Topic: old leather care

[Don R]

 Any tips for caring for your old leather jackets? I soaked it with a damp towel and rubbed Lexcel on it a couple years ago but that seems similar to putting the inside of the cow back on it.  That's how my brother in law brought back his Porsche seats and it did work for him.
 Avon skin so soft works on vinyl but I'm not sure about leather.

 Edit, one source said dampen it, apply Lexol and then bag it for a few days. Maybe, as long as it isn't too damp, I'd hate for it to mildew in a bag. 

[CBJoe]

Check out using Neatsfoot Oil on it...just don't over apply if it only needs light treatment and upkeep.  Thats what we use on our leather boots for yearly upkeep.

Haven't used it on something as large as a jacket though...lets see what others chime in with.

[jakec]

It depends on what kind of “leather” it is. Your best bet is to hold your nose and go on some male fashion forums and learn about the different kinds of leather out there. If it’s full grain leather you don’t want to do much or it will absorb the treatment and change colors. Suede you can only brush and try to keep dry. Laminates, Naugahyde, vinyl, all the “pleathers” will do great with a mild conditioner like Venetian shoe cream.

If your jacket has areas of delamination (one area of the shiny part peels off to reveal a heavier satin looking leather underneath) you are dealing with a laminate and the best course of action is condition of the pleather outer layer to prevent further damage.

[Cougars750F0]

Subscribed! I have a vintage horse hide jacket that needs a lot of attention.

[Old Moe Toe]

Atsko Sno Seal works well. Pretty sure they make the stuff over there in the U.S so you should find it pretty easy. Helps a bit applying it if you have a heat gun.

[Don R]

 This one is black cowhide leather from 1975 or so. We got it at the local Kawasaki shop where my brother worked. It was cold out and the cash register hadn't been open all day, suffice to say we got a deal. In the 80's it had a new lining sewed into it which held up well but lost the neck tag. It's not peeling or cracking but feels rather stiff around the collar etc.  Hardly any patina but that's good, right? 
 I own two other jackets, one a gift from a friends widow after he passed, one that fit the fat me. I bought one at a fund raiser auction with an American Flag sewn on the back that I gave to my brother. I've never seen him wear it.

[Ichiban 4]

Try Obenauf's Leather Oil.  Have used it for years.  Better than Neetsfoot oil..Lexol..et al.  Has natural beeswax (known for preservative qualities) and other preservative oils in it.
After applying..let sit/soak-in. Keep reapplying until leather won't absorb more.  Then wipe dry. Rejuvenates even old leather..and lasts for years BTW
Made in Peck, Idaho.  Tel # (208) 488-6640.  https://www.obenaufs.com/ 
Great stuff..Al/Ichi

[jakec]

If you get pine oil from redwing it will rejuvenate full grain leather but totally change the color (unless its black).

https://www.redwingheritage.com/leather-care-products/leather-conditioner-cream/all-natural-boot-oil-97103.html

"mink" oil that you get at the store has zero actual mink oil content, it's closer to petroleum jelly. if you want to take dry, stiff full grain leather and make it soft again this oil will help.

If you have a full grain tanned leather, tanned side out suede side in, like in a pair of full grain unlined boots, you can use venetian shoe cream.



If you boots are smooth/somewhat shiny and colored like this, and they're stiff from repeatedly getting wet, then venetian shoe cream can make them really soft again.

[72 yellow]

It depends on what kind of “leather” it is. Your best bet is to hold your nose and go on some male fashion forums and learn about the different kinds of leather out there. If it’s full grain leather you don’t want to do much or it will absorb the treatment and change colors. Suede you can only brush and try to keep dry. Laminates, Naugahyde, vinyl, all the “pleathers” will do great with a mild conditioner like Venetian shoe cream.

If your jacket has areas of delamination (one area of the shiny part peels off to reveal a heavier satin looking leather underneath) you are dealing with a laminate and the best course of action is condition of the pleather outer layer to prevent further damage.

Or you can consult Wilde One 1972 Cb350F.  He seems to know a lot about leather and fashion.  Just sayin'....

[jakec]

That's why I said hold your nose. I went through and came out the other side ok.