Anyone do leather reconditioning?

[awesker]

Hey Guys,

Getting back into some riding after a couple'a years off. Pulled out my old leather suit and jacket from the closet and theyre in need of some TLC. Leathers a little stiff, little bit faded, still covered in a good layer of bugs, some mold coming in.. all the good stuff. Ill try give them a clean and condition myself but if there's a pro out there who offers their service Ill be keen. Ive got some Mothers leathercare conditioner for my car, reckon thatll be alright?

Anyway, if you know anyone lemmie know.

Cheers,
Nick

[Gremlin]

Kerry may be able to assist: http://www.msw.co.nz/

[awesker]

Cheers mate, Ill check them out.

[MystikEagle]

Hey

I have reconditioned a few saddles. The last one I did had been sitting in a shed for at least 10 years and was covered in bird shit etc.
The easiest way to soften the leather is to let it warm up in the sunshine (this will open the pores like with skin) and then just coat it with oil and massage it in.
Hot olive oil will also work wonders. Should be fine on black leather but can deepen other colours so just check on a part that you won't see first.
Cleaning wise, I just use a damp rag and some spray'n'wipe. It will dry the leather out a little, but not a big deal when your working with leather that needs reconditioned any way.
Once youv'e got it how you want it, get some Duzz-all beeswax (http://duzz-allbeeswax.co.nz/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=1&=SID). It is amazing stuff! Will help lock in the oil you have just put on and will help keep the water out and stop the stitching from rotting.

Hope this helps... :)

[HenryDorsetCase]

I do all my own. I did that track day in the pissing rain and my leathers and boots and gloves were SOAKED. Took a week to dry and they were very stiff.

The best leather reconditioning stuff I have ever used is for saddlery. brand name Effax: there is a specialist cleaner (basically I think a glycerine based soap), and the conditioning oil is the best ever. Get from a saddlery store. It smells lovely too, and will condition your rough workmans hands too.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/effax-leder-balsam/p/X1-31118/

clean the spooge off with the cleaner and a microfibre cloth, allow to dry, then condition. Do it on a nice warm day, like the man said. You will be amazed how much conditioner the leather will soak up.

Its a pleasant saturday or sunday afternoon if you arent riding.

[awesker]

Fantastic, thanks for you feedback fella's. Ill give it a go on the 2-piece, the other jacket has some tears in the stretchy fabric from lending it to a mate (ugh), so will still may MSW a visit.

[MystikEagle]

I do all my own. I did that track day in the pissing rain and my leathers and boots and gloves were SOAKED. Took a week to dry and they were very stiff.

The best leather reconditioning stuff I have ever used is for saddlery. brand name Effax: there is a specialist cleaner (basically I think a glycerine based soap), and the conditioning oil is the best ever. Get from a saddlery store. It smells lovely too, and will condition your rough workmans hands too.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/effax-leder-balsam/p/X1-31118/

clean the spooge off with the cleaner and a microfibre cloth, allow to dry, then condition. Do it on a nice warm day, like the man said. You will be amazed how much conditioner the leather will soak up.

Its a pleasant saturday or sunday afternoon if you arent riding.

Definately! Effax is pretty good stuff. So is Leder Balm. Just stop in at your local Saddlery warehouse and they will be able to sort you out :)