Leather Treatments and Conditioners

Why do we need to treat leather?

Leather is an extremely durable material and it confirms by 5,500 years of usage. It is, however, a natural organic material and consequently it will age and decay with variable temperatures and/or humidity.

Leather is a porous material which means that it’s pleasant to handle but it also means that if it is immersed in water it will eventually rot and if it is exposed to extreme heat it will dry out and crack. But if full grain leather is treated with care it will last a lifetime.

Leather goods are strong and durable and often are in everyday use so occasional treatment may be necessary to ensure that the leather retains its natural oils and does not become brittle. The type of treatment required will depend on the nature of the item and its usage. A full grain leather bag may only require the occasional wipe down with a damp cloth but belts and wallets will obviously need regular polishing.

The type of treatment you need to give your leather depends on the nature of the leather article and the conditions in which it is used. Please avoid chemical treatments and never use soap and water. There is a huge variety of leather treatments on the market, many claiming to provide specialist treatment of leather goods. We tried a lot of different treatments and our preference is to use natural products such as Smith's and some other. 

Why might you not treat leather?

What do you want your leather to look like? If you want the item to shine and remain free of any marks, then you will need to apply polish regularly. For many people however, the attraction of a leather possession is the way in which it will age, becoming a unique and highly personal possession. The patina which leather acquires through age is not only beautiful but also serves as a record of the time that leather item has been in your possession. Full grain, vegetable tanned leather will develop the best patina and will do so without the application of treatments and conditioners.

Please feel always free to contact our Customer Service Team with any questions about leather care. We shall be happy to share all and every our skill with you. 

Please note: It is advised that you always patch test a new leather care product on an inconspicuous area of the leather first, before applying it all over, as some products may alter the color of the leather in a way you are not happy with.