Friday, November 11, 2005

 

5 Steps in Maintaining Leather

To retain the optimal condition of leather, there are 5 steps to consider: They are the following:

Sealing

It is the process of waterproofing the leather. In doing so, seams, edges and holes are fastened with the use of sealers. Sealants come in few varieties and brands. For apparel that is not so critical with oil exposure or that has 1 day absorption, products which have high mink oil content. Mink oil is a good moisturizer and softener.

Stripping


Stripping is the act of removing all oils from the leather. Light petroleum-based solvent is used to remove the oil and sealant to expose the raw leather beneath them.

Dying

Dying is the process of staining or restraining leather to achieve its desired color. Leather dyes are available in a wide variety of colors. Usually, it can only be dyed to a darker color or back to the color it was originally dyed.

Conditioning


Conditioning is the act of adding oil and wax to moisturize the leather in order to make it supple, shiny and pleasing. Dry leather cracks when flexed. Thus, we must moisturize it to avoid damage. Be aware though that that leather conditioners often darken the appearance of most leathers.

Cleaning

Finally, we clean the leather. It is the process of washing and soaping the leather to remove dirt, excess oils and stains. Saddle soaps are great for this job. Don’t soak the leather, just clean its surface.

Those are the five indispensable steps to a supple, durable and healthy leather!

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