Thread: Leather Preservative

Joseph Liddy's Dubbin or make your own

Neatsfoot oil, used on saddles and harnesses for centuries.

Leffler Leather has an astounding array of interesting thing.

https://www.instagram.com/lefflerleather
Leather Restoration | Leather Conditioners | Leffler

I included the Instagram account as theyve been talking quite a bit about leather preservatives and restorers for footware. It seems to be an interest for them.

If you want have a go at making your own Dubbin PM me with your email and I will send the recipe I have been using for 40 years.

Dubbins is perfectly fine but it is petroleum based. You can pretty much use any paste wax designed for wood as well. They are usually a blend of waxes and oils that are ideal for leather. I have a bees wax/linseed oil/Gum Turps blend I make myself but the linseed does tend to form a skin over time. You can substitute Linseed oil for any other oil, or combinations of oils of your choice.

Neatsfoot oil is fine but it does darken the leather and it can smell. I use Neatsfoot where I want a rustic look but tend to use a paste wax or dubbins to preserve and restore the leather normally.

The advantage of the bees wax finish is that it does provide a water proofing if it is exposed.