COLOURLOCK Old Leather Softener

THE TREATMENT OF HARDENED LEATHER

Important: Complete any necessary crack or tear repairs before applying Leather Softener. After the final softening treatment, allow the leather to rest for approximately one week. If any further repairs are required, thoroughly degrease the affected area before applying repair products.

First, clean the leather with COLOURLOCK Mild Leather Cleaner.

As excessive moisture can damage antique leather, so we recommend using a foam cleaner rather than applying liquid directly to the surface. Gently remove any remaining residue with a slightly damp cloth.

Allow the leather to dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight.

Next, repair any cracks or tears with COLOURLOCK Fluid Leather before applying COLOURLOCK Leather Softener.

This step is important because Leather Softener is oil-based. If applied before the repair, the oils can interfere with the adhesion of repair products and make it more difficult to achieve a durable result.

Apply Leather Softener with a sponge or a soft cloth. For best results, the softener must be applied on the reverse side (the layer facing the cushions on the inside). Because the surface is rougher, it is more receptive to treatment than the smooth side. Unless you are planning on carrying out further upholstery repairs, you are advised not to remove the covers for this treatment as old leather can tear or break easily. 

Let the leather rest for 24 hours to allow time for it to fully absorb the Leather Softener, then repeat. One litre is sufficient for an entire vehicle area. For individual upholstery parts use 250ml.

Next try and loosen the fibres by kneading the leather with your hands. Continue until the leather feels softer. But be careful as very old and shrunken leather can break easily. While the leather will never be as soft as it once was, you should still see a noticeable improvement. Professionals use a leather-softening tool to soften the leather (see video). 

After the final application of Leather Softener remove the residue with a soft cloth and let the leather rest for a week before carrying out further treatment and repairs. Before using repair products thoroughly degrease the area with COLOURLOCK Degreaser.

To nourish and protect the leather, use COLOURLOCK Leather Protector and, if the leather is glossy or exposed to the weather, COLOURLOCK Elephant Leather Preserver offers added protection. Depending on the level of use a care treatment should be applied once or twice a year. Further treatments with Leather Softener are not necessary.