While this beeswax recipe for leather care is a great way to protect your expensive items, there are some things you should keep in mind. Both beeswax and coconut oil have the tendency to darken leather. If you have a concern about this, try it on a small inconspicuous spot first. Use only a small amount.
If you want to learn how to stain leather darker, try using an oil, such as neatsfoot oil, coconut oil, or mink oil. Apply the oil to a clean white cloth, then rub the oil-covered cloth back and forth over the leather surface. Take care to evenly apply the oil.
Beeswax offers many benefits when compared with traditional treatments like mink oils – most notably being that it won't darken lighter colored items like your beloved boots or a leather bag! However, you should try and apply beeswax on a small hidden piece of leather and see if the leather will become darker.
Lexol Neatsfoot Leather Conditioner is a non-darkening formula that will help keep your light-colored (blonde) leather looking like new.
It all depends on what kind of conditioner you use. Some will darken the leather significantly, some mildly, some not at all. There is always a disclaimer on whatever you buy to test it in an inconspicuous place. Generally, the more “effective” conditioners will always darken the leather.
Keep it clean.
Clean leather is less susceptible to changes in its color and texture. It's important to regularly remove dirt from the leather's surface. We recommend cleaning your leather at least three or four times a year, using a gentle leather cleaning solution or polish.
Beeswax Rejuvenates, Nourishes, and Protects Leather
If you've been wondering how to protect leather boots, beeswax leather dressing is your answer! Beeswax is not just for waterproofing boots; it also improves their durability by rejuvenating and hardening the leather.
Note that this treatment will darken leather so if unsure test in an inconspicuous spot first. Available in two sizes, 60ml and 120ml. Please note that refills are available in store only for $10 for 60ml and $20 for 120ml. Made in Bendigo, Victoria.
Use a small soft piece of towel or cleaning rags and apply a small amount of beeswax leather conditioner to the surface. Gentle small circular motions help work the materials in. Let the item sit for several minutes (15 or so), then use a clean soft cloth to wipe away any excess product.
The fatty acids in the beeswax cleans the leather in a gentle way. Plus, the beeswax polish will brighten up faded colours as well. Allow the polish to set and voilà – the boots will look as good as new! If you feel that your shoes need a bit more wax after the first layer has set, you can repeat as and when required.
The olive oil hydrates the leather and the beeswax protects the bag from rain, keeping the leather shiny by enhancing its natural colour.
Beeswax is also a very good medium to harden leather in, but far more expensive.
The natural methods to darken leather include using oils like coconut oil or olive oil, coffee, walnut hulls, and even leather dressing. You could also use natural polish to darken your leather items. Natural oils are a great way to treat your leather while darkening it at the same time.
Darkening can often occur when oils begin to congest leather's pores, such as body oils or leather conditioner (if too much has been used). You can best prevent darkened leather by protecting it with leather conditioner and performing regular spot cleanings before it has the chance to darken.
Darkening can occur whenever oils, such as body oils or leather conditioner, begin to clog the pores of the leather (if too much has been used). Preventing darkened leather is best accomplished by preserving it with leather conditioner and doing frequent spot cleanings before it has a chance to darken.
Dubbin is great for leather boots, but not for suede or nubuck materials. Never use dubbin on suede or nubuck leather, as these types of material can be damaged by the oily nature of dubbing wax. You might even cause them irreparable damage (you have been warned!).
Using the conditioner is a simple process: use a soft towel or microfiber cloth to apply the wax directly to the leather surface. Allow the wax conditioner to sit on the leather for 5 minutes, and then gently rub the conditioner into the leather using soft circular motions.
Using household oils — like olive oil or mink oil — on your leather will damage it. Instead, use a leather cleaning and conditioner product, like Leather Honey Leather Cleaner and Leather Honey Leather Conditioner.
Be sure to avoid these products when cleaning your leather: Baking soda, white vinegar, cream of tartar, and lemon juice.