Caring for your leather product
When you buy a quality leather product you want to be sure it will stay in tip top condition for many years to come. The following tips will help you to achieve this.
Water resistance
When a product is made the leather is treated with a mix of natural oils and beeswax. This does a combination of two things – it conditions the leather which helps to keep it supple; and it provides an element of water resistance. To maintain its patina and water resistance qualities treatment should be repeated periodically with any good natural leather care product. Suitable products can be purchased online and from most saddlers. We use Sedgwick's Leathercare. Rub a small amount in with a soft cloth (we find old T-shirts work well!). Leave for a few minutes, then rub off any surplus.
Marks and scratches
Distressed leather items such as dog collars, belts, bags and tablet sleeves can easily pick up marks and scratches from daily use. Distressed leather is wonderful in that these marks can mostly be rubbed out! You will need a soft cloth. Simply rub the area gently. If this doesn't work, carefully try a bit more pressure. Applying leather conditioner can also help.
Water and dog collars
Dog collars will inevitably get wet, either from rain or from your dog going into water. If this happens, dry the collar in a warm dry place such as near a radiator but not on it. You want the leather to dry slowly so that it doesn't go too hard and stiff. Once dry treat with leather conditioner (see above). This will keep the leather soft and supple. If your dog has been in the sea, you will need to rinse the salt off the leather first. Regular immersion in salt water will reduce the lifespan of the collar. Dog collars and leads should also be regularly inspected for general wear and tear. If you have any concerns, please contact us so that we can advise whether a repair is required.
Rain and bags
Bags will be subject to getting water on them if it rains. Both the distressed leathers and the natural undyed leathers can develop alarming splotchy marks if this happens but don’t panic – once the leather has dried apply some leather conditioner and rub with a soft cloth – the marks should disappear.
Natural undyed leather
If you have bought a natural undyed leather product this will start off a creamy colour but over time it will darken. With products that are regularly exposed to sunlight the leather will develop a light tan patina with age. This is perfectly normal and adds a pleasant weathered look to the item.
