doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com What is good to apply to new leather?

Just purchased two new London cases ans need to apply some dressing to the leather to protect and make them shine? Any suggestions? And where is the best place to purchase?
Thanks.

Lexsol for the good of the leather or a good shoe polish if you want shine...Geo

This stuff is the best that I've used. I used to have horses and ride a lot. I tried a lot of products, but this was by far the best. I especially think it's good for thin fine leather like gun cases.

http://www.shoetreemarketplace.com/Meltonian_All_purpose_Cleaner_Conditioner_p/405000.htm

Do you want to condition the leather or actually put a shine on it? I wouldn't think a new case would need much in the way of a shine.

Fiebing's 4-Way Care is a good conditioning product that does not change the leather's appearance.

I use BLACKROCK Leather 'N' Rich, on the recommendation of the local Saddle shop that has been doing leather work for over 70 years. Very pleased with the results.

Renaisance Wax, noone should be without it. Good for leather,metal,bluing,stock finish,wood etc.
Brownell's carries it,but you get the best price on ebay [always compare can size].

My local custom boot maker said to use good quality facial or hand moisturizer. I travel some and most of the hotels have small bottles of hand lotion. I use that on my boots and it is great-priced right.

Pecard Leather Dressing is by far the best option for a "wet product". (a paste)

For a dry product, "renaissance wax" is what museums use.

For a wet-to-dry product, use Fiebing's "Leather Balm with Atom Wax, color - neutral". This product is applied with a piece of lambswool and goes on wet and runny. allow it to dry for a couple hours and the case will become foggy/cloudy. Then buff with dry lambswool and you'll get a nice gentle sheen. This product is designed to seal in dye to stabalize a finish as well so it is quite good. A similar product in final look, but more glossy is Tandy "SuperSheen" in creme form. The latter does not cloud and fog the leather but still requires the drying time and then the buffing with lambswool to get that right look.

Since we have no idea what the tanning process and preservative treatment was for the leather cases none of us can give a definite answer. To be absolutely certain I would strongly suggest you contact the makers of the case and follow their recommendation. If you can't reach them ask the dealer.

Second that. Many leather cases have already been given some coating to prevent drying and discoloration. Let us know what the maker recommends please. Another note if you plan to use the case is to evaluate how any particular product may soften the leather. Lexol has three products that clean and then protect but may discolor the leather a little. If not used sparingly, Ren Wax can build up--this is difficult on some pebbled surfaces. I would avoid anything with silicon additives if possible as those products can make cleaning difficult.