What is Leather Balm?
Leather balm is a type of conditioner made specifically for leather. Outshine leather balm is made with natural seed oils, beeswax and cocoa butter. Since leather balm is made with natural oils, it should be kept in a cool dry place. Leather balm that overheats will melt, so open with caution! Outshine leather balm is preserved with organic clove oil and has a shelf life of approximately two years. Other natural balms may have shorter expiration dates depending on the ingredients.
What Does Leather Balm do?
A good quality leather balm should do several things– leather balm hydrates leather. Hydrated leather is softer and less likely to crack with use. Leather balm can also enhance the self healing properties of top grain leather. It can help erase scratches and other minor surface damage. Leather balm is also known to increase the ability of leather to resist water. The waxes in leather balm create a barrier to the elements.
How to Apply leather balm
Clean Leather
Use a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt from your leather. To clean stains, use a small amount of mild glycerin soap and water. Do not overly wet or soak the leather.
Test Leather Balm
Find a small inconspicuous area to test the leather balm. Leather balm is not intended for use on suede, nubuck. Use with caution on painted leathers.
Apply Leather Balm
A little goes a long way! Use a microfiber cloth to rub a small amount of leather balm evenly across the surface of your leather. You can think of the application as similar to using lotion on your own skin. Top grain leather is a natural material which, when properly cared for, can last for decades.
Buff Leather
Lastly, you will want to buff the surface of your leather. It is recommended that you buff your leather just several minutes after applying the leather balm. Buffing will heat the oil and waxes of the balm and create a beautiful luster.
Leather Balm for Boot and Shoe Polish
When using leather balm on shoes, be sure to first remove the laces. Since shoes undergo more wear and tear than most leather goods, we recommend taking your time with the step one to make sure the surface is clean and ready for shining. Use leather balm for leather boot waterproofing and for shoe polishing.
Leather Balm on Bags and Purses
Be sure to empty the contents of your bag before beginning cleaning. Do not use leather balm on non-leather or suede linings. Give extra attention to detail on bag straps and handles. These pieces wear out the fastest and require extra care.
Leather Balm on Jackets
When cleaning or conditioning a leather jacket, be sure you have enough product to treat the entire article for an even luster. Follow the steps above for the entire exterior of the jacket. A small amount Leather balm, or any wax, can be applied to metal tooth zippers to assist with smooth zipping. Use leather balm on jackets as a leather softener.