product.
Restoring patent leather shoes using dyeing
To dye patent leather shoes, you can use a professional dye, which can be easily purchased at a specialized store. You need to apply dye to the prepared surface. The procedure must be carried out using rubber gloves.
- Take a clean and dry sponge.
- Spray dye on it.
- Treat the surface with a sponge.
- Leave the product to dry for several hours.
Patent leather shoes will allow you to create spectacular looks for dry autumn, summer and spring.
Features of socks
When answering the question of how to clean patent leather shoes, first you should pay attention to some rules for wearing them, which will make cleaning easier. Shoes coated with a layer of varnish should not be worn during snow or rain, that is, when it is wet outside.
Excessive amounts of liquid can cause the varnish to crack, stretch, or even deform the shoes. At the same time, moisture is dangerous both for the top layer and for the sole, which quickly disappears when very wet due to its characteristics
Shoes coated with a layer of varnish should not be worn during snow or rain, that is, when it is wet outside. Excessive amounts of liquid can cause the varnish to crack, stretch, or even deform the shoes. At the same time, moisture is dangerous both for the top layer and for the sole, which quickly disappears when very wet due to its characteristics.
Shoes should also be protected from sudden changes in temperature. You cannot wear boots or shoes if the temperature outside is more than -5 degrees. From severe frost, the top layer quickly becomes covered with cracks, which greatly deteriorate the appearance and quality of the shoes. Also, do not wear shoes at high temperatures of more than 35 degrees. In this case, the varnish surface may simply melt.
If you like to wear patent leather boots, it is recommended to put them on 10 minutes before leaving the apartment to go outside. After warming up in the warmth, the surface will take the shape of your foot and “lie” on it - after that you can safely leave the house without fear of your shoes stretching.
Unfortunately, the varnish layer cannot be restored, so it is recommended to follow all the rules of wearing and caring for the surface so as not to spoil your favorite boots.
A few more rules for caring for patent leather:
- The varnish surface does not allow air to pass through very well, so it is not recommended to wear moccasins, boots or ballet shoes in the warm season. This can cause various diseases of the nails and skin of the feet, and also lead to an unpleasant odor.
- As you know, glossy shoes or boots are considered festive footwear, which should be worn only for holidays or social events. Then she will be able to maintain sophistication, charm and a pleasing shine to the eye for a long time.
- It is prohibited to leave shoes with a varnished surface in the open rays of the sun - if low-quality materials were used in the production of shoes, their surface will fade quickly enough. As a result, the shoes will become dull, wrinkled and unkempt. Unfortunately, they cannot be restored.
If you follow all the rules for caring for a glossy surface, it will remain well-groomed and shiny for a long time. The main thing is not to forget to carry out regular cleaning, which will preserve the appearance of patent leather shoes.
Glue will help
To return a torn piece of skin to its place, you can use glue or nail polish. To be confident in the results of your work, you should use professional glue for patent leather. If you need to quickly eliminate the defect, then you should use ordinary nail polish.
Apply a small amount of the substance to the cleaned area and press, leave in this state for the required time. The glue packaging indicates the drying time of the product.
If you decide to use nail polish, then you need to decide on the color scheme. To eliminate scratches and minor tears, apply a little varnish to the problem area. Leave in this position until the substance dries completely.
An obligatory step is the application of varnish fixer. This measure will allow you to preserve the results of the restoration work longer. After 2 weeks it is recommended to repeat the procedure.
Special paint
Scratches will be completely removed if you use special paints for varnished products.
You can buy such products in shoe stores. Just come to the store with your pair of shoes, and the seller will select the most suitable paint.
To restore the surface, you will need the paint itself, the thinnest paint brush (so as not to stain the circles), and decoupage glue (you can use any one, but still consult the seller which one is better).
After preparing all the products, you can begin repairing the shoes. The main thing is to follow all the rules, and everything will work out.
The procedure for eliminating defects on varnish products:
- Wash your shoes. Not only the upper surface needs this, but also the internal parts, as well as the sole. If during the procedure dirt accidentally gets inside the scratch, everything will have to be redone later.
- Use a brush to take a small amount of paint and gently place it into the scratch. Don't try to fill the entire crack in one fell swoop; proceed gradually. For convenience, take a magnifying glass, so you will not only waste less paint, but also avoid staining the circles.
- Leave the product to dry for 5 hours. If necessary, apply a second coat.
- After the paint has completely hardened, wash the brush or take a new one and apply decoupage glue to the treated surface. Smooth it down gently.
In this way, unfortunately, it will not be possible to get rid of the flaw forever. But you can always disguise cracks and scratches.
What to do with deep scratches
When shoes are badly damaged and there are large scratches on them, it is appropriate to use a professional product - wax. It can be a special wax, finishing wax or simple beeswax. If you do not have the opportunity to find at least one of the listed ingredients, then you can get by with ordinary household candles.
When wax is available, it needs to be heated and poured onto the problem area. If the shoes are colored, then immediately paint over the filled scratch with the desired color. For example, a marker or colored shoe polish.
If you cannot cope with the problem yourself, then you should not be too upset, because leather shoes can always be taken to a workshop where professionals will take care of them.
Using all the tips and rules, you will be able to bring back to life your favorite pair of boots or sandals that you were about to throw away. Remember that any skin damage can be repaired and is not a reason to panic.
Precautionary measures
Patent leather shoes, whether made from natural or artificial material, do not withstand any intense activity. Therefore, even when cleaning with microfiber cloths, you should not press or press hard on the surface. Otherwise, it will take a very long time to restore the integrity of the coating and it’s not a given that it will work out.
Author:
Zakharova Nina Afanasyevna
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