When is leather oil maintenance necessary? How much to apply, how often, and how to avoid mistakes

When your leather becomes rough to the touch, you may think that applying oil would be a good idea, but you may be confused as to what and how much to use. The more you research, the more likely you are to find out whether it is better to clean your bag every month or whether it is necessary for the bag you just bought.

When it comes to oil maintenance, rather than increasing the frequency of oil maintenance, it is important to determine whether it is necessary for the current leather. In this article, we will explain the roles of leather finishes and care products, and introduce points to check before, during, and after applying leather.

Consider separately leather that contains oil and oil that is applied later.

Oil leather is the name for leather that contains more oil than regular leather. The Japan Leather Industry Federation's glossary also explains that there are multiple steps in adding oil during manufacturing. Having a material that already contains oil is not the same as requiring the user to add oil frequently. [1]

crazy horse leatherIt is too early to decide on the type and amount of oil to use just based on the name. It will be easier to judge changes by reading the material description and care instructions for each product and using the texture and color at the time of purchase as a standard.

When to paint, check the condition from the calendar.

Tsuchiya Kaba's oil care guide uses the roughness when you touch it as a guide for care. However, you don't have to assume that just because it's not shiny means it's dry, even if the leather has a matte finish to begin with. [2]

First, lightly remove the dust from the surface and compare it to the state it was in when you first started using it. By separately looking at areas where the texture has changed, where it rubs against clothes, and where it has been exposed to rain, you can sort out the situation before applying something all at once.

• No noticeable changes: Continue daily dusting and storage before adding supplies.
• Are you concerned about crustiness? Check with the vendor or label to see if you can use a leather preservative on the leather.
• Stickiness, peeling, or deep cracks: Don't assume it's due to lack of oil, and refrain from applying more.

Please do not set uniform rules such as "be sure to apply after 3 months" or "double the amount in winter", but give priority to instructions that match the material and usage conditions.

Choose oils, creams, and cleaners based on your purpose.

Do you want to remove dirt, are you concerned about dryness, or do you want a glossy finish? If the purpose is different for the same "care", the supplies you choose will be different.

For example, Columbus distinguishes between cleaners for bags and small leather goods and cleaners for shoes, and cautions when using shoe creams and color creams on bags. It is important not to use the supplies you have just because they are written as “for leather”. [3]

The names alone, such as oils, creams, and waxes, do not tell us the composition of individual products or the finish they are suitable for. Even if the leather is colorless, there is no guarantee that the color will not change, so be sure to check the description of the materials and finishes that can be used, especially if you want to preserve the texture of the leather.

After confirming that it can be used, try it in a small amount.

Once you have confirmed that the care products are suitable for the leather you have, proceed as follows. If there are specific instructions for application method or drying time, those instructions take precedence. [2] [4]

1. Take out the contents and shake off the dust
   Use a soft brush or clean cloth to scrub the dirt vigorously to avoid spreading it.
2. Try it on an inconspicuous area
   Check not only the color, but also the gloss, texture, and discoloration, and if you are concerned about any changes, do not use it on the entire product.
3. Spread it thinly according to the instructions on the product.
   First, take a small amount on a cloth and apply a large amount directly to the leather, and avoid overcoating in one area.
4. Wait the specified time and check the finished product.
   Perform any necessary finishing wipes and check that there is no residue on the surface before use.

There are conditions for the number "how many hours to leave"

The approximately 1 hour estimate in the Tsuchiya Kaban article clearly states that it is for the "Coronil Supreme Cream Deluxe" covered in the same article. This is not a waiting time that is common to all oils, nor is it a number that indicates compatibility with cowmono products. [2]

The same goes for the amount; if it's a bag, it's better not to decide based on the capacity alone, such as how many teaspoons to buy. Applying the same amount to leather of different widths and finishes can lead to applying more than necessary.

If you think you might have painted too much, don't add more.

If you are concerned about stickiness or uneven coloring, stop using it instead of trying to make up the difference by adding another oil or cleaner. If you record the supplies you used, where you applied the product, and the elapsed time, it will be easier to tell the seller or manufacturer of the product when you contact them.

If the leather surface is torn or the base of the handle is weakened, I don't think that oil will restore its strength. If there is an abnormality in the load-bearing area, please check the condition before inserting the contents and continuing to use it.

Frequently asked questions

Should I also paint the leather I just bought?

Application immediately after purchase is not recommended for all products. First, check the manufacturer's instructions and remember the color and texture when new.

Can I use edible oil or hand cream instead?

This article does not recommend substitutions. Select a special product that allows you to check its suitability and finish for leather products, and if you are unsure whether it can be used, check without applying it.

Will applying oil prevent color transfer to clothes?

We consider leather preservation and color transfer measures separately. Do not overapply to prevent color transfer, and check for contact with clothing, rain and sweat, and precautions when using.

Can I use the same method for suede and PU leather?

Due to differences in materials and finishes, please do not apply these instructions directly. Check the display to see if it is compatible with brushed materials or synthetic leather, and follow the instructions for each type of care.

Bags and leather accessories that you want to use while taking care of them

Do you want to enjoy the look of leather with a large bag, or start with small items and see how they change from day to day? I chose two items that have different uses.

Crazy Horse Leather Rucksack_AA

The rucksack_AA, which has an impressive vertical flap and leather area, has a product description of 41 x 30 x 16 cm and weighs approximately 1.3 kg. This model is suitable for those who want to enjoy the texture of leather while organizing their daily luggage, and you should consider the weight of the bag before purchasing.

See photos, storage, and specifications →

Rain cover not included. We do not guarantee compatibility with the care products introduced in the article or waterproof performance.

Crazy horse leather handbag_A (travel pouch)

If cleaning the entire bag feels like a big deal, you can choose from small items that you pick up every day. The travel pouch is 23 x 16 x 8.5 cm and weighs approximately 0.4 kg, and has a double zipper and an inner mesh zipper pocket, allowing you to organize your luggage and enjoy the look of the leather.

See photos, storage, and specifications →

Store liquid containers separately in leak-proof bags. This is not an introduction to the waterproofness of the pouch itself.

Regarding the material itselfCrazy Horse Leather GuidePlease also see

Reference source/annotation

1. Japan Leather Industry Federation | Leather terminology dictionary “Oil leather”:About terminology and fatliquing during manufacturing
2. Tsuchiya Bag Manufacturing | Leather maintenance 01. Basic oil care: How to view the condition, application procedure, and waiting time for specific creams
3. Columbus | Caring for leather accessories and bags:Usage of supplies and precautions for color cream
4. Coronil | Precautions for use: Material suitability and trial use

Care instructions from other companies are for general reference only, and do not verify the effectiveness or suitability of the products introduced.