Leather Care Products

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          


Taking care of your leather is very important. The items above will help you keep your Leather Hats, Leather Jackets, Cowboy Boots, and Motorcycle Saddlebags looking like new. Here are a few tips for the care of leather items.


There are various types and grades of leathers, each serving a different purpose. Some require a bit more maintenance than others, but all follow a set guideline of care to ensure a longer life. There are four stages in leather care that include cleaning, conditioning, polishing, and protection. It can be confusing to try and figure out which product is for which stage, but look for words that explain how the product is to be used. It is also important to remember to work on your leather in a well-ventilated area. Some leather care products are very strong.

Cleaning
To clean a leather item, first choose a cleaner that will help preserve the natural oils instead of stripping them. For example, saddle soap is a commonly used product for heavy duty leather. It is meant to be used as a cleaner and a protector from moisture, but it strips the leather of the oils in the process of attempting to do two jobs at once. The cleaner of your choice should not leave any greasy residue behind. Residue makes leather susceptible to bacteria and can break down the stitching of your item. Before applying anything to your leather item, be certain to test it out for effect and possible color distortion on an area that isn't visible to the eye. Once you've ascertained whether the leather care product is acceptable to use, apply it to your item.

Conditioning
Leather conditioners are meant for multiple uses. They contain fats and/or oils that help lubricate leather and replenish the suppleness. Look for a product that will penetrate the strong fibers in leather, but beware of any that include petroleum or mineral oils. While petroleum by-products won't damage your leather immediately, they do over a period of time. Again, just as with cleaning, keep on the look out for thick, greasy conditioning treatments for the best care of your leather.

Polishing
Polishing is done for special occasions when you want a more glossy finish on your leather. There are a couple things to be wary of when purchasing a polishing agent. Some products contain coloring factors that will brush off on things you come in contact with. Some products also have a tendency to clog the pores in leather or dry leather out. Just as with cleaning, be sure to test out the product on a small area and when ready, buff to a shine.

Protection
Moisture barriers are extremely crucial in preventing rain or other liquid hazards from damaging leather. Stiffness and spouting will happen if leather isn't protected beforehand.  It is a necessary process to ensure leather isn't destroyed by spills and or rain. Periodically apply a moisture barrier and allow it time to penetrate and dry before using your leather item.