Leather treatment

[exeric]

I didn't want to impose on other restoration topics so I figured treating leather is like a tool topic. I have some seats that were re-done years ago, and still look great, and I've tried to keep them re-hydrated with Lexol. Now that stuff ain't cheap, but I am, so I'm curious if there are some good home brews, or other good alternatives to leather treatment products. Perhaps as an interim treatment between Lexol therapy. Just curious what other people are using.

[steve marxen]

I went from Lexol to Pecards years ago but still costly.

[tfburke3]

I asked Michael Paquette after he restored my 38 chief seat and he recommended Friebings baum with atom wax.
I havent tried it yet but want to get some.
Tom

[Steve Swan]

What are folk's thoughts on good 'ol fashioned mink oil?

[PaulCDF]

Neets foot oil and Kiwi neutral shoe wax.

[Lyle Manheimer]

I have been using Pecards for quite a while with great results. They make a variety of products but the one, the name escapes me, that looks like Vaseline is what I like the most. I deviate from the suggested practice of letting the leather absorb it and remove the excess. I tend to be somewhat impatient. I have found that using a hair dryer or heat gun on a very low setting to melt the stuff a little which causes the dressing to be absorbed faster by the leather works wonders, I then buff according to the directions. Remember anytime you use heat on something to keep the source moving and do not hold it too close. Saves time and the results are great. BTW the dressing looks very similar to what HD sells, who would have thought?

[tfburke3]

What are folk's thoughts on good 'ol fashioned mink oil?

I used to use mink oil.that was like a paste in a tub.Great for water proofing boots but will get moldy if let sit for a few months in the garage or basement.
Tom

[T. Cotten]

I had a disaster with Neats' Foot, Folks!

It turned the lids of a set of bags harder than coconut shells overnight, but didn't hurt the bottoms; An old farmer told me it was because they were horsehide. I suspect this is why so many 'binding strips' beneath seats disintegrated when the tops survived well.

And yes, Mink Oil is mold food.

One brand that has mold inhibitors is 'Leather Therapy', and I hope there are more.

....Cotten

[HDSmitty]

That Fiebings Leather Balm with Atom Wax is great stuff and has been used for decades. Hope this helps......Smitty

[Rubone]

Just to hydrate you can use pure glycerin.

[exeric]

I'll try the glycerin, Robbie. My Sister gave me a bottle of Austrailian bee's wax leather treatment and even though it has made the seat leather quite soft, it's also sticky; which is why I posted this thread. Perhaps the glycerin will cut through that. I guess there's something to be said for a motorcycle seat that sticks to your pants but it's still creepy.

[pem]

https://www.amazon.com/Atsko-Sno-Sea...s%2C382&sr=8-1

I've had the same can for 50 years. Still have some left. Really makes the leather waterproof but will darken the color. Leaves a nice shine and softens the leather. Just wipe on and work it in. I use it on my Sorel boots which are also 50 years old. And all my shoes/boots. This does not leave the leather sticky.

[Carl Olsen]

Baby oil applied with a sponge works wonders on a hot day on old hard leather.
Carl

[tomfiii]

I've heard of using Pond's face cream.

[T. Cotten]

Baby oil applied with a sponge works wonders on a hot day on old hard leather.
Carl

I've heard of using Pond's face cream.

Mayonaise is great on paint.

....Cotten