Leather care

[Cruisin' Craig]

Some months ago I purchased for myself a wonderful set of leathers (which make me look very sexy by the way).

I now need to focus on making sure I continue to look sharp, and retain maximum protection (both from the elements and the road) from my manly figure hugging leather outfit.

What products do you all use, and how often, to keep your leathers in top condition?

Of course, I could simply ask this question of the gentleman from whom I bought my gear (thanks Quasi), but the more points of view I get the better in my opinion, so here we are.

Thanking you all in advance :-)

[FJRider]

Going by the amount of shit posted on this site, that some try to pass off as fact... I'd go for Quasi's version of what is good for the products he deals with. HIS reputation is at stake... Ignore his advice at your peril...

[Subike]

Original Neopol all purpose creme polish.
Have used this on my leathers now for the past XYZ years.
Have found it good for removing road grime and keeping the leather soft.
It also has a plesant aroma and aids to the water resistance qaulity of the leather,
I also use it on my boots and gloves.
Liberal useage with a soft cloth, a 300 mil bottle will do two sets of leathers and boots.
Also good for you bikes seat, keeps both vynal and leather soft and crack free.

[rottiguy]

Do ya warm up the leather first or just put it on cold, I think it might soak in better if it's warm, but not too sure with the polish, might be more of a surface thing


Original Neopol all purpose creme polish.
Have used this on my leathers now for the past XYZ years.
Have found it good for removing road grime and keeping the leather soft.
It also has a plesant aroma and aids to the water resistance qaulity of the leather,
I also use it on my boots and gloves.
Liberal useage with a soft cloth, a 300 mil bottle will do two sets of leathers and boots.
Also good for you bikes seat, keeps both vynal and leather soft and crack free.

[gunrunner]

I use beeswax on my jacket hasnt faded and the water just runs off it:done:

[Subike]

Do ya warm up the leather first or just put it on cold, I think it might soak in better if it's warm, but not too sure with the polish, might be more of a surface thing


I have always done it at room temp. the product is made for leather, so as it has been around for many many years, I think that it does the job very well.
def not a surface only polish.

[rottiguy]

sweet, must be able to penetrate ( oh nice, the word of the day :) ) into the grain to condition it. Must get some for my jacket, boots and gloves.


I have always done it at room temp. the product is made for leather, so as it has been around for many many years, I think that it does the job very well.
def not a surface only polish.

[rottiguy]

Must bee good, you sure don't see bees in rain coats :) I have used it on tramping boots for a while and it's great if ya heat up the leather so it gets right in.


I use beeswax on my jacket hasnt faded and the water just runs off it:done:

[Biggles2000]

Whipe down with a damp cloth to remove the dirt then rub in a saddle dressing like "Jay ell" with a rag. Its as easy as that, people do say that animal tallow based products rots the stiching but I know that putting them away wet does the same. I also use boot polish on the knees to put the colour back in, and before you ask.... like I have had to kneel on the road to fix a bike. They won't need this very often at all. I think I have only done this about a dosen times oner the last 20 years. Remember that old beat up leathers are super cool, its ok to let them get this way.

[Biggles2000]

Must bee good, you sure don't see bees in rain coats :) I have used it on tramping boots for a while and it's great if ya heat up the leather so it gets right in.

My what big dogs you have got....

[fLaThEaD FreD]

Going by the amount of shit posted on this site, that some try to pass off as fact... I'd go for Quasi's version of what is good for the products he deals with. HIS reputation is at stake... Ignore his advice at your peril...

As a supplier and manufacturer of a technical product I get so Pissed off with so many Fucking know it alls who poke their noses in and offer so called advice on something I and my industry collegues have developed over 20+ years.
Are they gunna stand by their version and replace or rectify the dammage they caused when it all goes pear shaped cos they forgot to add an important fact................I THINK NOT !!!!!!!!:bash:

[Owl]

I use "Tanners oil" which is cheap ($10-$12 per litre) and available from any saddlery. It's thin, soaks in better than beeswax and doesn't leave the leather shiny or greasy. Often, more than one application is required, though the leather will let you know by how much it soaks up!

[yungatart]

Beeswax which is available from the weekend market on Marine Parade.
Also good for your boots...and your handbag ...:dodge:

[NZsarge]

www.liquidleather.com
I don't personally have any of this stuff but thanks to a local maker of race leathers (Celtic Leathers) he treated my jacket with some of this, tryed to buy some off him but he won't part with it.
Also when you clean your leathers try using good quality baby wipes (no acids and heaps of conditioners).

[yod]

sno seal anyone? any good?

[NZsarge]

sno seal anyone? any good?

Hav'nt used any of that, buy a few bottles of liquid leather and i'll buy a couple off ya.. :lol::2thumbsup

[yod]

Hav'nt used any of that, buy a few bottles of liquid leather and i'll buy a couple off ya.. :lol::2thumbsup

Monie got some fromthe PT night they went to, just wondering what it was like....

[NZsarge]

Monie got some fromthe PT night they went to, just wondering what it was like....

Dunno mate, but my jacket loved liquid leather, I see on the web site you can get it with scotchguard in it to help repel water too....nice!

[Owl]

Monie got some fromthe PT night they went to, just wondering what it was like....

It works alright for waterproofing leather and stitching, but I reckon it doesn’t soak in and soften all that well. Hell, I’ve got about ¼ of a jar left over you can try and I could even give you some tanners oil as well. I bet I know which one you’ll prefer.:msn-wink:

[The Stranger]

sno seal anyone? any good?

I always seal my leathers at the start of winter, Of the products I have used the Sno Seal is the best. Certainly out lasts the nikwax product by a loooooong shot.

[rottiguy]

Why thank you, they supplement my little bleaters :)


My what big dogs you have got....

[rottiguy]

Only used it on ski gear and tamping boots, works good for water proofing, but like bees wax you have to heat up the gear to get it to soak in deep


sno seal anyone? any good?

[Biggles2000]

Only used it on ski gear and tamping boots, works good for water proofing, but like bees wax you have to heat up the gear to get it to soak in deep

Thats what I found as well.

[scumdog]

I use dubbin.

Some reckon it rots the stitching but I've used it on hunting boots etc for 30-40 years with no worries (OK, the boots are rooted after a year or two so maybe the stitching hasn't had time to rot)

But I've also used it on my leather (tassled) jacket which I got about 15 years ago and the stitching still seems OK.

It keeps the leather pliable and fairly waterproof.

Negatives: It's messy to put on and leaves the leather sticky if put on thick enough.

[FJRider]

As a supplier and manufacturer of a technical product I get so Pissed off with so many Fucking know it alls who poke their noses in and offer so called advice on something I and my industry collegues have developed over 20+ years.
Are they gunna stand by their version and replace or rectify the dammage they caused when it all goes pear shaped cos they forgot to add an important fact................I THINK NOT !!!!!!!!:bash:

I'm sure Quasi feels the same way...

[xgnr]

I always seal my leathers at the start of winter, Of the products I have used the Sno Seal is the best. Certainly out lasts the nikwax product by a loooooong shot.

Agree with this, used it on my boots (tramping and bike) for years. Havn't bothered with leather trousers tho'. They just get wet anyway. Not worth the effort IMHO.

Cheers
Sttu

[The Stranger]

Agree with this, used it on my boots (tramping and bike) for years. Havn't bothered with leather trousers tho'. They just get wet anyway. Not worth the effort IMHO.

Cheers
Sttu

Thing I find xgnr at this time of year. If I don't seal them and they get wet, they get sodden and can take many days to dry. If I do seal them the water never really gets into the leather and they are dry in no time.

[tate35]

Hey there,

I was going to suggest 'Dubbin' which i used when caring for leather horse gear, saddles, bridles, etc. It's like a polish and helps leather retain natural oils.

But also visit the following link - it has some helpful tips and hints

http://www.leathercare.co.nz/index.cfm/leather_and_suede_apparel

[xgnr]

Thing I find xgnr at this time of year. If I don't seal them and they get wet, they get sodden and can take many days to dry. If I do seal them the water never really gets into the leather and they are dry in no time.

Yep

fair call. I just put on the over trou if it looks like it's gettin nasty. (and that is a gamble right)

[boomer]

As a supplier and manufacturer of a technical product I get so Pissed off with so many Fucking know it alls who poke their noses in and offer so called advice on something I and my industry collegues have developed over 20+ years.
Are they gunna stand by their version and replace or rectify the dammage they caused when it all goes pear shaped cos they forgot to add an important fact................I THINK NOT !!!!!!!!:bash:



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Now Justify !

[cs363]

Sno Seal is the stuff - you need to warm the leather (and the Sno Seal preferably) to get it to soak in, just like beeswax.....because, beeswax is the main ingredient of the product!
Animal fat based products are indeed a no-no, as they put it so well on the Sno Seal website (http://www.atsko.com/products/waterproofing/sno-seal.html): "Our competitors' greases, oil, and animal products are able to migrate through the leather till they clog all the pores. These waterproofing products fill the natural spaces that are supposed to absorb perspiration and insulate.

In addition, animal fats weaken and rot leather. The tannery worked hard to remove the fats and preserve the leather, so it's hard to imagine why you'd put it back on."

Nuff said... there are other similar products out there, but most people I've spoken to seem to prefer Sno Seal. They make a good silicone waterproofing spray which is good for textile gear and soft luggage etc, also a special detergent for Gore-Tex and other membrane type waterproof gear.

I'll give it high marks, been using it for years with great success.

[RiderInBlack]

Sno Seal is the stuff .NOOOOO. Not on ya leathers. Gloves and Boots maybe, but not ya leathers. Ask BabyB. She restores leathers for a living. If ya seach her posts on here re leather care you'll know. Better yet PM her.

[robo555]

NOOOOO. Not on ya leathers. Gloves and Boots maybe, but not ya leathers. Ask BabyB. She restores leathers for a living. If ya seach her posts on here re leather care you'll know. Better yet PM her.

I'm confused, aren't most bike gloves and boots made of...leather?

[RiderInBlack]

I'm confused, aren't most bike gloves and boots made of...leather?As I posted, best ask BabyB. She's the expert. Something to do with clogging the pores on the leathers, which effects the leathers. Not much of a problem on ya gloves and boots, but is for ya leathers. Have tried Snow Seal and it doesn't work that well in the hard rain anyway. Ya better putting Mothers Leather Cream or Bates Leather Cream on ya leathers and using a water proof All-suit over ya leathers in the hard rain. I know as I have ridden often in hard rain (one ride was over 5hrs in non-stop rain). Leather if is looked after it ok in light rain on short runs without using Snow Seal anyway.

[RiderInBlack]

Read the following from BabyB:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=943690&postcount=24

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=625671&postcount=36

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=18254&postcount=17

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=723847&postcount=44

As I have posted before, BabyB knows her stuff re: leather care. Please read her posts relating to that.

[cs363]

As I posted, best ask BabyB. She's the expert. Something to do with clogging the pores on the leathers, which effects the leathers. Not much of a problem on ya gloves and boots, but is for ya leathers. Have tried Snow Seal and it doesn't work that well in the hard rain anyway. Ya better putting Mothers Leather Cream or Bates Leather Cream on ya leathers and using a water proof All-suit over ya leathers in the hard rain. I know as I have ridden often in hard rain (one ride was over 5hrs in non-stop rain). Leather if is looked after it ok in light rain on short runs without using Snow Seal anyway.

Did you read the info on the Sno Seal site? Its a direct contradiction to what you are saying....
However, not withstanding that - yes there are other good products out there that are as good as, equal to or possibly better than Sno Seal. The main thing is don't use animal fat based products.
Interesting that my Alpinestars leathers recommend their own beeswax based leather care cream....

[RiderInBlack]

Interesting that my Alpinestars leathers recommend their own beeswax based leather care cream....
Would lesson to them over Snow Seal any day. Did ya read BabyB's Posted I linked in this thread?

[cs363]

Would lesson to them over Snow Seal any day. Did ya read BabyB's Posted I linked in this thread?

Well there's no real difference between the Alpinestars product, Sno Seal or a number of other similar products they are all beeswax based leather conditioner/waterproofers with a few extra additives to keep the beeswax soft/help in application etc.

I couldn't see anything in those posts besides Baby B saying not to use Sno Seal but with no real reason why etc. Personally I'd listen to what the manufacturer of my leathers recommends over some secret potion from someone I have no idea about.
Don't get me wrong I'm not slagging Baby B off, I just don't know her or anyone who has used her services.
On the other hand I myself and a bunch of others I know, have used Sno Seal or similar products for years with great results.

[babyB]

looks like another thread that has been over turned.
my appoligies for adding to it
BUT
if i chose to have something to say, i will say it for myself!.


i have no secret potions. nor do i use only one brand/ company.
there are many different types of leather & many different tanning processes used, as there are many different finishes on these leathers.
therefore there are different products to care for them.
all of the above plus factors like; the actual state of the leathers (neglect, dry, salty, scuffs, scratches, mould, new/old, etc) will depend on what products are best suited at the time.

in my opinion i wouldnt recommend sno-seal because
if i read right this is a pretty new set of Quasi leathers
therefore they should still have their original quality finished protective seal on them. this finish will last for a number of years if looked after...
so why remove a perfectly good factory seal only to add sno-seal

[robo555]

babyB, so for new leathers like these, what sort of of conditoner should be used, and if possible, what should be used to keep it water resistant?

Would the same treatment be applicable to say a pair of new Quasi gloves?

[cs363]

looks like another thread that has been over turned.
my appoligies for adding to it
BUT
if i chose to have something to say, i will say it for myself!.


i have no secret potions. nor do i use only one brand/ company.
there are many different types of leather & many different tanning processes used, as there are many different finishes on these leathers.
therefore there are different products to care for them.
all of the above plus factors like; the actual state of the leathers (neglect, dry, salty, scuffs, scratches, mould, new/old, etc) will depend on what products are best suited at the time.

in my opinion i wouldnt recommend sno-seal because
if i read right this is a pretty new set of Quasi leathers
therefore they should still have their original quality finished protective seal on them. this finish will last for a number of years if looked after...
so why remove a perfectly good factory seal only to add sno-seal

Now that I can understand and agree with! :)

[vifferman]

sno seal anyone? any good?
Yeah, it's good for boots and gloves, if a little hard to apply (due to its viscosity).

Why do we keep having the same threads popping up, again and again? [insert :spudwhat: emoticodweebicon here]
Can't we have a 'sticky' for FAQs or summat? Or shoot people who can't use the search functions? [insert :spudwhat: emoticodweebicon here]

I've used lots of leather products (including, but not limited to Saddeline(?), Renapur, Sno-Seal, leather balsam, and some others I can't recall offhand) and I'd have to say after 35 years of looking and trying, that the easiest to use so far is Nikwax Leather Restorer (http://www.nikwax.co.uk/en-gb/products/productdetail.php?productid=63&activityid=5). You can either just spray a bit on, and spread it around / rub it in with a cloth, or just spray it on a cloth and apply it. Then buff it up with a soft cloth. It's supposed to treat only two garments per bottle, but I've treated my jacket and gloves (even though they're suposed to use a separate product) three times now, and used less than half a bottle. It leaves the leather supple and water-resistant for weeks of daily use.
I used the Nikwax on my Macna jacket when it was still only a few weeks old, and was astounded that it actually seemed to improve it, and make it newer. (WTF?!? How can a new jacket become more new?)

I think from the feel of it (not that I care - it works!), that it's either a water-emulsifiable wax, or something similar to lanolin.

Despite having lots o toher products in the cupboard, I'm not going to use any of them on my bike gear again, apart from the SnoSeal, as it's better on the boots.

[scumdog]

Despite having lots o toher products.

Is this my chance to say "wtf is a o toher"?:wacko:

Is it some kind of Irish/Maori shell-fish??:whistle:

(A touche' for your post in the 'Rain Suits' thread)