Because of the natural tannins used in the production of this leather, items made with it will “patina” (darken) and soften with age as it is exposed to sunlight and natural oils. Basic care should be wiping the surface clean of any foreign substances with a damp cloth and the occasional (every couple of months) re-oiling with a light layer of pure neatsfoot oil or beeswax based product like Smith’s leather balm. It’s ok if these products get wet once in a while, however, constant wet-dry conditions can cause the leather to crack over time. Items that touch your hands often may not need extra oiling due to the natural oils in your skin.

Chemically tanned leathers like this are the typical material of fashion industry products. They skip the aging process by being created soft and colorful to start. Items made with this leather have the potential to scratch and stain a little more easily and often lighten over time. Basic care should include, wiping the surface clean of any foreign substances with a damp cloth and a once or twice a year oiling with a water-based or beeswax product like Smith’s leather balm.