With Proper Care, Leather Can Last a Lifetime or Longer

 

 

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

 

Proper care of your leather items will extend its life and your enjoyment.  The following instructions are for a piece of hard-use leather--say work boots or horse tack--that requires restorative treatment.   (At the bottom of this page, look for helpful tips.)

 

STEP #1 --MAKE SURE THE LEATHER IS CLEAN:   Dirt and grit can act as a damaging abrasive .  Use a horse-hair shoe brush first to remove loose debris.  Use a soft bristle toothbrush around the welt and sole of the boot.  Use our latest product -- Garrison Grime Gone: Saddle Soap -- to clean and prepare the leather.  Use a soft water-saturated brush and load it with the Saddle Soap and vigorously clean the item.  Afterward, use clean water to remove excess soap.

 

STEP #2 -- APPLY RESTORATIVE NATURAL OILS:   Use Garrison Gold Rejuvenation Paste Oil to infuse natural oils deep into the leather.  This is what will restore suppleness by nourishing and lubricating the fibers.  The amount of oil applied is determined by how dry and brittle the leather is.  Using a lint-free cotton cloth, apply evenly and sparingly over the entire surface.  Sometimes after the first application, it may seem to be covering unevenly but after fifteen or so minutes the leather will become saturated as the fibers are again infused with the natural oils.  Depending on the condition two or more applications may be required to achieve the desired suppleness.  Wait an hour between applications.  (Start slowly as more can always be added, but it cannot be removed.)  Buff any excess oil off.

 

STEP #3 -- CONDITION LEATHER: Garrison Grease Conditioner looks "greasy" but will soak into the leather and become dry to the touch.  Its dual purpose is to keep the leather properly flexible and to seal in natural oils.  This is the perfect product for routine maintenance.  Again, with a a lint-free cotton cloth, apply uniformly over the leather's surface and let it dry for an hour and then buff off for a deep luster.

 

STEP #4 -- SEAL & WEATHER PROOF:   Apply Garrison Guard Protectant as a natural repellent from water, salts, acids, and chemicals.  Two ways to make application easier: (1) rub the cloth in a vigorous circular motion to heat the product up using friction and body warmth, (2) use a hair drier to warm the product.  Once applied, it may have a slightly tacky feel, which will fade after several minutes.  Several coats can be applied and each will provide greater protection.  Buff excess with a clean cloth.

 

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER

 

  • Quality oils and conditioners will darken leather-at least temporarily.  Over a week or two the true color will settle-in.

 

  • When color-fastness is a concern, test on a small inconspicuous area.

 

  • The enemy of leather is heat and wetness--both accelerate the deterioration of leather.  Never dry leather next to heaters or blowers.

 

  • The use of leather determines the maintenance schedule:

 

    • Hard-Use Leather (work boots, horse tack, motorcycle):  A thorough oiling of Garrison Gold at season start and end.  Weekly use of Garrison Grease and Garrison Guard during extreme or changing environmental conditions is recommended.
    • Fashion Leather ( purses, wallets, footwear) Once a year, a brushing with a horse hair shoe brush with the bristles lightly coated with Garrison Gold.  Another dedicated shoe brush for monthly light brushing with Garrison Grease.  Garrison Guard to be used situationally.

 

  • If the leather is molded--such as hiking boots or a holster--be careful not to over oil or condition if shape retention is an issue.  Follow the product's recommended guidelines.

 

  • Garrison Leather Care products are not recommended for suede, nubuck or faux leathers.

 

  • The better the leather, the better the result.  All leathers are not created equally.  Superior full-grain belting or napa leathers respond very well to restorations.  Over time, they will develop a luster and aged patina.  That being said, any leather will perform better through diligent care.

 

 

Colorado Made & Rocky Mountain Tested

 

Garrison Leather Care

P.O. Box 795

Pine, CO 80470

 

service@garrisonleathercare.com