Budget ways to soften up old leather...

[bollybop]

Hoping someone may have some good tricks in here.

Got some leatherwork that hasn't been used in a while, and wouldn't have been expensive to start with, as you can guess it's a bit like cardboard at the minute.

So far I've wiped it over with some glycerine tack wipes, and given it a quick polish with some shoe polish. (Yes I know not ideal but it's all I had to have).

So short of going to buy an expensive pot of potion (which I'm not going to do) has anyone got any decent tips for softening it up?

My dad used to know of someone that used mutton fat, but I can't find a recipe on the internet

 

[OldNag]

Kocholine Is brilliant. Not expensive and a tin will last you yonks.

 

[mudmudmud]

olive oil, but don't leave it anywhere mice will get at it!

 

[nicelittle]

Neatsfoot oil

 

[FreshandMinty]

olive oil

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Plunge into hand hot warm water, straight out again, wipe off excess water.
Then saddle soap or kocholine.
Dont tell Oz I typed this tho!

 

[AdorableAlice]

If it was cheap leather in the first place and has dried out totally, I would file it in B for bin because it is likely to bust when you least expect it !

 

[maccachic]

Tanners oil and soak it for a while (days) always worked well for me and pretty sure the rotting stitching thing is a wives tail cos all my leather is years old and no dodgy stitching.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Plunge into hand hot warm water, straight out again, wipe off excess water.
Then saddle soap or kocholine.
Dont tell Oz I typed this tho!

TOO late I saw it!
OP I will send you my article on leather conditioning, Oz

 

[bollybop]

Oz, thanks very much for that, makes for interesting reading!

 

[cremedemonthe]

Oz, thanks very much for that, makes for interesting reading!

Welcome!
Oz