It’s that time of year again where the cold winds are starting to blow and winter is just around the corner. Patent leather shoes, jackets, pants, etc are fashionable and will keep you nice and cozy during that time of the winter where it is not too cold. We all know patent leather is a very durable material but will patent leather crack in winter?
There is no precise way to know for sure if patent leather will crack in winter or not. The material is usually very resilient to cold weather conditions, but there is always a chance that something could happen that will cause it to crack.
There are certain particular instances that if present, could cause patent leather to crack in cold weather.
For example, if your patent leather shoes are constantly exposed to extreme cold and then brought inside where it is warm, the sudden change in temperature can be too much for the material and may cause it to crack.
Another potential reason why patent leather might crack in winter is due to improper storage. If you leave your patent leather shoes or jacket in an area that is too cold, the material can become brittle and will be more likely to crack when exposed to winter weather conditions.
The best way to avoid this from happening is by properly taking care of your patent leather belongings. Make sure you keep them in a warm and dry place when not in use. Never keep them in an area that is too hot or too cold, as this will cause the material to become brittle and crack easier when exposed to extreme temperatures.
All in all, patent leather does not usually crack during winter months but it may depend on your personal usage and storage conditions with items like jackets and shoes if worn outside a lot.
Details On What Can Cause Patent Leather To Crack In Winter
Above is a brief summary of what can cause patent leather to crack in winter. In the rest of this article, we will take a look into the details of each potential reason.
1. Sudden Temperature Changes
Usually, if your patent leather item remains in a constant cold condition, it is not likely to crack.
However, if the item experiences a sudden temperature change, for example, from being outside in cold weather and then brought inside into a warm room, this can cause the material to become brittle and eventually crack.
This is because when patent leather is exposed to extremely cold temperatures, the molecules or fibers in the material will become very tightly packed together or compact.
Once you bring it into a warm environment or there is a drastic temperature change, the molecules will expand and a sudden change in temperature can cause it to crack.
If you are going from one extreme of cold weather conditions into warm indoor conditions, this is likely to occur as well. When patent leather experiences rapid changes in temperature or humidity levels, it becomes more prone to cracking even with only light usage over time.
2. Proper Storage Conditions
Taking care of your patent leather items during cold weather months will help preserve them for as long as possible. This includes storage conditions.
Keep patent leather jackets, shoes or other items in a dry and warm area when not in use to avoid cracking during winter months.
Also, make sure you do not leave them exposed to extremely hot temperatures as this will cause the material to become brittle and crack more easily with time as well.
While at it, make sure you do not store your patent leather items closely packed together as this can cause color transfer or damage to the surface of your items.
3. Brittle Patent Leather And Natural Wear & Tear
Patent leather is a very durable material overall, but it has its limits of durability when put under constant use or extreme conditions over time.
If your patent leather items are exposed to extremely cold conditions, this can cause the material to become brittle and crack with time.
This means that patent leather cracks are a natural process of wear and tear or aging.
The good news is that patent leather will not crack as easily when used under normal circumstances or normal winter conditions.
It is only when put through a lot of stress, such as being in cold weather conditions all the time, that the material becomes more brittle and susceptible to cracking.
4. Patent Leather Will Crack In Winter Because It Is Non-Porous
Regular leather unlike patent leather often has pores, which help regulate the temperature throughout the surface of the material.
Patent leather usually does not have pores or has very few holes, to begin with. Because of this, it is less tolerant to sudden temperature changes and will crack more easily as a result.
This is why patent leather jackets or shoes are not ideal for extremely cold weather conditions, as the material will not be able to adjust to the drastic change in temperature like regular leather would.
5. Neglected Patent Leather Will Easily Crack In Winter
An important thing to remember about patent leather is that it will crack easily if you neglect your items.
This means not cleaning them often enough, allowing dust and debris to settle on the surface of your patent leather products, or not taking care of them in the proper way.
If you do not store your patent leather items in a warm and dry area, they will be more likely to crack during the winter months.
Make sure you are properly caring for your patent leather products if you want them to last long.
Tips On What To Do Before Using Your Patent Leather In Cold Winter Weather
If you are planning on using your patent leather items in the cold winter weather, there are a few things you can do to help preserve them.
- This includes cleaning and conditioning your patent leather items before use.
- Make sure you clean all the dirt, dust, and debris off of your product with a damp cloth. Once it is dry, apply a leather conditioner to help keep the material hydrated.
- Conditioning your patent leather will help your patent leather be more tolerant to sudden changes in temperature and humidity levels and prevent it from cracking as easily.
- If you are using a patent leather jacket, make sure the lining is also clean and free of any dirt or dust before putting it on.
- Applying something like vaseline or petroleum jelly can help to maintain your patent leather even in the coldest conditions.
- This will help your items stay hydrated and also prevent scratches and cracks from appearing on the surface of your products.
- Using a good quality waterproofing spray can also help protect your patent leather from the elements.
- This will make it easier for you to clean up any stains or dirt that does appear on your items in between uses and is a good way of protecting them against water damage as well.
- To maintain the shine of your patent leather during the winter, you can use a good quality polish to help keep it looking its best.
- Make sure the polish is compatible with your type of patent leather and test it on an inconspicuous area before using it.
- Apply the polish in a circular motion and let it dry completely before buffing it off with a soft cloth.
- You can also use white vinegar to protect the shine of your patent leather products.
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist it onto your items.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, patent leather will crack in winter if it is not taken care of properly.
Make sure you are cleaning and conditioning your items before using them in cold weather conditions, and use a good quality waterproofing spray to protect them from the elements.
If you follow these tips, your patent leather products should last long even in the harshest winter weather.