Leather University™
Getting to Know Leather Oils & When to Use Them
by Dan Concord
Author, speaker, teacher, and educator on leather working tools and techniques.
Leather University™
Author, speaker, teacher, and educator on leather working tools and techniques.
Leather goods are a staple in many people’s wardrobes, but it’s important to take care of them properly to ensure they last a long time. One key aspect of leather care is using leather oils to condition and moisturize the fibers. In this article, I’ll explore the different types of leather oils available, when and why you should condition your leather, and what not to use.
So, with that, let’s dive right in.
Leather oils are substances that can be added to leather fibers to condition them and add moisture, making them strong, durable, and healthy. There are various types of leather conditioners available in the market, primarily natural or synthetic.
Leather oils are essential for conditioning and adding moisture to leather fibers to keep them strong, durable, and healthy. There are two primary types of leather oils: natural and synthetic.
Natural leather oils use only naturally occurring substances, such as oils, waxes, compounds, and fats within their formulas. Some natural leather oils are blends of these substances. Mink oil is a popular natural leather oil derived from the fats of mink. It is important to note that most mink oils on the market are blends of other compounds, such as silicone and lanoline. Neatsfoot oil is another popular natural leather oil that comes primarily from the feet of cattle and is mixed with other petroleum products.
Synthetic leather oils are manufactured oils that are blends of non-recurring substances, compounds, and other functional characteristics. These oils may or may not be preferable based on what you are looking for.
When choosing a leather oil, it is essential to consider what you are trying to achieve. Natural leather oils are generally preferred over synthetic ones. However, the most important factor is to find a leather oil that is pH-balanced for your leather. This way, it will help keep the fibers strong while conditioning them.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to condition leather every few months to maintain its flexibility, strength, and durability.
If you notice that your leather goods are beginning to lighten in color, it’s a sign that moisture is leaving the leather. Conditioning the leather will help to restore that moisture and prevent further damage.
Leather loses its flexibility when it loses moisture. If your leather goods are becoming stiff, it’s another indicator that they need moisture to restore their flexibility.
If you see cracks in your leather goods, it’s a sign that the fibers are breaking and the material is becoming irreparably damaged. Conditioning the leather regularly can help prevent this from happening.
Mink oil is a popular leather oil that is naturally derived from the fats of the mink. It is often blended with other compounds, such as silicone and lanoline. Mink oil can be a helpful conditioner for leather, but it’s important to consider what it’s blended with, as it can become a natural and synthetic blend.
Another popular leather oil is Neatsfoot oil, which is primarily derived from the feet of cattle and then mixed with other petroleum products, which is a part naturally occurring oil. Especially if it’s 100% of that oil in the mix, if it’s blended with petroleum products, it becomes another different compound than a purely natural one.
Lexol has been a popular leather oil for a long time. However, in around 2020, it seemed like they changed their formula. It’s essential to look at the bottle itself and confirm if you’re getting the new or old formula. The original formula had been great for a long time, and the new one seems to be made with very different ingredients.
Obenauf’s is more of a pure oil, whereas some other oils can potentially be conditioners. It has a blend of natural oils, beeswax, and some other preserving elements, making it a popular oil option.
This leather oil combines shea butter, Oxford oil, lanoline, caruba wax, beeswax, and mink oil. It’s an example of a blend of other compounds with oils, making it more of a cream consistency.
Saddle soap is not really an oil in its consistency, but it does have oils in the compound. Some saddle soaps include proprietary blends, while others include mink oils or neatsfoot oil.
Leather Honey is a conditioner that does have some protective oils in it without an oily residue. It’s a natural version that doesn’t have the synthetic ingredients that some others may have.
Most importantly, it’s essential to find a leather oil that is pH-balanced for your leather, whether it’s natural or synthetic. While natural ingredients are preferable, ultimately, it comes down to what you’re trying to do and the results you’re trying to achieve. It’s also essential to avoid home remedies such as olive oil and baby oil, which can damage the leather fibers.
It’s also essential to avoid home remedies such as olive oil and baby oil, which can damage the leather fibers.
Olive oil is a common household item that many people may consider using to condition their leather goods. However, I do not recommend using olive oil on leather. Olive oil can penetrate the leather fibers and cause them to decompose over time. Additionally, olive oil has a more acidic pH than leather, which can further damage the leather material.
Another item that should be avoided when conditioning leather is baby oil. While it may be readily available and accessible, baby oil is not recommended due to its composition and potential harm to the leather. Baby oil can cause the leather fibers to weaken and break down over time, leading to irreversible damage.
It’s important to use the right type of leather oil to ensure your leather goods remain strong, durable, and healthy. While natural and synthetic oils are available, it’s best to opt for a ph-balanced conditioner that is specifically designed for leather. When selecting a leather oil, it’s important to consider the needs of your leather goods and choose a product that will provide the best results.
Leather oils, whether natural or synthetic, are essential for conditioning and moisturizing leather fibers, ensuring strength, durability, and overall health. Overall, choosing the right leather oil depends on what you’re trying to achieve and the results you want to see. Whether you choose a natural or synthetic product, make sure it’s pH balanced for your leather and contains the right ingredients to keep your leather strong and healthy.
Hopefully, this article has provided valuable insights and understanding of essential leather care needs. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Until next time – keep crafting!
Dan Concord is a professional leather crafter with 15 years of design experience and expertise. He is founder of the successful Liberty Leather Goods studio, and also a published author, speaker, teacher, and educator on leather working tools and techniques. He lives in the USA.
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