Features of caring for patent leather shoes: products, devices, cleaning rules

Patent leather shoes look solemn and elegant. They go perfectly with both women's and men's suits. Every businessman must have a pair of patent leather shoes, and the presence of patent leather high-heeled shoes in a woman’s wardrobe speaks of her refined taste and high status. Constant attention and neatness will preserve your patent leather shoes for many years.

Features of patent leather shoes

The mirror shine in patent leather shoes is the main highlight. To create it, a varnish made of polyvinyl chloride (sometimes it is replaced with polyurethane), linseed oil and nitrocellulose is applied to a base of leather, natural or artificial. The cost of such a pair primarily depends on this. The surface coated with a special composition begins to shine to the delight of the burning eyes of customers. But it is this gloss on the leather base that makes the shoes so vulnerable.

Cosmetics

It is advisable to buy special formulations from well-known brands; read the recommendations for use:

• Saphir Vernis Rife is a universal liquid that restores shine to natural and artificial materials. Polish the surface with a cloth immediately after application, no need to wait for it to dry.
• Salamander Professional Lack Care is a foam that polishes and removes dirt. Suitable for any type of skin. After treatment, the surface becomes elastic and the rich shade returns. Removes traces of grease and dust well.
• SALTON Professional is a line of products for different skin types. They reliably protect from moisture, the material becomes soft, and the shine returns.
• Twist Casual Care is a skin cream with a built-in applicator. Carefully cares, gives bright shine, refreshes the shade of the coating. Additional protection against aggressive reagents and water.

Before purchasing, check whether it can be used for genuine leather substitute.

Necessary equipment for care

It is recommended to care for varnished products using a microfiber cloth, which perfectly absorbs moisture and does not leave lint. It is better to always have it with you, since dust and other contaminants are very noticeable on the glossy surface. It is better to remove them immediately, since individual components can enter into a chemical reaction with patent leather. This will cause cracks or clouding.

If microfiber is not on hand, you can use cotton pads. If necessary, remove dried dirt by moistening them with water. Cotton wool is also safe for coating and does not leave any marks.

Attention! Even with cotton wool or microfiber, you cannot clean patent leather shoes with force. Such delicate materials can be detrimental to the mirror surface of shoes.

Hydrogen peroxide method:

1. If your shoes have laces, remove them first.
2. Next, take a soft shoe brush and use it to go over the entire surface. This will help remove dust and dry dirt.
3. Next, pour 2 cups of room temperature water into a small bowl, add three tablespoons of a gentle, pH-neutral hand soap such as Method or Ecover, and the same amount of hydrogen peroxide.
4. Gently stir the resulting mixture.
5. Dampen a rag in it and go over the entire outer surface of the shoe. Once the cloth is no longer wet, wet it again and repeat the procedure.
6. Repeat the steps until the dirt is removed.
7. When the goal is achieved, take a dry piece of cloth and wipe your patent leather boots with it.
8. After drying, you can polish them thoroughly if desired.

What can't be used?

Set aside sponges, brushes, and “combs” that you use to clean suede or leather. All these cleaning devices are not suitable for patent leather shoes. They can leave scratches on delicate surfaces, which then become cracks.

Also, do not clean varnished items with soapy water. It contains alkali.

Alcohol is no less dangerous. These substances are more likely to fix dirt on the surface than to clean it.

Cleaning procedure

Caring for patent leather shoes should be thorough and regular. If you can not clean leather or suede in the evening after work, but leave this entertainment for the next morning before going outside, then you cannot do the same with a varnish coating. You will have to clean such shoes at least once a day, and better yet, as they get dirty, usually 3-4 times - an excellent little exercise for your back.

Care procedure:

1. Remove any accumulated dust with a napkin or cloth.
2. If the dirt comes off easily, lightly wet the napkin and gently, without pressing, go over the dirt without rubbing. When pressed, solid particles may leave their mark on the surface.
3. Next, you'll need a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
4. Apply a small amount of varnish care cream to a clean, dry surface. It will return the original mirror shine.
5. Remove excess cream with a napkin.

Operating rules you need to know

If you have acquired patent leather shoes, pay attention to the following important points:

Heat and frost are the enemies of your shoes

The varnish coating is very sensitive to temperature conditions. It does not tolerate heat, so stop wearing shoes if the thermometer rises above +24°C. In this case, the film begins to melt, stretch, and becomes dull.

Doesn't like varnish surfaces or frost. Already at -10 °C it can crack and become covered with a network of wrinkles. It is recommended to put on patent leather boots 10 minutes before going outside during the cold season. This way, the skin will warm up, become warmer, and fit on the leg, which will significantly reduce the likelihood of cracking.

Humidity is bad

Patent leather products do not react well to dampness. When in contact with water, the material deforms and stretches, so in rain or snow, give preference to a different type of shoe.

Wear daily? Forget it

Glossy boots and shoes are considered festive shoes. They are not suitable for everyday use - with frequent wear they become dull, become covered with wrinkles and cracks, and lose their charm and luster.

Professional products

Patent leather shoes require a lot of attention. Caring for it must, or very preferably, be carried out with special products that contain glycerin or lanolin. These substances prolong the life of the varnish. Professional care can be quite expensive, but it is always cheaper than buying a new pair. Well-established brands include the following:

• Salamander;
• Saphir;
• Salton;
• Silver;
• Famaco;
• Collonil.

Among the products of these brands there are different care options: cream, aerosol, spray, as well as a special polish.

Aerosol

An available care option is an aerosol. For example, Salamander Lack. The product is suitable for caring for patent leather, including cleaning. Gives shoes elasticity, adds color, and repels dirt from the surface. It can also be used for products made from combination leather, as well as textiles and velor.

Don't forget about proper use:

1. Shake the can.
2. Apply the aerosol to dry, clean patent leather shoes from a distance of at least 15 cm.
3. Leave until dry, usually this does not take more than 5-10 minutes.

Cream

Creams are also suitable for caring for patent leather shoes. They are more expensive than products for smooth skin. On average, about 500 rubles, but its shelf life is 10 years. The cream is used for the same purposes as the aerosol:

1. Restore softness and elasticity.
2. Soften, saturate, moisturize patent leather.
3. Return paint and color.
4. Extend the wear life of patent leather shoes.

By the way, this cream is suitable for gloves, bags and clothing, for example, coats or raincoats.

To be on the safe side, try applying it to an inconspicuous area first before using it.

Advice! Before use, be sure to read the instructions.

1. First, the shoes should be cleaned (remember all the tips, do not press while cleaning).
2. Then apply the cream in a thin layer; for this, also use a napkin so as not to get your hands dirty.
3. Leave until completely absorbed.
4. Polish with a cloth without pressing.

Polish

One of the important points of care is polishing. Over time, the glossy surface loses its shine and elasticity, but with the help of modern care products these properties can be restored. Polish costs on average from 400 to 1,300 rubles per 100 ml. It can clean the varnish and remove small, barely noticeable cracks and scratches. The kit also includes a special cloth for applying the product and polishing.

To properly polish patent leather shoes, shake the can and apply polish evenly onto a napkin. Rub over the surface, gently polish until dry.

Wax

Wax is used to care for more than just patent leather shoes. This is an almost universal means for restoring any material. Wax safely restores color depth, restores lost shine, hides minor scratches, and repels moisture. It also dries quickly, but lasts for a long time.

Directions for use are the same as for creams:

1. Clean shoes from dirt.
2. Apply wax evenly.
3. Allow the product to absorb.
4. Polish effortlessly with a soft cloth.

Details

Basic rules for caring for patent leather shoes

Buying patent leather shoes is akin to getting a new pet - you will have to take care of them carefully and regularly during the wearing period.

Procedure:

1. If possible, it is better to immediately wipe off a stain of dirt as soon as it gets on your shoes, rather than wait until you get home.
2. When taking off your shoes at the front door in the evening, you must immediately wipe the outer surface with a specially designated napkin to remove any dirt that has appeared.
3. If stains cannot be removed with a dry cloth, slightly moisten the fabric and wipe the shoes without pressure or excessive zeal. Even the smallest grains of sand can leave scratches on the surface.
4. If you used a damp cloth, be sure to then wipe the object with a dry microfiber cloth.
5. After washing and drying your patent leather shoes, lubricate them with a suitable cream. The varnish care product gives shoes a characteristic shine, as if they had just been taken from a store display.
6. Collect excess cream with a napkin.

Professional care products for patent leather shoes

It is advisable to take care of patent leather shoes using professional products. They usually contain glycerin or lanolin, which soften and restore the varnish coating. The advantage of these drugs is their effectiveness is quite high and quickly visible to the eye, the disadvantage is their high cost. Popular and effective means include creams or sprays:

• Salamander;
• Saphir;
• Salton;
• Silver;
• Famaco;

Aerosols

Aerosols or sprays are very convenient to use both for cleaning and for regular maintenance and softening the varnish coating. Just shake the can, spray the product in measured portions onto the varnish surface from a distance of about 15 cm and let dry for 5-10 minutes. Under the influence of special sprays, patent leather becomes elastic and acquires its original color saturation. It is permissible to use aerosols in the case of a combination of materials on shoes (a combination of different types of leather, velor, or textile areas). Don't forget about proper use:

Cream

It is worth noting that special creams for the care of patent leather shoes are much more expensive than creams for regular leather, but have a longer shelf life. They are designed to return the shoes to their original color saturation, soften the leather and extend its life.

The cream for the care of patent leather shoes can also be used for other wardrobe items: jackets, gloves, bags and leather raincoats.

Wax

IMPORTANT:

To improve the appearance of patent leather shoes, and not spoil them, before using shoe wax for the first time, carefully read the instructions and follow their instructions. It is wise to first try applying wax to an area of ​​varnish that is hidden from view to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the product.

Procedure:

1. Clean the varnished pair without using pressure or friction.
2. Using a cloth, carefully apply the wax to the outer surface of the shoes. The wax layer should be very thin.
3. Leave the treated patent leather shoes for about an hour to allow the wax to soak into the material.
4. After a while, polish the shoes again without much effort or pressure with a soft cloth.

A particularly important advantage of shoe wax is its long-term effect.

Polish

Since we are dealing with a glossy shiny surface, we cannot do without polishing. Polish will help restore both the elasticity of the material and its original shine. With its use, the varnish surface is carefully cleaned, minor skin defects are leveled: cracks, scratches. This product costs about 1000 rubles for a volume of 100 ml.

Before use, the can of polish for patent leather shoes should be shaken, the contents should be sprayed onto a napkin, usually included in the kit, and the surface of the shoe should be rubbed without pressure or excessive effort.

Lifehacks for caring for patent leather shoes from craftsmen

To give a patent leather pair a beautiful and well-groomed look, you don’t have to run to the store for specialized products. You can examine the shelves in the apartment and try proven folk recipes.

Window cleaning products

This is an option for quickly adding shine to patent leather shoes; you should not overuse it. Still, the cleaning agent is quite aggressive, but the result is stunning. The shoes will take on the shiny look of freshly purchased shoes.

IMPORTANT:

This method is only suitable for patent leather shoes made from genuine leather. On objects made from artificial analogues, the varnish may crack.

Procedure:

1. Before you start treating with glass cleaner, lay newspapers or protective film on the floor and place your shoes on them.
2. The product must be applied to a napkin.
3. Immediately, without allowing the composition to dry on the surface of the patent leather pair, try to polish the shoes with a napkin.

Egg white

This is a very economical method, the good thing is that the product used can always be found in any home. Protein copes with varnish coating defects at the level of expensive specialized products. This treatment is especially effective for black shoes.

Procedure:

1. Separate the white of one egg from the yolk.
2. This protein must be whipped with a mixer or whisk until foamy.
3. The resulting mousse should be applied in a single layer to the outer surface of the shoe or shoe for 3 minutes.
4. Next, the residue should be wiped off with a napkin.
5. Spray the surface of your shoes with a water-repellent agent or apply cream. Rub with a soft cloth until shiny.

Milk

Egg white perfectly adds shine to a varnish surface, and this product is used to remove stains on it.

IMPORTANT:

It is permissible to use milk only at room temperature!

Procedure:

1. Shoes need to be wiped to remove adhering dust and dirt.
2. Using a cotton pad soaked in milk, gently wipe away stains and stubborn dirt without applying any pressure.
3. Wipe the boots dry and gently polish with a microfiber cloth.
4. You can also use polish at the end.

Glycerol

Another very affordable product for caring for patent leather shoes. Even if it is not found in your apartment, a bottle of glycerin can be bought at any nearest pharmacy. It costs up to 50 rubles. The consumption is minimal, so this care product for patent leather shoes will be enough for more than one season.

Procedure:

1. Soak a cotton pad in glycerin and rub it effortlessly over the cleaned surface.
2. Leave for 30 minutes.
3. Wipe off any residue with a piece of soft cotton cloth.
4. Polish effortlessly.

IMPORTANT:

When using glycerin to restore gloss and elasticity to patent leather shoes, do not wear them on the same day; the product needs time to be absorbed into the leather material. Give glycerin for at least a day for this.

Tea or coffee

Due to the dark pigment contained in these drinks, both tea and coffee are perfect for caring for dark patent leather shoes. It should be rubbed with a cotton swab dipped in coffee or tea. These drinks should be at room temperature. Then the boots are wiped dry and polished with a microfiber cloth.

Eraser

An eraser from a school bag will help remove dark marks on the patent leather surface of your shoes. Let us clarify that we are talking about a classic white eraser.

Shoes are first wiped to remove any layer of dust. Then use an eraser to rub off areas of particular dirt without using too much force. When the stains have been successfully removed, the shoes should be polished with a microfiber cloth.

Lemon juice

Lemon is a frequent assistant in dealing with stubborn stains. In the case of patent leather shoes, this citrus can be trusted to clean the surface of the shoe from traces of spilled coffee, wine, and black stripes.

Procedure:

1. Squeeze the juice from half of one lemon.
2. Wet a piece of cotton wool or disk generously with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
3. Wipe problem areas of shoes/boots.
4. When there are no stains left, the lacquered pair is wiped off with lemon juice and allowed to dry away from sunlight.

Vinegar and onions

Like lemon, acetic acid effectively copes with stubborn stains on patent leather.

Procedure:

1. Grate a small onion on a fine grater.
2. Place the pulp in cheesecloth and squeeze out the onion juice.
3. Pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar into the onion juice.
4. Stir thoroughly.
5. With a piece of cotton wool or a disk soaked in this solution, wipe the varnish surface of the shoe without any effort.
6. Wipe the pair with a dry microfiber cloth and leave for a while to let the vinegar-onion aroma dissipate.

Nail polish remover

Any patent leather shoes are quite picky about the choice of care products, let alone light patent leather shoes. Any defects or dirt on it are very noticeable. A good measure for eliminating imperfections on a light-colored varnish surface is nail polish remover.

IMPORTANT:

To use on patent leather shoes, nail polish remover must not contain acetone!

And before the procedure, it is better to check its effect on this particular varnish surface in an area hidden from view.

Procedure:

1. Since nail polish remover is a rather aggressive product, we will act precisely, using a cotton swab. One end of it needs to be moistened in liquid.
2. Use a stick to treat the stain.
3. Wipe and polish the varnish surface.

Ammonia with glycerin

Another substance that will help clean light patent leather shoes.

Ammonia will easily remove traces of dirt, glycerin will give softness and elasticity to the skin, and hide small cracks on its surface.

Procedure:

1. Take 1 tablespoon each of ammonia and glycerin.
2. Spread this mixture on light patent leather shoes.
3. Wipe effortlessly with a cloth and leave to dry.

Salt

Procedure:

1. 1 tablespoon of table salt should be thoroughly dissolved in a small amount of water.

If the salt crystals do not dissolve completely, they may scratch the varnish surface!

1. Soak a piece of cotton wool or a disk with saline solution.
2. Rub off stains without much pressure.
3. Let the saline solution work for 10 minutes.
4. Gently and thoroughly wipe your shoes with a damp microfiber cloth
5. Wipe your boots well with a dry cloth

Marker

The delicate varnish coating is easily susceptible to mechanical stress; scratches, chips and cracks quickly appear on it. When they are small in size, use a marker to disguise them. It should be as close in color as possible to the patent leather pair.

Please note that if moisture gets on the surface treated with a marker, the defect will again be visible.

Eyeliner

Using the same principle as a marker, this cosmetic tool of a suitable color is used to mask small scratches. The service life of this disguise is very short. The next morning after wearing the treated boots, they will again have to be retouched with a pencil.

Nail polish

Another thing is nail polish. Using this product, you can forget for a long time about the headache associated with minor damage that appears on the surface of patent leather shoes. You just need to choose a varnish that exactly matches the tone and don’t skimp on purchasing a high-quality product containing the most durable components.

Wax, oil, Vaseline

Thanks to their softening, enveloping properties, these products effectively combat small scratches, preventing them from growing. Olive or castor oil can be used as a substitute for wax or Vaseline.

Procedure:

1. First, wash and dry your shoes.
2. Using a microfiber cloth, treat the problematic surface of the shoe with an oily substance.
3. After a quarter of an hour, wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth.
4. Polish the shoes with microfiber, without pressing hard on the surface, otherwise you may remove the top layer of varnish.

Folk methods for shine and softness

You can take care of patent leather shoes almost free of charge, but with extreme caution. Folk remedies have not been canceled; they can also restore shine to patent leather shoes.

Glass cleaner

It sounds scary, but it's actually a safe way to clean patent leather shoes. If the base is artificial leather, the varnish coating may crack!

Although this procedure does not harm natural skin, it is nevertheless often better not to resort to it. Any product for glass and mirrors can quickly restore shine:

1. Place a pair of shoes on the table, first placing newspaper or cloth.
2. Apply a little cleaning product to a cloth.
3. Begin polishing effortlessly, without allowing the product to simply dry on the surface.

The result will stun you: your shoes will shine as if they came straight from the store.

Egg white

Chicken egg white is an excellent alternative to expensive aerosols and creams. It removes scuffs, scratches and cracks no worse than professional products, restoring the shine of shoes, especially black ones:

1. Take 1 egg and separate the white.
2. Whisk it to a foam consistency - this will be the easiest way to apply our homemade special product.
3. When the foam is ready, apply it in a thick layer and leave for a couple of minutes.
4. Remove residue with a cloth, apply moisture-repellent cream or spray and polish until shiny.

Glycerol

Another alternative cheap method. Glycerin is sold in any pharmacy for no more than 50 rubles per bottle, which will last you a long time.

The instructions are simple:

1. Soak a cotton pad in glycerin and rub it effortlessly over the cleaned surface.
2. Leave for about half an hour to take effect.
3. Wipe off any residue with a piece of soft cotton cloth.
4. Polish effortlessly.

Attention! You cannot immediately put on shoes after treating with glycerin. Leave it to dry for a day so as not to deform the product.

Tea or coffee

If you need to save dark patent leather shoes, tea or coffee cooled to room temperature will help you. Apply the selected drink to clean shoes using a cotton swab. Treat the entire outer part. After that, wipe it dry and don’t forget to polish it with a piece of microfiber.

How to prepare new patent leather shoes for wearing

A new couple does not need extensive preparation. It is enough to wipe its surface with a soft flannel cloth. If dirt or stains are found, you should treat the shoes with a cotton pad soaked in milk. After complete drying, you need to lubricate the product with an onion and then polish it with flannel. The brush cannot be used.

New shoes need to be properly prepared for wear.

Patent leather does not stretch as well, so often a new pair of shoes causes discomfort. There are several ways to soften or stretch it.

1. You can save the situation at home using a special spray or foam (sold in a shoe store), which is applied to the inner surface and helps soften the material.
2. A budget option is to treat the inside of the product with soap or a candle.
3. Ask someone you know with large feet to wear a pair of shoes.
4. Heat the inside of the shoes with a hairdryer, apply Vaseline or greasy cream. Then put on thick socks and walk for 2 hours. Apply cream again and leave overnight.
5. If these methods do not help, you need to contact a shoe specialist.

Removing stains

If you do not wipe the dust off your patent leather shoes in time, a noticeable stain may form. It must be removed carefully. Never use alcohol or thinner. The contamination will spread wider and penetrate even deeper into the coating.

Milk

Just like egg white, which easily restores shine, milk copes with stains of varying nature and complexity.

Procedure:

1. Clean the products from dust and dirt.
2. Soak a cotton pad in milk at room temperature and gently wipe the stains with it.
3. Dry your shoes and polish with microfiber, or use polish to seal the result.

Eraser

A regular school eraser is very helpful in getting rid of black streaks and stains on patent leather shoes. It is recommended to use a white elastic band:

1. Carefully begin to rub the eraser onto the stains on the previously cleaned surface.
2. If the dirt does not increase, continue to rub it, but do not forget to remove the rolled particles.
3. After the stain disappears, polish your shoes or boots.

Lemon juice

Black stripes, wine and coffee stains on varnish can be removed with lemon juice. Half a citrus is enough:

1. You need to squeeze the juice out of the lemon.
2. Soak a cotton swab in it.
3. Treat the surface, paying attention to the seams.
4. After the procedure, wipe and leave to dry in a dark place.

Onion + vinegar

If you are not afraid of tears, which the strong smell of onions can cause (it will also “give” the smell to your shoes, but this is only temporary), then try this method:

1. Finely chop, or better yet, grate one onion.
2. Squeeze out the juice using gauze.
3. Add 1 tbsp. l. vinegar and stir.
4. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and apply to patent leather.
5. Wipe dry, polish and place the shoes in a dark but well-ventilated place so that the pungent odor disappears.

Nail polish remover

Patent leather shoes are difficult to care for, but if they are also light-colored, it is doubly difficult. All imperfections, such as black stripes and spots, are very noticeable. Nail polish remover will help remove them, but it must be without acetone.

Before wiping stains, test the liquid on an inconspicuous small area. If everything is in order, pick up a cotton swab and proceed:

1. Dip one end of the stick in the liquid.
2. Apply the product only to dirt.

Ammonia + glycerin

This method is also suitable for caring for light patent leather shoes. Ammonia will cleanse the skin of stains, and glycerin will soften it and remove minor scratches and cracks.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Mix 1 tbsp. l. ammonia and the same amount or slightly less glycerin.
2. Apply the resulting mixture to patent leather shoes.
3. Rub gently with a cloth. Leave for a few minutes.
4. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth and let the shoes dry.

Salt

Mix 1 tbsp in water. l. salt. Make sure the crystals are completely dissolved, otherwise they may scratch your patent leather shoes:

1. Apply the solution to a cotton pad and wipe the stains with it.
2. Leave for 5-10 minutes to work.
3. Rinse off any remaining product with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

Key Tips

In order for shoes to please you with their appearance for a long time, and also to look great with any outfit, they need to be properly cared for.

The most valuable tips are:

1. After cleaning the glossy surface, it must be treated with creams. After all, they not only add shine, but also protect boots from moisture, minor scratches and other damage, insects and sudden temperature changes. In addition, such a surface will get less dirty, and difficult-to-remove stains will easily leave its base (for example, this could be pen paste, shoe polish, paint, and so on). It is also important to note that roads are sprinkled with salt in autumn and early winter, which spoils the quality of the top layer of shoes. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to use creams for the varnished surface.
2. If your boots or boots are wet inside, you can put crumpled newspaper or a very hot cloth in them. Do not use electric shoe dryers or heated insoles as sudden changes in temperature will cause the polish to crack.
3. You cannot wash the top layer with soapy water or shoe wipes, as this will greatly damage it. An acceptable option is a slightly dampened piece of cotton wool or cloth without additional chemicals.
4. If your feet sweat a lot, it is recommended to buy special insoles in the store that will absorb excess moisture, preventing the shoes from deforming. After all, the internal wetting of shoes is just as dangerous for them as the external one. Or it is permissible to use a cream, spray or gel against excessive sweating, which inhibits the production of sweat, thereby protecting shoes from getting wet and having an unpleasant odor.
5. If shoes have laces, they need to be washed as they become dirty, because a layer of dust can also accumulate on them, which has a destructive effect on the top layer.

An important rule is that you should not wear light patent leather shoes in the cold season, and warm ones - when the temperature outside is above zero. This will lead to serious damage that will be difficult to repair.

How to remove scratches and abrasions?

The main enemies of patent leather shoes are scratches, chips and cracks. They spoil the appearance, and usually the shoes are thrown away due to the appearance of such signs of wear. But if we are talking about small problems, you can try to remove them.

Marker

This method is suitable for not very noticeable scratches. You need to match the marker to the color of your shoes. If the line stands out too much, take a dry cloth and blend it a little. Please note that this is a temporary camouflage option - if moisture gets in, the crack will be visible again.

Wax and medical Vaseline

Wax perfectly softens the top layer of varnish, fills small scratches, preventing them from turning into cracks. Vaseline consolidates this effect. If you don’t have either one or the other on hand, the ingredients can be replaced with castor oil, olive oil or glycerin. They are all used the same way:

1. Wipe your shoes from dust and dirt.
2. Apply the selected substance with a cotton pad or microfiber cloth for 15 minutes.
3. Polish with a soft cloth.

You need to polish until any greasy marks from oil, wax or Vaseline are gone. Remember not to press too hard when polishing. And if stripes do appear, do not touch them. Let it dry and they will become less noticeable.

Eyeliner

Also a temporary measure, like a marker. The pencil should be matched to the color of your shoes and applied to the scratch. But keep in mind that, most likely, by the evening the deficiency will be noticeable again.

Nail polish

Nail polish will have a more reliable effect; it will successfully cover up scratches and abrasions. It also needs to be selected according to color so that it does not stand out on the surface. It is better to use more expensive brands of varnish, which contain high-quality and durable components.

How to disguise defects

No matter how hard you try, small scratches and abrasions cannot be avoided.

To hide scratches use the following means:

• Cosmetic pencil. You can disguise a scratch using eyeliner. Cosmetic pencils from well-known companies are water resistant and can stay on the surface for a long time. Carefully draw a line along the scratch with a pencil of a suitable color and blend it with cotton wool.
• Nail polish. Select a varnish of a suitable shade and apply it to the scratch. Usually two layers are enough to make the scratch invisible. The main disadvantage of this method is its fragility. After three weeks, the procedure has to be repeated.
• Deep scratches are covered with glue, and paint is applied on top. For convenience, use a match or toothpick. As soon as the glue dries, the surface is painted over.
• For scratches and other similar damage, liquid leather is sold. Apply it to the scratch and tie the shoe with a bandage. After the liquid leather has dried, lubricate the scratch one more time. After an hour, the composition dries completely.
• Small scratches are masked with wax. Warm up a wax candle and spread a thin layer of wax over the surface of the shoe. Polish any uneven surfaces with a flannel cloth.

It is recommended to wear shoes with a varnish surface no more than twice a month, since these shoes are not for daily wear. When buying boots, inspect them ; there should be no cracks, scratches, or unevenness on the surface. The color of the shoes should be uniform. Bend the shoes and look at their reaction; a quality product should not wrinkle or crack.

Don't be afraid to buy and wear patent leather shoes. This is a real highlight of any wardrobe. Thanks to complex care, you will become more collected, responsible and neat.

Drying and storage rules

1. Do not use electric dryers for patent leather shoes - this will cause cracks.
2. You can dry patent leather shoes only at room temperature in a place where there is no direct sunlight.
3. To speed up drying, place paper or an activated carbon tablet inside - it will remove excess moisture.
4. After the shoes have dried, treat them with a suitable care product - a moisturizer and color fixer. Don’t forget to polish the surface - this is another important point in care that should not be forgotten.

You also need to store patent leather shoes correctly:

1. Before putting your shoes or boots in the closet, clean them and treat them with products that will provide the necessary care.
2. Place a mold holder inside each shoe. If you don't have one, regular crumpled paper will do.
3. Shoes should not touch. Each shoe needs a separate bag. If this is not the case, wrap them in cloth, place a piece of paper between them, or simply store them in separate boxes.

Factors that can ruin patent leather shoes

The coating of patent leather shoes is negatively affected by several factors:

• Shoes lose their appearance and cracks form on them at sub-zero temperatures;
• And, conversely, at high temperatures and direct sunlight, the varnish stretches. Therefore, you should not dry such shoes near heating devices. The permissible temperature that will not adversely affect shoes is from zero to + 25 degrees;
• The properties of the material structure are damaged by moisture. The varnish surface may become deformed or change color - light or dark spots may appear. It is for this reason that such shoes cannot be washed and stored in a room with high humidity;
• Do not clean such shoes with brushes, hard sponges, or use cleaning powders to avoid scratches on the shoes;
• The appearance of shoes will be ruined by gasoline, acetone, and solvents if they are used for cleaning.