Leather itself is not well mixed with water. Yes, it has some water resistance, but too much water will cause the leather to become wet – due to the material’s permeable nature – and as the leather dries it can become stiff and hard, losing that wonderful supple texture. If the leather doesn’t dry quickly enough, it could even start to rot. Due to its permeable nature, leather can never be truly 100% waterproof, especially as the leather gets older and if left untreated. However, if leather is treated in a specific manner you can not only increase the lifespan of your leather, but also improve its level of waterproofness.
There are also several treatments on the market that can help make your leather more water resistant. The most popular of these treatments is wax based. Waxing is a relatively simple process for most types of leathers.
A small amount of wax should be added to a cloth (not directly to the leather) and then rubbed all over the leather. Ensure that the leather is entirely clean as any dirt or foreign materials can interfere with the effectiveness of the wax. It’s important that the wax is pliable so if you find the wax is too hard you may warm it up beforehand with something like a hair dryer. It could be repeated if necessary. Once totally dried (it could take up to 30-60 minutes), buff off the wax with a dry, clean cloth.
Dissimilarly to waxing, conditioning should be done when the leather is damp. This is because the permeable nature of leather means it will absorb more of the conditioning treatment as the water evaporates off the leather.
Add either a small amount of conditioner either to a cloth or your fingertips and work into your leather, being careful to get the treatment into all the nooks and folds of the leather. Any excess should be removed.
The leather should be allowed to dry naturally at room temperature. Keep in mind though, that this waxing and conditioning method will only work with certain leathers. Indeed, all types of leather have different degrees of waterproofness.
Full grain leather is made from the strongest part of the animal hide and therefore makes the most durable and most water-resistant form of leather. However, like other leathers it should also be treated with a wax or conditioner to improve its waterproofness.
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.