Essentials Leather Care Kit Give your old leather a new shine

1. Essentials Leather Care Kit | Give your old leather a new shine leather care kit, Essentials Leather Care Kit , leather conditioner, https://leatherhero.com.au/collections/leather-care- kits There are many leather finishes and many personal preferences when it comes to sheen. Some like their leather matte whilst others love a rich shine. In this guide, we’ll talk about maximising the shine of your leather accessories, apparel and furnishings. What causes shiny leather to go dull? There are a few factors that can contribute to a loss of shine. They include:  Exposure to sun: UV can cause dyed leathers to fade. The colour may look drab and the leather can become dry. A lack of regular servicing: All leather needs to be cleaned, conditioned and protected on a regular basis. Without care, leather can become dirty, stained, dry, cracked and dull. Incorrect products: The use of one-size fits all leather care products or household products can result in disappointing and sometimes, devastating results, including, the stripping of shine. Too much water: Leather doesn’t like too much water. Whilst a wipe with a damp cloth is usually harmless, sustained exposure to water can be damaging. Abrasion: Even with normal use, wear and tear can abrade the surface causing leather to look duller than it did when it was new. Whilst a patina of surface scuffs and scratches can develop from general abrasion, take care to avoid scratchy things like pet claws and rough surfaces.     Caring for leather Leather care is not as time consuming as one might think. Done regularly, the work is quick and easy. A 3 step care regime is ideal. It includes, cleaning, conditioning and protection. o Cleaning: Without cleaning, grime can build up on the surface making leather look dull and dirty. A lack of cleaning also compromises the health and strength of leather. Have a suitable leather cleaner on hand so that spills and marks can be treated as soon as they occur. For most leather pieces, cleaning once every 3 months or so is ideal. Sometimes, a simple wipe over is adequate. In other instances, especially when it has been more than 3 months since the last service, a scrubbing brush may be needed to agitate into the grain. Wipe leather clean with a white microfibre cloth. o Conditioning: Periodic conditioning with a leather conditioner supplies nourishing, lubricating moisture deep into the fibrous structure. It helps to prevent drying and cracking. In addition, some conditioners are designed to glaze the surface with oils and waxes that can be buffed to render a luxurious natural shine. Apply conditioner after cleaning. o Protecting: Leather protection is a treatment that is suitable for most types of leather (excluding some full anilines). The benefits include anti-soiling properties, UV resistance, stain resistance, easier cleaning and fade resistance. A wipe-on lotion consistency is ideal. Reapply after every clean and condition to maintain on-going protection. Used regularly and in combination, these measures go a long way towards slowing the aging process, maximising the beauty of leather and ensuring the luxurious experience leather can give. Look for a leather care kit that combines all 3 products.

2. We want maximum shine! Some leathers are at their best when featuring a luxurious shine, namely, waxed leather, high shine shoes, some apparel and glossy handbags. How to get that lovable shine? 1) Use a waxy conditioner that can be buffed to a high shine. With regular use, a lush natural shine develops and is sustained over time. 2) Refinish the leather with a High Gloss Topcoat. Use a conditioner: The Essentials Leather Care Kit is formulated for waxed leather and can also be applied to aniline, semi-aniline, oiled and pigmented leather. It contains a maintenance strength cleaner plus a waxy conditioner and optionally, a leather protection treatment. Clean first, then apply the conditioner. Let is dry and set. Finally, buff the leather with a microfibre cloth. Repeat as needed or at least once every 3 months. Use a clear topcoat: Although a new topcoat can boost shine, it is a more permanent coatings-based solution that requires more surface prep than just using a conditioner. It may not be the most suitable solution for all circumstances. First clean all areas with a deep cleaner such as Spot & Prep (No.4). Next, key the surface with sandpaper. These 2 steps are all about maximising the adhesion of the glossy coating. Apply 2 or more thin coats of the Topcoat allowing drying between each coat. Let the new coatings cure for 14 days before applying a waxy conditioner. Now that we have shiny leather… Let’s examine how to manage the risk factors mentioned above:  Exposure to sun: Apply Protect (No.3), use blinds to reduce direct UV, store bags and apparel in a cupboard A lack of regular servicing: Set a reminder for 4 quick and easy DIY services per year Incorrect products: Use the premium products used by the professionals. Select the products best suited to your leather and your objectives. Find more information here. Too much water: Avoid soaking leather in water and avoid heavy rain where possible. Mop up spills promptly and use a damp cloth when cleaning. Abrasion: Do your best to avoid surface scratches. Protect leather from scratchy things such as pet claws, kids toys and other abrasive surfaces.     Good quality leather can last for decades. Regular and correct care can help to keep it looking beautiful and lasting longer. For more information visit www.leatherhero.com.au