Do you have a leather jacket? If you do, you probably love how cool and versatile it is. To keep it in good shape and make it last longer, it’s important to waterproof leather jacket.
Leather is special and needs some extra care. It can soak up water because it’s porous. This can lead to stains, stiffness, and even mold. Waterproofing puts up a barrier to keep water out and protect your leather jacket. Waterproof leather jacket means rain, snow, and spills cannot ruin it in any way possible. Thus, keeping your leather jacket look awesome and prevent any damage. Let’s go through an easy guide to help you waterproof leather jacket and keep it looking great for years to come.
Understanding Leather
Let’s start by talking about leather. There are a few different types of leather: full-grain, top-grain, and genuine leather. Full-grain leather is the best quality and really tough. Top-grain leather is also strong, but not quite as durable. Genuine leather is the most common and affordable, but it’s not as sturdy as the other two. Knowing what type of leather you have helps you figure out the best way to make it waterproof.
Preparing Your Waterproof Leather Jacket
Before you get started with making your waterproof leather jacket, it’s important to give it a good clean. Cleaning helps to get rid of any dirt and oils that might hinder the process of waterproofing. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get your stuff together: You’ll need a soft brush, a damp cloth, and a gentle leather cleaner.
- Brush off any dirt: Use the soft brush to gently get rid of any loose dirt and dust.
- Clean with a damp cloth: Dampen the cloth with water and wipe down your leather jacket. Be careful not to make the leather too wet.
- Use the leather cleaner: Follow the instructions on the cleaner and apply it to the leather in small circles using a cloth.
- Let it dry: Leave your leather jacket to air dry, but keep it away from direct heat and sunlight.
It’s really important to let your leather jacket dry properly. This helps to stop mold from growing and prevents the leather from getting damaged. So, make sure your jacket is completely dry before you move on to the next step.
Choosing the Right Waterproofing Products
Now that your leather jacket is all clean, it’s time to pick something to waterproof it. You can choose from sprays, waxes, creams, and oils. Each one has its good and not-so-good parts.
- Sprays: These are easy to use and cover the jacket evenly. They dry quickly and work well on all types of leather. Just make sure to look for a spray that’s made specifically for the type of leather you’re working with.
- Waxes: Waxes give really good protection and make the jacket look shiny. But they can be a little tricky to put on evenly.
- Creams: Creams make the leather healthy and add a protective layer. They’re easy to put on, but you might need to do it more often.
- Oils: Oils make the leather soft and resistant to water. They can make the leather darker and a bit greasy to the touch.
Waterproofing Process
Applying Sprays
- Shake the spray can really well to make sure everything inside is mixed up nicely.
- Hold the can about 6 inches away from your jacket.
- Spray the jacket by moving your hand back and forth in a sweeping motion to make sure you cover everything, even the seams and edges.
- Let the jacket dry completely, which might take a few hours.
Using Waxes or Creams
- First, warm up the wax or cream by rubbing it between your hands.
- Next, use a soft cloth to apply the product in small circular motions all over the jacket, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
- After that, grab a clean cloth and buff the leather jacket to remove any extra product and give the leather a nice shine.
- Finally, let the jacket dry naturally before wearing it.
Using Oils
- Choose the right oil: Pick a safe oil for leather, such as mink oil or neat foot oil.
- Apply with a cloth: Get a cloth damp with the oil and gently rub it into the leather.
- Wipe off any extra oil: Use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess oil.
- Buff the jacket: Give the jacket a good buff to make it shine.
- Let it dry: Allow the jacket to dry completely.
Post-Waterproofing Care
Waterproofing your jacket isn’t a one-time deal. You got to keep it in good shape by taking care of it. Here’s what you need to do:
- Keep Applying: Check your leather jacket every few months. If water doesn’t bead up on it, then it’s time to put on more waterproofing stuff.
- Store it Right: Keep your jacket in a cool, dry place. Use a breathable bag to protect it from dust and moisture.
- Clean Spills ASAP: If you spill something on your leather jacket, clean it up right away to avoid stains even if it’s waterproof.
Conclusion
By this article we are making sure your journey to convert your jacket into a waterproof leather jacket is simple and really important. It helps to shield your jacket from the weather and maintain its great appearance for a long time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a waterproof leather jacket that can handle any kind of weather easily.
