Leather Care Guide
Summary: Clean your leathers before conditioning and allow them to air dry. Use a mink oil based conditioner that does not contain beeswax or silicone unless you need exceptional waterproofing.
Proper care is important to the longevity of your motorcycle leathers. Neglected leathers can dry and rot while well cared for leathers will increase in beauty as they age. At Fox Creek we use naked leather, which will readily absorb conditioning oils because there is no finish on its surface. A well conditioned set of leathers will attain a beautiful luster that shows off the natural full grain of the leather.
The basic idea behind leather conditioning is to replace the natural oils that the leather loses during daily wear. These oils lubricate the leather, keeping it supple, and repel water and dirt which can break down the integrity of your leathers. All of our jackets, vests and chaps are treated with mink oil when they are made. Mink oil is an animal oil and is easily absorbed by the leather. It is an excellent conditioner because it closely resembles the leather's natural oils.
How often you treat your leathers depends on how hard and how often you ride. We normally recommend treating your leathers every 3-4 months of active riding. However, if conditions are harsh you may find it necessary to do so more often. For example, if you are caught in a hard downpour on a bike that offers little protection from the elements you may wish to condition your leathers after they dry to replace oils that were lost to the rain. If you ever notice that your leathers feel dry or stiff, it is a sign that they need to be conditioned. It is best to avoid letting them reach that state. Over time you will fall into a schedule for caring for your leathers that is appropriate for your riding habits.
First, clean your leathers before you condition them. Never condition dirty or wet leathers, the conditioning oils will trap the water and dirt in the leather causing it to degrade faster. If your leathers are not noticeably soiled, wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth and let them dry at room temperature overnight. If your leathers need a more thorough cleaning we recommend using a cleaner such as Montana Pitch Blend Leather Cleaner. Regardless, allow your leathers to air dry completely at room temperature before you condition them.
Next, choose a conditioner based on your riding needs. For most people we recommend Montana Pitch Blend Leather Oil. It contains only pure mink oil and pine pitch. The pine pitch helps to preserve your leathers by acting as an antimicrobial agent. It also has a slight pleasing natural pine scent. Montana Pitch Blend Leather Oil provides good waterproofing.
In the case that you need exceptional waterproofing, we recommend Montana Pitch Blend Leather Dressing, a mink oil and beeswax blend. Beeswax and silicone both waterproof by blocking the pores of your leathers, which can also trap dirt and moisture. Please take extra care in cleaning and drying your leathers before using either of these products.
To treat your garment spread a small amount of your conditioner of choice on a soft cloth and gently work it into the leather. Once you have conditioned the entire garment allow it to sit for half an hour and fully absorb the conditioner. At this point you can give your leathers a second application of conditioner if necessary. If not, wipe off any excess conditioner with a clean dry cloth.
Any of the above conditioners can be used together. One popular combination is to apply a first coat of Montana Pitch Blend Leather Oil and a second coat of Montana Pitch Blend Leather Dressing. This thoroughly conditions your garment and adds a little extra waterproofing.
Fox Creek Leather Staff
Products we recommend but don't carry
- Doc Bailey's Leather Black (excellent for touching up scuffed leather)
If you have suggestions or corrections, please contact us.
