Topic: Leather food

[Badger 5]

I bought a vintage schott jacket and was wondering if anyone can suggest a good product to keep it in good shape.  I don't want anything that will dye it, I just want a conditioner.

[BobbyR]

Feibings makes some good Leather Balms. Lexol is a decent choice also. I would stay away from Saddle Soap as it dries the hide more. Leather unlike rubber can absorb the oils that can make it pliable. Your biggest problem is destructive molds that weaken the fibers over time. The tanning process leaves behind acids that will degrade the stitching. It depends on the process used. I would stay away from Armorall. After you have treated the hide there are acrylic coatings that can protect it. I use the stuff every 2 years on my leather couches and I kept one set in really good shape for 18 years. Without seeing the jacket and the condition of the finish, that is the best i can do for you.       

[Einyodeler]

You want to stay away from anything that contains silicone or wax which will break down the natural oils in the leather.
I`ve been using Wilsons Leather Lotion for years with very good results.

[SD750F]

My 30 year custom jacket was made to look new by using Lexol pH cleaner then Lexol Leather Conditioner.

Scott

[mattcb350f]

The only product I use is just mink oil. The stuff comes in a tin, normally used for shoes or boots. It has to be pure mink oil, not a synthetic or with stuff like silicon in it like Einyodeler said.

Use Murphy's oil soap to clean it, it won't hurt leather either, than let it dry and goop some mink oil on your hands and rub it into the leather like a lotion. get it all gooped up and covered in the mink oil and let it sit for 8 hours or so.. overnight even.

Then, take some terry cloths and wipe all the mink oil off, buffing with clean cloths as you go. It will smell a bit like the mink oil at the start but within a few days, the leather smell should come back.

I did this to a jacket that had been left out in the rain and was stiff as a board and it came right back to new.

BTW I got this technique from a website on.....leather care for S&M and Bondage equipment...
yes, laugh, but I figured they would know how to take care of dirty leather and it works 

I'll try to dig up the website...
Cheers, Matt.

[fuzzybutt]

The only product I use is just mink oil. The stuff comes in a tin, normally used for shoes or boots. It has to be pure mink oil, not a synthetic or with stuff like silicon in it like Einyodeler said.

Use Murphy's oil soap to clean it, it won't hurt leather either, than let it dry and goop some mink oil on your hands and rub it into the leather like a lotion. get it all gooped up and covered in the mink oil and let it sit for 8 hours or so.. overnight even.

Then, take some terry cloths and wipe all the mink oil off, buffing with clean cloths as you go. It will smell a bit like the mink oil at the start but within a few days, the leather smell should come back.
+1

murphys is recomended by several top of the line saddle makers. great stuff.
I did this to a jacket that had been left out in the rain and was stiff as a board and it came right back to new.

BTW I got this technique from a website on.....leather care for S&M and Bondage equipment...
yes, laugh, but I figured they would know how to take care of dirty leather and it works 

I'll try to dig up the website...
Cheers, Matt.

[736cc]

Murphy's Oil Soap diluted w/ water rubbed-in w/ a wash cloth is a well-kept secret.

[mattcb350f]

Murphy's Oil Soap diluted w/ water rubbed-in w/ a wash cloth is a well-kept secret.

Oops, I guess I let that one out of the bag

[333]

I second the Lexol.

[Uncle Ernie]

Lexol is pretty amazing.
Nikwax products are good, too- especially to add water resistance.

[Steve F]

You want to stay away from anything that contains silicone or wax which will break down the natural oils in the leather.
I`ve been using Wilsons Leather Lotion for years with very good results.

+1 on the Wilson's stuff.

[grumburg]

Have had very good luck with Maguiars leather care. Did a set of original 60s Suzuki leather bags with Murphys and leather care and performed a miracle.

[mattcb350f]

Found it, here's the link where I got my leather care info...
(http://www.genexs.com/leather.html)

 Matt.