is there such a thing as applying too much conditioner and making your leather too soft?

[Nykwil]

I go by what Aero says, Vaseline when needed, but most new jackets won't need it for at least a decade or so, so I don't worry.

Jacket hasn't fallen apart on me yet.

And @cbez makes a good point. Living skin, isn't like dead leather. There's no corresponding blood vessels actively pumping the area with nutrients that require constant moisturizing and replenishing in leather, it's been tanned.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

when you put lotion on your skin do you only do it once a year for fear of ruining your complexion or do you do it "as needed"

 

[javajakamama]

i remember that scene. but i just now realize that danny devito and joe rogan are pretty similar.

the obenauf oil worked better than i said it did. the jacket is a darker black a day after, the more i buff the softer and better it looks. i just grabbed this product because i was fed up with all the choices and people's do and don't nonsense i seemed to see.

 

[mdgnowles]

Now, I’m absolutely floored by Obenauf’s. It’s the driest, cleanest oil I’ve ever seen. When it gets on your hands, it’s like it just disappears. For my first application, I used it on my vintage 118 naked cowhide leather jacket. I mixed about 20% oil with 80% distilled water in a spray bottle as a propellant.

Here’s what I did:

1. Shake the spray bottle vigorously each time before spraying—it’s key for an even application.


2. Spray panel by panel, massage the oil into the leather with your hands, and work it in evenly.



The results were incredible. Later, I decided to try a heavier application, skipping the distilled water. I might’ve gone overboard, but the leather still feels dry, extremely supple, and no longer cold to the touch.

I’m glad I added more, though. Just the other day, I used this jacket to wipe snow off my car (we had quite a bit here in the D.C. area), and it handled everything like a champ.

One thing I’ve been thinking about is how topcoats on non-naked leather might affect breathability in the long term. Some people claim that waxes and conditioners block pores, but it’s hard to say.

Thanks for listening to my ramble—hope you’re doing well!