Anything better then shoe polish?

gjgalligan

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Just wonder if there is anything better then plain old shoe polish for belts/holsters when they need cleaning up?
I don't mind the elbow grease factor but seems like shoe polish doesn't last long.
 
The only recommended leather treatment for fine leather goods is a lanolin based product, never one with petroleum base as petroleum products may produce a temporary shine but will actually damage the leather over time. As far as preservation of the leather, collectors gold standard is Connolly Hide Care. It is recommended for use on fine leather interiors of luxury cars.
 
Watch the chemicals you introduce into a holster, belt, mag carriers. They'll make their way on to the gun/ammo/etc.
 
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I'v been using Lexol cleaner and conditioner on my collection of vintage holsters with no ill effects. Use he same Lexol on my Lexus LS-460 leather seats/trim.
 
Badly soiled leather goods can be cleaned with a sponge or cloth with lukewarm water, then allowed to dry thoroughly. Deep scratches or other surface damage may require an application of leather dye in an appropriate matching color. Other than that, neutral shoe polish is the only thing I recommend for surface treatments. Mostly wax, provides reasonable protection against scuffs, scrapes, and moisture.

Anything based on oils or greasy products should be avoided. These are absorbed by the leather fibers and, over time, will make the leather softer, more pliable, and defeat the makers' forming work until you have nothing left but a limp and useless piece of old hide.

Neutral shoe polish will not transfer stains to the clothing or skin. It is nothing more than a clear wax mixture that provides surface sealant and abrasion resistance.

Helpful hint: If you are doing this more than 3 or 4 times per year you should consult with a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of your obsessive compulsive tendencies.
 
I use Kiwi neutral shoe polish occasionally. It's also useful if you have leather gear that squeaks by applying it to the belt/holster/mag pouch contact areas.

I haven't used it, but Beltman sells Obenauf's Heavy Duty Leather Preservative. It's supposed to restore old leather and help maintain new leather without making it soft. Keep meaning to try it, but applying Kiwi every once in a while works for me.
 
LEATHER CLEANERS and TREATMENTS

I use LEXOL to clean old leather and limber up new leather.
I use MINK OIL to waterproof holsters , belts and saddles that get exposed to rain.
 
I am a fan of Conollys for restoring dried out old leather however I would point out that Lobogunleather has the exact correct advice for everyday holster care. I collect WW1 German auto pistols, so i get to deal with some old holsters.My WW1 holster leather restorer gives the same advice as Lobo, with addition of some treatments to get rid of mildew ;-)
 
In my youth I made leather gun cases and holsters. I had a friend who was a shoemaker and he sold me hides that were cheaper and better than what you could get from Tandy Leather.

Always used Neatsfoot oil. My wife used something similar on her saddles, but it was designated as saddle oil. Look at the label and it was mostly neatsfoot.

There may be fancy stuff on the market today, but you can't go wrong with the old classics.
 
I use Ren wax. I use my fingers and put on a light coat on my revolver and leather. I then polish them with an old t-shirt. Been doing that for years.
 
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