I just bought an Alpinestars 1pc suite. Obviously, for that much money, I want it to last. My question is, do I use leather conditioner on it? Or will that degrade the abrasion resistance of the suit? What do you use, if anything to keep the leather from drying out?
A good leather conditioner will keep the suit from drying out and will not degrade the abrasion resistance. By good I mean something without harsh chemicals, silicone, or wax, which can dry out the suit.
IMO, you should regularly use a pH balanced cleaner (not saddle soap which is too basic and will dry out the leather) to clean off dirt and bugs and just condition periodically.
I have used Lexol products for years with no issues, but there are many others.
Just follow me Jim, you will wear them out natulrally! LOL. Their should be some kind of care label on the inside of them.
---hey what did you pay and where did you buy them. I am looking for a track set.
PM me with your latest adventure.
Pat.
VFRFun, Jul 31 2006, 01:41 AM
A good leather conditioner will keep the suit from drying out and will not degrade the abrasion resistance. By good I mean something without harsh chemicals, silicone, or wax, which can dry out the suit.
IMO, you should regularly use a pH balanced cleaner (not saddle soap which is too basic and will dry out the leather) to clean off dirt and bugs and just condition periodically.
I have used Lexol products for years with no issues, but there are many others.
+1.gif on the Lexol! Can be purchased at most auto parts stores and even I think Wally world. Separate cleaner and conditioner. Good stuff!
I'm curious what do you folks recommend for leather care in cases where the leather is periodically saturated in water? Is the treatment for leather any different in that case?
jgombos, Jul 31 2006, 12:59 PM
I'm curious what do you folks recommend for leather care in cases where the leather is periodically saturated in water? Is the treatment for leather any different in that case?
I've read quite a few articles on leather...most say not to use any type of water-proofing on leather. They say that the water-proofing will clog the pores of the leather and cause it to deteriorate. The best thing to do when it is subjected to a lot of moisture is to use a good cleaner and follow up with a good conditioner. (must do this more often)
There is a lot of information on the web if you do a search for 'leather care'. The Lexol products seemed to be mentioned in quite a few articles and is available at quite a few stores.
Kevin
+1.gif Lexol is great stuff.
I usually use Lexol. You should be able to find it easily. I have seen it in hardware stores, grocery stores as well as WalMart. Get both the cleaner and the conditioner. Also, be sure to test the color fastness of your leather before going crazy with it. Try it in an inconspicuous spot first.
I just use warm water and cloth wipes to clean off bugs and " Renapur "Leather Balsam in a white jar for re-conditioning the leather, great stuff, got it from a shoe store. Others that use it once wouldn't use anything else.
http://www.renapur.com/balsam.htm