Leather Expert Leather Softener is made for dried, stiff or hardened leather. It makes old, stiff leather supple again and helps prevent further shrinkage. You clean the leather first to open the pores, massage the softener in thinly and build up several layers with rest in between if needed. You will find the Leather Expert Leather Softener in the shop.
When you need a softener
Leather that goes a long time without care loses its oils and turns hard. Think of a classic car that stood still for years or a seat permanently in the sun. That leather feels stiff, creaks and is about to crack. A regular conditioner feeds leather that is still in good shape, but truly hardened leather needs more. Leather Softener penetrates deeper into the fibres and makes them flexible again, so the leather comes back instead of cracking further.
Softener and conditioner complement each other. The softener restores suppleness, the Leather Expert Leather Conditioner then keeps it topped up. You will find more leather cleaners and care in the leather cleaning and care category.
How to use it
Clean first. Clean the leather with a leather cleaner so the pores are open and the softener can soak in.
Massage in thinly. Apply the softener with a sponge or cloth and gently massage it in, spread across the whole surface.
Let it soak in. Give the leather rest; Leather Expert allows about twelve hours between two layers.
Repeat on very dry leather. If the leather still feels stiff, apply another thin layer and let it soak in again.
Which leather it suits
Leather Expert lists the softener as suitable for natural leather, from shoes and bags to car interiors and furniture. Do not use it on suede and nubuck. On very old or brittle leather the softener works restoratively, but it does not conjure away cracks that are already there; for holes and tears you use a repair kit.
Tips for the best result
Work in thin layers. Several thin layers penetrate better than one thick layer at once.
Give it time. Twelve hours of rest between layers lets the softener really soak in.
Work at room temperature. Warm leather takes up the softener more readily than cold, stiff leather.
Condition afterwards. Finish with a conditioner to hold the restored suppleness.
Once the leather is supple again, keep it that way with regular care. The complete picture of cleaning, conditioning and repairing is in the guide cleaning, conditioning and repairing leather.