Tata International - Charlado Bordo Patent Leather - 1/1.2mm
Tata International - Charlado Bordo Patent Leather - 1/1.2mm
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Some leathers whisper. This one pours. Charlado Bordo is a mirror-gloss cowhide patent leather from Tata International, one of the world's leading producers of patent leather, finished in a deep, cool wine red.
Patent leather is made by laying a thick, clear, high-gloss coating over finished leather. On this hide, you look at the red through that clear layer, which is what gives patent its wet, liquid depth, a shine no polish or wax can imitate. It stays glossy, resists water and stains, and wipes clean with a damp cloth, so the look you make on day one is the look it keeps.
At 1.0–1.2 mm, it is slim enough for card holders, wallets and accent panels without adding bulk, and it carries the firm, structured hand that patent leather is known for. Panels stay flat, edges stay crisp, and small goods hold their shape without a stiffener behind them.
About the Tannery
Tata International, part of the Tata group, has made finished leather at its tannery in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, for decades. Its fashion leather division supplies footwear, handbag and accessory makers worldwide, with customers that have included Zara, H&M, Timberland, Fossil and Giorgio Armani. Patent leather is one of the tannery's specialities, a finish Tata describes as being as technically difficult to produce as it is beautiful.
The Dewas tannery is certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), the global environmental audit standard for leather manufacturers, and has been rated Gold multiple times in the past.
Key Features
✨ Thick, Clear Gloss Coat
A substantial transparent top layer gives the red real depth and protects the surface from everyday knocks and spills.
📐 Firm, Structured Hand
Patent leather is impregnated before it is coated, so it holds its shape instead of slumping. Ideal for wallets and card holders that need to stay flat.
🌸 Mauve-Pink Right Through
No jarring brown core. Cut edges show the same soft mauve-pink as the back, so raw edges sit quietly against the wine red face.
🔬 Chrome Tanned
Chrome-tanned leather is supple, water resistant and holds its colour, a stable base for a high-gloss finish.
🧪 Solvent-Resistant Finish
A tough, well-cured coating that holds its shine against solvents that would strip lesser finishes, so glue squeeze-out and cleaning spirits are far less likely to leave a dull patch.
About the Back
The flesh side is left unfinished and has a soft, suede-like nap in a dusty mauve-pink. It is not a true suede, but it looks and feels close enough that many makers leave it exposed as an interior rather than lining it. That saves a layer of bulk on card slots and wallet interiors, and gives you a quiet contrast against the high-gloss face.
Applications
- Card holders, wallets, coin pouches and small leather goods
- Clutches, pouches and compact bags
- Accent panels, piping and trims on larger pieces
- Straps, keyrings, tags and bag charms
- Footwear uppers, trims and accessories
Working With Patent Leather
- Plan your stitching. Stitch holes in a coated surface do not close up, so mark and punch carefully and test on an offcut first.
- Burnish with gum, not water. Water alone will not slick these edges. A burnishing gum such as Tokonole or Toko Pro does work and gives a smooth, sealed edge, though it takes patience and a fair bit of elbow grease. Edge paint is the quicker route: burgundy or wine for a seamless look, black for a sharper outline.
- Raw edges are forgiving here. Because the leather is mauve-pink all the way through, an unpainted edge reads as a soft tonal line rather than a mistake, which is not true of patent leathers with a contrasting core.
- Scuff before gluing. Adhesive does not grip the gloss coat well. Lightly sand the coating where two layers join, or glue flesh to flesh.
- Keep heat low. Use a gentle setting on creasers and irons, as too much heat can mark or soften the coating.
- Respect the firmness. This leather holds structure well but does not like tight folds or sharp radii. Skive where panels turn, and give folds a generous curve rather than a hard crease.
- Protect the surface while you work. Keep paper between panels and clean with a soft damp cloth.
Leather Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Tannery | Tata International Ltd |
| Tannery Article | Cow Charlado — Colour: Bordo |
| Leather Type | Patent leather |
| Origin | Cowhide |
| Top Surface | High-gloss, thick clear coating |
| Colour | Bordo / wine red (surface) / mauve-pink core |
| Back / Flesh Side | Unfinished, suede-like nap in mauve-pink |
| Hand | Firm and structured |
| Tannage | Chrome tanned |
| Solvent Resistance | Coating resists acetone |
| Thickness | 1.0 / 1.2 mm |
| Edge Finishing | Burnishing gum or edge paint |
⚠️ Please note: Store patent leather away from newsprint, printed paper and coloured plastics. The clear coating seals the colour in, so the glossy face will not bleed onto anything, but the coating itself readily picks up ink and dye from whatever it rests against. High-gloss surfaces are also hard to photograph, so the colour on your screen may look slightly different in person. Minor coating marks may be present; please read our leather grading guide to understand how we grade our leathers.
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