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My Reward PointsYou've spent money on a nice leather purse or boots, and you want to make sure they last. Applying a leather conditioner is essential. A decent leather conditioner or conditioning polish will lubricate the leather fibers, protect the surface from stains, and improve sheen and patina.
High-quality leather conditioners and polishes are readily available, but if you're feeling adventurous, try making your own DIY leather conditioner.
Why Leather Needs Conditioning
Conditioning leather is crucial for preventing dryness and cracking, preserving its lifespan and softness. Stiffness in boots indicates moisture loss, while cracks indicate brittleness, and a leather boot conditioner is needed. The frequency of leather conditioning depends on the type of leather and the climate, typically twice a year. For sun exposure, three to four times a year may be necessary.
Types of Leather & How They Impact Conditioning
Aniline leather: Aniline leather, dyed with soluble dyes, is a natural-appearance leather moisturizer with no coating or surface treatment, making it suitable for lighter leather lotions that add moisture without significantly altering its color.
Chrome-Tanned Leather: Chrome-tanned leather is a type of leather tanned with chromium salts. Deep conditioning is not necessary for this type, which is more resilient; in fact, it could be advisable to stay away from it completely.
Faux: Because they are man-made and synthetic, faux leather just needs to be cleaned occasionally and does not benefit from conditioning. A leather jacket conditioner can be used for faux leathers to maintain their look.
Full-grain leather: Full-grain leather, derived from the top layer of an animal's skin, preserves its natural grain and marks, giving it a unique character and texture. It requires frequent conditioning with oil-based solutions like car leather cleaner and conditioners to maintain its natural oils and hydration.
Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Vegetable-tanned leather is made from natural materials, including tree bark, leaves, and fruits. It is a natural product that ages and changes over time; it can be treated with oils to intensify its color.
Suede and Nubuck: Suede and nubuck are soft leather hides with a napped texture, requiring gentle conditioning to maintain their softness. Despite being high-maintenance, their softness makes the effort worthwhile. These delicate strands require special, gentle conditioning to maintain their quality.
3 DIY Leather Conditioner Recipes
In this part, we'll show you three of the best leather conditioner recipes, including a traditional oil-based balm, a light lotion spray for finished leather, and a deep hydration paste for dry leather.
1. Classic Oil-Based Balm
Here, we will provide you with the recipe for a classic oil-based leather conditioner or balm that includes almond oil, castor oil, cocoa/shea butter, and beeswax as the main ingredients.
Ingredients
- Coconut/shea butter: 2 tablespoons
- Beeswax: 2 Tablespoons
- Sweet almond oil: ¼ cup
- Castor oil: ¼ cup
Recipe
- Melt the butter and beeswax in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring regularly to prevent burning or boiling.
- While continuing to stir, add the sweet almond oil.
- After the almond oil has been thoroughly blended, add the castor oil.
- Stir until the castor oil is completely incorporated, then heat the mixture for 4-5 minutes, but do not allow it to boil.
- Finally, fill empty tins with this beeswax leather conditioner to about ⅛" from the top and let cool.
How To Use: To achieve a smooth, hydrated finish on leather, clean and dry the leather, then apply a DIY oil-based leather conditioner or balm in circular motions over entire panels or sections, then air dry and buff.
2. Light Lotion Spray for Finished Leather
To make a mild lotion spray for finished leather, put 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup white vinegar in a spray container and shake thoroughly.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: ¼ cup
- White vinegar: ½ cup
- Your chosen essential oil: a few drops (for example, eucalyptus)
Recipe
- Add the olive oil and white vinegar to a clean spray bottle.
- Because vinegar has a strong stench, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a more pleasant aroma. (Eucalyptus is perfect for a light lotion spray.)
- Secure the spray bottle's lid and vigorously shake to blend the oils and vinegar.
How To Use: To test the mixture's effectiveness, lightly spritz it on the leather in an inconspicuous place. Gently wipe the sprayed area with a clean cotton cloth to spread the lotion and buff the leather.
3. Deep Hydration Paste for Dry Leather
Deep hydration paste replenishes lost leather oils, preventing dryness, cracking, and brittleness; restoring suppleness and flexibility; prolonging leather's life; and forming a protective, waterproof coating. Here is the recipe:
Ingredients
- Beeswax: 50 grams
- Virgin olive oil: 200 ml
- Lavender essential oil: 20 drops
- Tea tree essential oil: 10 drops
Recipe
- Break the beeswax into pieces and place them in a heatproof container with the olive oil.
- Place the container in a cold pan of water, then gently heat the pan.
- Continue to mix until the beeswax is completely melted into the olive oil.
- Carefully remove the heated container from the pan, then add the lavender and tea tree essential oils.
- Continue to whisk the mixture until it cools and stiffens into a paste.
How To Use: After cooling and setting, gently rub the paste into dry, cracked leather, allowing it to soak and condition for 30 minutes. Wipe away excess, then polish the leather to restore its suppleness and liveliness.
How to Use Your DIY Conditioner
- Before applying a leather conditioner, thoroughly clean the surface with a dry cloth and a leather cleaner. Start by dusting the surface, and use leather cleaner and conditioner, ensuring to use the cleaner first and then the conditioner.
- After cleaning the leather, apply a small amount of your DIY leather conditioner on a clean, lint-free cloth. Test on an inconspicuous section and let it dry for an hour to ensure the desired result before continuing.
- Apply the conditioner in a tiny, circular motion to complete panels or pieces of leather at a time, taking extra care with seams and corners. Use a clean, dry cloth to lightly polish the leather surface.
- Allow the leather to dry before using. Repeat the conditioning process every 2-6 months, depending on your climate (more humidity requires less conditioning, and vice versa).
Conclusion
Making leather conditioner at home involves more than saving money or using natural methods; it involves developing a stronger bond with leather items. Understanding their needs and nurturing them with customized mixtures increases longevity and personal care. With the right conditioner, patience, and love, leather will age beautifully, much like excellent wine. With a little patience and love, you can enjoy years of leather luxury at home.
FAQ Section
Q. How often should I condition my leather?
Conditioning should be done every two to six months. However, this might vary depending on how much leather is exposed to the environment and how it is used.
Q. Can I use oil-based conditioners on coated leather?
Standard oil-based conditioners should not be used on coated leather due to its resistance to penetration and potential dirt-attracting residue. Instead, use a water-based conditioner or specialized leather protection.
Q. Will homemade conditioners darken leather?
Certain additives in DIY conditioners, such as linseed oil, can darken leather. Always perform a patch test to determine how your leather reacts
