Leather University™
Leather Storage - How to Do it Easy and Right
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.
Welcome back. Today, I will be sharing some valuable information about how to properly store your leather goods. As a leather enthusiast, I understand the importance of maintaining the quality and condition of leather items, and proper storage is a crucial aspect.
I will discuss the key elements of leather storage and care, including humidity, temperature, physical spaces, surface, and airflow. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why leather storage is important and how to set up your own leather storage area to keep your leather goods looking great for a long time. So, let’s dive right in!
As a natural fiber, leather is often exposed to changes in temperature and humidity, which can affect its strength and condition over time even when it is stored and not in use. Proper storage in the right conditions can help maintain the strength of leather fibers and keep them in good working order, as well as looking good for a long time.
There are some key elements to consider when storing and caring for leather goods, including:
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Maintaining the proper humidity level is crucial for preserving the strength and condition of leather. The ideal range for humidity is between 40% and 60%, with a maximum of 68%. Any humidity level below 22% or above 68% can cause permanent damage to the leather fibers.
If the humidity is too high, the leather fibers will expand, and if it is too low, they will contract. Both extremes can damage the leather fibers, so it’s best to keep the humidity range between 40% and 60% with an 8% change overall. recommended range.
Leather should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent damage to the fibers. The ideal temperature is around 68° Fahrenheit, with a maximum of 77° Fahrenheit and a minimum of 61° Fahrenheit . Fluctuations in temperature can weaken the fibers, so it is important to keep the temperature as stable as possible. Leather should be stored away from direct sunlight and in a dark location if possible.
Exposure to light can damage leather fibers, especially if the light is too strong. Leather should be stored in a dark location to prevent damage from light exposure. Direct sunlight should be avoided at all costs, as it can cause damage to the fibers. If light exposure is necessary, it should be kept away from direct sunlight at around 50 Lux for dyed leather and 150 Lux for undyed natural leather.
Leather should be stored in a dust-free, insect-free, and rodent-free environment to prevent damage to the fibers. Any of these elements can eat through the fibers or weaken them. The surface where leather is stored should be clean and neutral, without any oils or chemicals that can weaken the fibers.
Leather should be stored on a neutral surface to prevent any oils or chemicals from infusing into the leather goods. Neutral materials such as muslin or acrylic are ideal for storing leather. Muslin is a cotton fabric that is relatively neutral in composition, while acrylic is a stable and neutral material that is often used in museum displays. Acid-free tissue paper can also be used as a buffer between the leather and the surface it is stored on.
Airflow is important for reducing the growth of mold in the environment. Leather should be stored in a place with some airflow, but not too much. A stagnant environment can lead to mold growth, which can damage the leather.
Found mostly in museums and for very valuable items a dedicated oxygen-free environment is the most ideal scenario for leather storage. In such an environment, a leather object can be stored in a hermetically sealed container filled with inert gas (such as nitrogen or helium) and oxidation won’t occur, which is beneficial for preserving the leather.
However, this in not practical for most of us. For day-to-day storage, it’s best to maintain a controlled environment with appropriate humidity, temperature, light, spaces, surfaces, and airflow levels.
Most of our items are not rare collectibles and are used or worn day-to-day. For these, placing them on a shelf or in a drawer, out of direct sunlight, around a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and within a humidity of around 50% will be great. Place them on a pH-neutral surface, such as cotton, that won’t react with the leather, and you’re all set.
And that’s the basics of leather storage! By following these guidelines for leather storage, you can help maintain the strength and condition of your leather goods, keeping them looking great for years to come. Let us know if you have any questions or have a good experience setting up a good leather storage location.
Unitl 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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