Product Assembly: Our products are carefully constructed to ensure lasting quality. Disassembly is not advised, as it can be difficult to reassemble correctly and may compromise the product’s integrity.
Leather Conditioning: Regular conditioning is essential to keep your leather looking its best. We recommend applying a leather oil or wax-based balm 1-2 times per year, or more frequently if the leather feels dry. (Detailed instructions are provided below.) This will nourish the leather, protect it from moisture, and prevent cracking.
Screw Maintenance: Products with screws should be checked periodically to ensure they remain secure. Leather’s natural flexibility can cause screws to loosen over time, especially during the first few months of use. Tightening them will prevent loss and maintain the product’s structural integrity.
The Patina Process: Vegetable-tanned leather is a natural material that evolves beautifully over time. Exposure to sunlight and daily use will cause it to darken and develop a rich, unique patina. This is a desirable characteristic and adds to the character of your leather product.
The Handcrafted Touch: Each of our products is lovingly handcrafted by the designer, not by machines. Due to the nature of handmade items, minor imperfections may be present, which are a testament to the artisan’s skill and the unique nature of each product.
Prevent damage to your leather goods
Let’s talk about keeping your leather looking great! Leather, while durable, is a natural material that requires care to maintain its beauty and longevity. We recommend giving it a little love before its first adventure by applying a water-repelling protectant like a wax or grease-based balm. This will create a protective barrier against moisture, dirt, and stains, extending the life of your leather.
Your leather got wet? don’t panic! A little rain is usually fine. But if it gets soaked, here’s what to do:
- If necessary, get it back in shape: While it’s still damp, gently reshape it. Stuffing it with clean, dry cloths can help maintain its shape
- Let it air dry: Patience is key here. Let it dry naturally, away from any heat sources. No hairdryers, please! Heat can cause the leather to shrink, crack, and become brittle. Be patient; air drying can take time..
- Give it some love: Once it’s completely dry, give it a good conditioning with a leather oil or conditioner. This will help replenish the oils that water might have stripped away.
Sun’s out, leather’s in the shade: Vegetable-tanned leather loves to develop a patina in the sun, but too much sun can lead to over-drying, cracking, and fading. Store it in a cool, dark place when you’re not using it to keep it looking its best.
Cleaning small stains
Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, glycerine or a gentle, neutral soap are effective cleaning agents. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the leather.
- Prepare: Wet a clean, non-abrasive sponge and rub it against the soap to create a light foam.
- Gentle Application: Apply the foam to the stained area using gentle, circular motions. Work the foam into the stain, repeating the motion several times.
- Remove Excess: Wet the sponge again, wring it out thoroughly, and gently wipe away any remaining foam or residue.
- Drying Time: Allow the leather to air dry completely in a cool, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct heat or sunlight, as these can cause the leather to crack or discolour.
- Even Conditioning: After the leather has dried fully, it’s crucial to condition the entire piece, not just the cleaned spot. This will help the cleaned area blend in seamlessly with the rest of the leather as it ages, ensuring a uniform appearance. Use a high-quality leather oil or conditioner and follow the instructions below.
Nourishing the leather
Just like your skin, leather is a natural material that needs regular care. Think of it as a living tissue that requires moisture and protection. Different products address different needs: creams and balms are like moisturisers, oils help lock in that moisture, and waxes act as a protective barrier. Some products combine these benefits in a single application.
- Preparation: Thoroughly clean the leather surface with a soft brush. The leather must be completely dry.
- Product Test: Always test any new product on a small, hidden area first.
- Moisturising/Oiling/Protecting: Choose a product that meets your leather’s needs. Creams and balms are best for very dry or stiff leather. Oils help keep the leather supple and lock moisture in. Waxes provide water resistance. Combination products offer all-in-one care. Consult the product’s instructions for best results.
- Moisturising (Creams/Balms): If the leather feels very dry or stiff, apply a small amount of leather cream or balm. Use gentle, circular motions.
- Oil Application (Oils): Warm the oil slightly. Apply a small amount to a clean, soft cloth and massage it into the leather. Oil helps keep the leather supple and prevents cracking.
- Wax Application (Waxes): Apply wax after the oil (if used) has been fully absorbed. Use a separate clean cloth. Wax provides water resistance and helps the leather retain its natural oils.
- Resting Period: Allow the leather to rest for at least 24 hours (or longer) after applying any product.
Important note: Your leather might look quite dark right after you apply a conditioner, oil, or wax. Don’t worry, it’s just soaking it up! It will lighten up again as it dries and become more even in colour. Over time, vegetable-tanned leather will naturally darken a bit more with each treatment, but it will also look more beautiful and uniform.
Product Recommendations: We recommend high-quality leather oils, creams, balms, and waxes formulated specifically for leather care. Shoe creams and grease usually do the trick. Carefully read the ingredients or product description to understand the product’s properties and ensure it meets your needs. Coconut oil can be used as a readily available option, and olive oil as an alternative, though coconut oil is typically absorbed more effectively.
