Featured Leather Gear Maintenance

Walrus Oil Leather oil did my leather jackets better than anything else I’ve tried.

Wiped on easy and softened up my Triumph Leather Raptor jacket and a couple of others while not adding weight or feeling oily or greasy. I watched this Raptor hang in the dealership for 10 years before I bought it. Tried it on many times and passed thinking it too snug, but it was just small at the waist where the elastic hadn’t stretched yet. I don’t remember if it had gone to Clearance or not. Doesn’t matter. Saw it still hanging one day, all by itself, and decided it was meant to be. No regrets.

My other favorite leather product is BlackRock Leather ‘N’ Rich. I’ve used it liberally on my leather gloves and boots, watch straps, belts, and such. Rubs in easy with fingertips and it’s obvious the leather loves it. Wipe the article down with a towel when done just helps the coverage more, and it shines beautifully with little effort. (Carnauba wax)

I had a nick in a boot once I can’t even find anymore thanks to the BlackRock. Healed it right up.

 

Right then @Octoberon, following my review of my own favourites (namely Gliptone GT11 for jackets) I followed your lead and ordered a tub of Renapur (£12 courtesy of Amazon) and tried it on the elbow section of my Belstaff Lavant jacket.

Elbow quickly expanded to arms, sides, back, front and it was done. It's a really good consistency, going on easily and working in without leaving any patches or surplus product. The initial shine quickly dulls down as it soaks in, leaving a lovely sheen and the leather feels really supple.

There were sections of the jacket that had faded to a black/brown colouration, but these have mostly restored to black (maybe another application is worth while).

It needs more work than GT11, but it's a therapeutic and satisfying process.

Highly recommended!

 

I got around to doing my leathers this morning. They're still a bit shiny at the moment but I agree about the use of Renapur. It works in well with the sponge, you can see where it's been applied, which helps not to miss anywhere, and there's no residue. The leather seems more supple, which is what I was after as these are fairly new.

 

Hello

Some help wanted please!
I’ve got my leather jacket which used to be black almost brown because of faded colour.
I was considering to dye it with black ink for leather, but came across this thread and I wonder if I could restore it with some of the products you reviewed here.
I will try to attach some pictures so you can see it’s current worn out condition. Last picture shows the colour of the leather in the outside vs. the inside where is still black.
Help! Suggestions:
Try to restore with some product? So far never applied anything to the jacket in five years of almost daily use and abuse.
Forget wax or condition and try to dye it? Anyone did this before? Any suggestions?

 

Surely someone uses gear oil...!

 

That’s a bit harsh.

 

For waterproofing leather wear, as far as leather can be waterproofed, I still use Nikwax, the old solvent based stuff, not the newer water based, for jackets etc and Carrs Leather oil for boots although both leave a dull finish. I recently used some stuff made for vehicle leather upholstery by Meguiars and it worked a treat.

 

I would try Renapur first as it is also a restorer and it may do everything you want. If it doesn't you can look at other options from there but I suspect it's all you need

 

The years I daily rode the bike, I used leather vegetal grease, and had to wipe on 3-4 times a year to keep it "almost" waterproof.

 

Thxs to all! I think I would give Renapur a chance befor I die (it)
Will post the result as soon as it is ready

Thxs again!

 

I do not think any product will give bring the colour back unless it has pigment in it. So the question is when do you dye your jacket; before or after “feeding”? The best person to ask might be an old fashioned cobbler. They are used to working with dyed leather.

 

I think you're supposed to clean the leather first. I once dyed some leather stilettos for a "friend" and the dying kit came with a cleaner to remove the polish or wax etc to leave the leather open to accept the new colour. Then a leather preserver was applied to give protection. They were fine until we got caught in a heavy rain shower and her feet turned black. That didn't go down well.

 

Well, Mr Bezos is on the way with the Renapur so this will be my try.
I want this jacket to last two or three years more and then I may go for a better quality one.
Thxs for your feedaback!

 

Ok! Got it! Renapur treatment had to incredibly good result! Much more than I could expect.
Here you have the “after” pictures to compare.

 

Never fight patina. That’s what makes it yours.

That’s what tells your story.

 

Well, I know my own story. The rest is maintaining leather

 

I guess I am old school in that I still use Neatsfoot oil. I need to do my jacket again. It is a Vanson that is made of very heavy leather, it has taken 3 years to break in. It is worn almost daily mostly just for a short period but hours on end on other occasions.
kk

 

For those of you who like to experiment with different treatments, I got pointed to Flexalan when I was looking for a simple solution. It's effectively the stuff that makes sheep's wool water resistant and soaks in to leather really well, giving a satin finish and water resistant surface with very little work.