All of us want to have nice things. We live by the old adage, “pay ten cents more and go first class.” We understand that there is an added cost to purchase upscale items like leather products. So, we don’t balk when we invest in a nice leather pair of shoes, a handbag, wallet or some other refined piece of goods.
However, at the same time, we recognize that these things need to be taken care of. This way, they will keep their nice luster and last us for many years. It’s only natural that we have goods like this that we want to show them off to our friends, co-workers, and family members. But, when the weather starts to turn cold, we may be reluctant to take them out and expose them to the harsh climate conditions.
While it is true that some leather products come pre-treated to withstand the wet and cold, it is best to not take anything for granted. So, when you have to take your leather goods out in the elements, you need to be aware of some basic steps you can take to make sure that they aren’t overly exposed to damaging effects.
Why You Need a Leather Protectant
Even before you start using it, you need to apply a good leather protectant. One of the biggest enemies of leather is water. Whether it is rain, sleet, or snow, water can quickly harden as it dries, leaving spots or stains that may never come out, ruining its look and appeal.
The best time to start caring for your leather is as soon as you bring it home from the store. You can buy a good spray that will coat it so that it will repel water. Rather than allow the water to sit on your leather where it can do damage, these protectants can put a durable coating over the surface so that the water or any other liquid will simply roll off before it has a chance to penetrate the leather causing damage.
There are at least two different types of leather protectants you can buy, so always make sure that you purchase those that have been specifically created for fine leather. Those made for general purpose treatment are not as good and may not give your leather the kind of protection it needs.
How to Do It
There are two types of leather protectant formulas on the market. The first type is made with volatile organic compounds; meaning those that are produced with only organic elements, and the other type, made from chemicals. Both types are very effective in giving you the protection you need. However, if you are someone who is likely to experience some sort of chemical sensitivity to fumes and smells, you’ll likely want to use the organic formula to protect your leather.
Once you’ve purchased your spray, follow these basic steps to apply the protection it needs.
- Hold the spray bottle at least ten inches away from the leather surface. The bottle should be positioned at an angle so that the spray will not pool up on the surface and start to drip down the sides.
- With a sweeping motion, spray the surface of the leather in an even coat. You’re aiming for a light mist to fall on the entire exterior surface. If your leather has a wet appearance, it means that your spray bottle is too close, and you need to pull back a little bit.
- After spraying, take your leather and hang it someplace safe where it won’t be disturbed. It’s important to allow it to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before you use it again.
- Never try to accelerate the drying process by applying heat or leaving it out in the sun. It is very important to allow it to dry naturally so that the protective coat can settle into the leather.
So, whether you’re trying to protect a nice pair of leather shoes or you have a leather purse protectant, these sprays are the absolute best way to preserve the quality of your leather for a longer period of time. It doesn’t take much effort, but it does require a bit of patience. If you do, then you can be sure that your leather products will last you for many years without worry.