How to Restore Antique Leather
Restoring Antique Leather Is a Delicate Task Requiring Patience and Attention to Detail, but the Rewards Are Well Worth the Effort. Whether You’re Spiffing up...
Restoring antique leather is a delicate task requiring patience and attention to detail, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Whether you’re spiffing up a Hermes handbag, bringing new life to a flea-market club chair, or rescuing a saddle that languished too long in your grandfather’s barn, the principles are the same. Clean, restore, condition and maintain. Just be careful not to overdo your restoration. The imperfections and aged patina of antique leather are part of its charm.
Things You Will Need
- Several soft white cloths
- Soft-bristled brush (optional)
- Leather cleanser
- Products to repair specific problems, such as mold, cracks, or ink stains (optional)
- Leather re-coloring cream (optional)
- Leather conditioner
Tip
Maintain your antique leather by keeping it out of direct sunlight, dusting the leather regularly with a soft white cloth, and applying a mild leather cleanser and conditioner every three to six months, depending on use.