Leather Conditioner

[NotoriousMarquis]

2 questions.

1) should conditioner be put on before, or after (or both) the polish/crea.

2) can one use too much conditioner. I know one can never really polish their shoes too often, but is this the same with conditioner?

 

[GentlemanGeorge]

My understanding, and it makes perfect sense, is to put conditioner on before the polish and giving it time to absorb. I suppose it's theoretically possible to overdo it, especially if your conditioner includes a cleaning solvent, but in practice it's hard to imagine that you would. A general rule is to condition when the leather "looks scuffed". Over-oiling can bloat and soften the fibers, loosening their bonds. Leather needs to breathe.

 

[StopPolloition]

I use Lexol conditioner, rubbing it on with a rag. Then I let it dry a day or two before I polish them.

 

[acidboy]

just remember not to apply them too much or too often.

 

[xudisco07]

Originally Posted by acidboy

just remember not to apply them too much or too often.

How often is too often?

 

[Cary Grant]

Read this. Especially the portion on "the process".

 

[KObalto]

Originally Posted by NotoriousMarquis

I know one can never really polish their shoes too often, but is this the same with conditioner?

You can polish your shoes too often, leading to the dreaded "waxy build-up".

 

[Ataturk]

When I was introduced to leather conditioner, I was told to use it every six months. That's plenty.

 

[GanglandDandy]

1) Before.

2) Yes, it is possible to use too much leather conditioner. You can usually tell when you're using too much when the leather darkens significantly.

 

[entrero]

There are 2 things that destroys leather; mold and too much care

 

[emc894]

Originally Posted by KObalto

You can polish your shoes too often, leading to the dreaded "waxy build-up".

Oh Porterhouse, look at the wax build up on these shoes I want that wax stripped off there, then I want them creamed and buffed with a fine chamois, and I want them now. Chop chop.

 

[NotoriousMarquis]

SO let's say I'm cleaning the shoe with a light mixture of alcohol and water, I condition after this right? And then polish?

 

[KObalto]

Originally Posted by NotoriousMarquis

SO let's say I'm cleaning the shoe with a light mixture of alcohol and water, I condition after this right? And then polish?

Alcohol? This will strip the dye from the shoes, no?

 

[Newcomer]

I generally use Saphir Renovateur on my shoes about once every week or two. It is great, and really only does good. On some shoes I just use Renovateur (i.e. the ones I don't want to be shiny).