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How to Condition Vintage Leather

By Ashley Kane, About.com

Conditioning leather replaces the tanning oils that are depleted over time through wear, heat, and moisture. Reconditioning leather every 6-9 months will ensure that it never becomes stiff, dry, or cracked.

Conditioning Vintage Leather

A leather conditioner is necessary for this step. There are hundreds of products available for this task, so be sure to read the label before using a leather conditioner to be sure that that particualar priduct is suitable for your vintage leather item.

Do not use leather conditioners that contain waxes or silicone which do not allow the leather to breathe

  1. Always use a lint free soft cloth when conditioning leather; microfiber cloths are ideal.
  2. Dampen the cloth with water before applying the conditioner to it so that there is not too much conditioner applied to the leather.
  3. NEVER apply contitioner directly to the leather, apply to cloth first.
  4. Apply conditioner to leather by gently rubbing into the lie or nap of the leather until the entire surface has been covered.
  5. Several light applications are preferred over a heavy soaking of conditioner.
  6. Allow conditioner to penetrate the conditoner for at least 30 minutes before applying antother coat.
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