Leather Care

Little goes a long way. A horsehair brush, a clean cloth, a fine mist of mild leather cleaner, and a small amount of conditioner will cover almost everything I make. I prefer products like Bickmore #1 and #4 that are formulated to care for exotics without discoloration

Daily

Brush dust and grit off with a horsehair brush. Work with the grain. On ostrich, get around the quills. On alligator and other scaled hides, brush with the scales, not against them. Finish with a dry cloth.

Cleaning

A fine mist of mild leather cleaner on the surface, then buff with a clean cloth. That is it. Do not soak it. Do not foam it up. Do not let cleaner sit in the hide.

If it is only dusty, skip the cleaner and use the brush.

Conditioning

Use the same rule: a very small amount. I work conditioner in with my hands. A cloth works too. Rub it in thin and even until it disappears. You are not oiling a baseball glove.

Exotic hides need less, not more. If the leather still looks rich, leave it alone. If it looks dry, give it a light pass and stop.

Leave these off it

Alcohol, acetone, baby wipes, household cleaners, heat, hair dryers, and a dashboard in the Florida sun. If it gets wet, wipe it dry and let it air out. Do not bake it.

Storage

Out of direct sun. Dry. Away from vents. Stuff a bag or larger piece with paper so it keeps its shape.

Grain, scars, quills, and scale pattern are supposed to be there. Care keeps the leather clean. It should not try to make an exotic hide look like something else.

If a piece gets stained or soaked past this, email me before you try anything stronger.