Key to Keeping Beautiful Leather: The Science of Oil Maintenance

Why oil is suitable for leather maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping your precious leather products in good condition for a long time. In this article, we will thoroughly analyze the reasons why oil is used for leather maintenance.

 

Leather characteristics and effects due to oil

Leather is a durable natural material made from animal skin. This material is highly praised for its beauty, texture and unique texture. However, leather tends to dry out over time and lose its flexibility. This is because the natural oil content of the leather evaporates, causing the material to harden, causing cracks and fading.

You can address these issues by applying leather oil. The oil penetrates deep into the leather and replenishes any lost oil. This will restore the leather's flexibility and bring it closer to its new condition. Additionally, the oil has a moisturizing effect and prevents the leather from drying out. This is one of the keys to keeping the leather lasting for a long time and beautiful changes over time.

Oil also protects the leather. The thin protective layer created by oil protects the leather from water, dirt and other external damage. This protective effect allows leather items to withstand daily use and to maintain their beauty for a long time.

Finally, the oil improves the color and luster of the leather, providing a beautiful finish. By applying oil properly, the leather gives off a deep sheen, and its unique texture stands out even more. This is an important factor that makes leather items more attractive and enhances their value.

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Five benefits that oil gives to leather

The use of leather oil offers many benefits to leather products. Here we will explain in detail the five main benefits that oil has to offer on leather.

    • Moisturizing effect:One of the most notable benefits of leather oils is its outstanding moisturizing properties. Leather is a natural material and over time it will naturally lose moisture and dry out. Drying reduces the leather's flexibility and can cause cracking and hardening. Regularly applying leather oil will penetrate deep into the leather and replenish the moisture and oil you need. This allows the leather to remain flexible and protect it from damage caused by drying. The nutrients contained in the oil keep the leather fibers lubricated from the inside, helping to maintain the natural beauty and functionality of the leather for a long time. Moisturized leather is comfortable to the touch and gives off a visually appealing sheen. In addition, properly moisturizing leather is also resistant to small scratches and friction from the outside, allowing it to maintain its quality for a long time even when used in daily life.
    • Improved flexibility:One of the important benefits of applying leather oil to leather products is its increased flexibility. New, hard leather, or leather that has become hard over time, will soften again with the appropriate application of oil. The oil penetrates between the leather fibers, reducing the friction when the fibers rub against each other, resulting in increased overall flexibility. This effect means that leather will be more natural in shape and comfortable to wear with everyday movements. Leather oil is an essential maintenance item, especially for items such as leather shoes and leather jackets that require flexibility to match the movement of your body. Additionally, the improved flexibility makes leather products more resistant to creases and wrinkles that are likely to occur during use, allowing them to maintain a long-lasting look.
    • Protective action:One of the key benefits that leather oil offers to leather products is its powerful protective properties. The oil forms a thin protective layer on the surface of the leather, which protects the leather from moisture, dirt and external friction. In particular, it effectively prevents damage and stains from being caused by water by preventing water and other liquids from penetrating into the leather. Furthermore, this protective layer also prevents fading and dryness caused by sunlight and UV rays. UV rays can fade the color of the leather and weaken the material, but regular oil maintenance protects the leather from damage caused by these external factors. The oil also acts as a barrier against small external scratches and scratches, keeping the leather product looking beautiful for a long time.
    • Improved durability:One of the key benefits of leather oil is the enhanced durability of leather products. The oil penetrates deep into the leather's fibers, providing both flexibility and strength at the same time. This deep penetration effect makes the leather more resistant to friction and pressure in everyday use, resulting in a much longer life of the product. The oil provides the nutrients needed for the leather and prevents dryness and cracking that can occur over time. These conditions are the main causes of decreasing the durability of the leather, but proper oiling can prevent these problems before they occur. Additionally, the protective layer provided by the oil prevents fine scratches and dirt from sticking to the leather surface, reducing the risk of damage caused by external factors.
    • Improved color and gloss:Another important benefit of using leather oil is its ability to beautifully enhance the color and luster of leather. Leather oil penetrates deep into the surface of the leather, making it vibrant in natural colors and gives it a rich luster. This sheen gives leather products a sense of luxury and depth, dramatically improving the appearance. In particular, the aging process of leather that naturally occurs over time tends to cause color changes and fading, but proper oil care allows the leather to maintain its natural beautiful tone for a long time. The oil provides even moisturizing to the leather, preventing dryness and cracking while maintaining the depth and luster of the color for a long time.

Due to these benefits, leather oil is an essential item in the care of leather products. By choosing the right oil and using it correctly, you can keep your leather products in top condition and enjoy its beauty and functionality for a long time.

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How to choose oil and how to use it correctly

Oil selection and usage are important factors in leather care. Choosing the right oil and using it correctly will help keep your leather product in optimal condition for a long period of time.

How to choose oil

When choosing leather oil, first check the type of leather. Different leathers have different properties and you need to choose the oil that suits them. For example, mink oil and natesfoot oil are suitable for full-grain or top-grain leather. On the other hand, certain suede protective sprays are recommended for delicate suede and nubuck.

The oil ingredients are also an important selection criteria. Oils made from natural ingredients are more leather-friendly than those containing chemicals and are suitable for long-term use. It is also effective to choose an oil that enhances waterproofness and stain resistance, taking into consideration the purpose of the leather and the storage environment.

Correct use

Before using oil, be sure to clean the leather surface with a cleaner and allow it to dry. This will make the oil more likely to penetrate evenly into the leather. Take a small amount of oil into a cloth and apply it thinly and evenly to the leather. In particular, excessive oil can damage the leather, so add small amounts and use only as much as you need.

After applying oil, it is important to let the leather dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight and heat, and dry slowly at room temperature. This allows the oil to penetrate the leather firmly and provide optimal protection. Additionally, regular maintenance and care can be adjusted to suit the condition of the leather to further extend the life of the product.

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Maintenance Frequency and Points to Be aware of

Maintenance of leather items is essential to keeping your product lasting and always in its best condition. However, it is important to understand the appropriate frequency of maintenance and what to look out for.

Maintenance Frequency

Generally, it is recommended to maintain oil once every 3-6 months for leather items. However, this depends on the frequency of use, storage environment, and the type of leather. For example, items that you use on a daily basis or in a dry environment may require more frequent maintenance. Conversely, if you are using less and less use items or are in a humid environment, you can increase the maintenance interval.

Things to note

Please note the following points when performing leather maintenance:

  • Overuse of oil:Excessive oil may cause the leather to become too soft or sticky on the surface. Always start with a small amount and add gradually as needed.
  • Selection of the right oil for your product:Not all leather oils are suitable for all leather types. In particular, special products should be used for special leathers such as suede and nubuck.
  • Apply uniformly:If the oil is not applied evenly, uneven color and spots may occur. After application, gently wipe it off with a cloth and adjust it to make it even.
  • Testing:Before using new oils, test them on inconspicuous areas to make sure they do not adversely affect the leather.

By following these guidelines, you can properly maintain your leather items and maintain their beauty and functionality over a long period of time.

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summary

In this blog, we have explained in detail why oil is used to maintain leather items, its benefits, how to choose and use it correctly, how often and what to keep in mind.

  • Leather characteristics and effects due to oil: Leather is a natural material that is prone to drying out, and oil can maintain flexibility and durability.
  • Five benefits that oils give to leather: moisturizing, improving flexibility, protective properties, enhanced durability, and improved color and gloss, we have delved into why oils are essential for leather care.
  • How to choose and use the oil correctly: It is important to choose the oil that suits the type of leather and the product's purpose, and applying it in the right way is the key to keeping the beauty of your leather for a long time.
  • Maintenance Frequency and Notes: It is important to adjust the frequency of maintenance depending on the usage of your leather items, avoiding excessive oil use and inappropriate product use.

With proper care, leather items can continue to maintain their value over a long period of time. Use this guide to keep your precious leather products in optimal condition.

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Author information


Author: Yama (Cowmono Owner)

Occupation: Slowth lab Representative

Self-introduction: Worked in sales and marketing for domestic and international apparel companies over quarterly. He has a deep knowledge of fashion, sports, outdoor activities, and subculture.