Leather care
The greatest danger is when leather "dries out". It can lose its suppleness and develop cracks. It is good practice to condition your leather. The frequency will depend on whether the leather is exposed to warmth, or the sun, the frequency of handling and the type of leather.
Hand Finished leather care
Hand finished leather needs the most care. Without regular handling, it may "dry out" over time. It should never be left in the sun as the hand applied colour may fade.
Our Sparrowhawk Leather pieces are not of the type that are usually subject to "rough and tough" wear like shoes or a saddle. However, a few times a year, they would respond well to a natural, wax or oil based leather conditioner.
Apply the leather conditioner sparingly. Make sure that you can "polish it off" with a dry cloth. It should not be sticky after you have finished. Avoid putting the leather conditioner on stitching.
A natural wax or oil based leather conditioner will also enhance the colour and shine of your hand finished leather piece.
Tannery Finished leather care
Tannery Finished leather is less susceptible to drying out, but a liquid leather conditioner should be applied at least annually.
Apply the leather conditioner sparingly. Make sure that you can "polish it off" with a dry cloth. It should not be sticky after you have finished. Avoid putting the leather conditioner on stitching.
The leather conditioner will also enhance the colour and shine of your tannery finished leather piece.
Aniline Leather care
Aniline Leather generally will not dry out, as it is infused with oils. This does mean it can scratch with use giving it a distressed finish. If you prefer a smooth finish, in most cases you can rub the affected spot with your finger and the heat and natural oils in your finger will smooth out the scratch.
Do not use leather conditioners on Aniline Leather as the oil in the leather conditioner may leave dark spots on the leather.
Nubuck Leather care
Prevention is better than cure for Nubuck leather. Nubuck will stain with grease. While there are water proof stain repellants available from companies such as Pelle Leather Care NZ, such as used for Nubuck shoes, careful handling with clean hands is essential. Pelle also stocks a Nubuck Cleaner. This may be used for spot cleaning, but not over the laser engraving.
For Nubuck protection and cleaning products
Fiona Ritchie, Leather Artisan, Sparrowhawk Leather
