There is nothing as beautiful as a new leather bag or wallet. However, the leather that has just left the factory is often stiff and not very soft: this can negatively affect your look and make it less pleasant to wear your new accessories. Fortunately, it's easy to soften overly stiff skin by using a few simple aging techniques. You can get the desired aged effect in a second by rubbing it with a special softener, restoring the necessary moisture or manipulating it manually.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Treat the Accessories with a Leather Softener
Step 1. Purchase a quality fabric softener
The oils present in the product will lubricate the porous skin allowing it to fold together with your body with greater ease. Unlike home treatments, the softener will not compromise the durability of the material or leave any greasy film.
- If you are willing to spend a few extra bucks you can also opt for a full set of skin care products. These kits often include other products that are useful for extending the life of leather objects, such as ox foot oil, milk for leather and protective beeswax to make it waterproof.
- Avoid using natural products such as olive or coconut oil. Although they can help soften the skin in the short term, they have a tendency to penetrate deeply into the material. Over time they can lead to permanent discoloration or cause cracks and severe deterioration.
Step 2. Pour the fabric softener onto a clean cloth
Fold the cloth over your fingertip so that only one corner is exposed, then soak it in a small amount of fabric softener. This way you can be sure that you only use the right amount.
- When it comes to products for the skin, the less you use the better: the goal is to treat the surface of the material, not wash it completely.
- Do not apply the product directly to the skin: not only is this the best way to wreak havoc, but it will also make it more difficult to distribute it evenly.
Step 3. Sprinkle the product on the surface of the accessory
Spread it with gentle movements or circles and expand by slowly spreading out. Try to give it only a superficial swipe - the leather should have a slight sheen without appearing wet or soaked.
- These products can be used safely in any external area of the object in question or only where it is most necessary, such as the area around the elbows of a jacket or the front or back of the boots.
- It is not necessary to apply more than one layer: any excess product would simply accumulate on the surface.
Step 4. Apply fabric softener regularly
Repeat the process at least once every 2-3 months to keep clothing and accessories in excellent condition: with each application the hardened material will become softer and softer.
- If you live in a place with a hot and dry climate where the object in question is continuously exposed to atmospheric agents, consider increasing the frequency of treatment to once every 2 weeks.
- Furniture and leather upholstery need to be applied about once every 6 months, as they are located in a controlled temperature environment,
Method 2 of 4: Soften the skin with water
Step 1. Fill a spray bottle with water
Moisturizing new skin is a great way to challenge it. Put it under the jet of fresh tap water or, better yet, pour purified water over it. Make sure you screw the cap tightly to avoid any inconvenience.
- If possible, use distilled water. In this way you will avoid any stains and accumulations of mineral salts that are often caused by hard water.
- In case you don't have a spray bottle available, you can also wipe the leather with a wet cloth.
- This method does not work with waterproof skin, as the water will simply slide off.
Step 2. Sprinkle the entire surface of the skin
Spray the object in question completely until the water begins to slip away: in this time, the water will begin to penetrate the skin, breaking the hardened grain a little. If it is a garment, you can wear it during the treatment and move inside to widen it and make it fit your body.
- Alternatively, consider going out for a moment in light rain: be careful not to stay outside for too long to soak your skin.
- Too much water is not good for the skin, but a splash can give a slight "lived" effect without damaging it too much.
Step 3. Remove excess water
Rub the skin completely with a clean microfiber towel, then place the object in question in a cool, dry place and let it air dry. Excess moisture will evaporate.
- It is important not to leave standing water. Excessive saturation can produce cracks and discolorations and give the skin a dull and rough appearance.
- Don't forget to dry any metal parts to prevent them from rusting.
Step 4. Follow up with a quality leather softener
A protective coating will restore essential moisture to the skin and prevent it from drying out and crumbling. This step is particularly important after subjecting the leather to a wearing element such as water.
Method 3 of 4: Soften Skin with Heat
Step 1. Put the item in the dryer
If you're in a hurry, a quick spin at medium temperature will definitely soften the material. The heat of the environment combined with the repeated impact of the rotating basket will have an effect similar to that obtained after wearing the skin for a long period. Make sure you leave the garment in the dryer for only 10-15 minutes at a time, otherwise it may start to shrink or burn.
- This method is preferable for new accessories that do not fold or slide well, as the heat can easily deprive older skin of residual moisture.
- The skin should be dry or slightly damp when you put it in the dryer: it is not recommended to wash and dry it in the same way as for normal clothes.
- For better results, also insert a sports shoe or a few tennis balls in the dryer: the additional friction will give the garment an even more lived-in look.
Step 2. Leave the object in question in a humid and warm place
Lay it out under the windshield so that it absorbs the sun's rays at midday or hang it in the bathroom while you shower. The secret is not to leave it there for too long: after a while the direct heat can discolor or dry it.
The steam from the shower will also coat it with moisture, making the operation doubly effective
Step 3. Dry the skin with a hairdryer
It will have the same effect as a hot room or a turn in the dryer, plus it will allow you to direct the heat towards the hardest and most rigid parts. Concentrate the hairdryer on creases, edges and wherever you want the skin to be softer: when it becomes more flexible, wear it until it cools.
- Place the hairdryer on the lowest heat level and keep it at a safe distance from the surface of the item, so as not to risk burning it.
- Make sure you complete the aging process with a layer of nourishing fabric softener.
Method 4 of 4: Soften Skin Manually
Step 1. Beat it
Take a rubber, baseball or similar object and tap the leather item from top to bottom. Use a moderate amount of force and distribute the strokes along the entire surface: compressing the skin will soften it like a piece of meat.
- Any type of leather benefits from a little hand treatment, regardless of its age, type, texture and model.
- Try not to beat her so badly that you ruin her.
- Stay away from delicate points such as seams, pockets, buttons, straps and zippers.
Step 2. Manipulate it by hand
Take a portion of the skin in your fist and pull it, twist it and squeeze it as you would a ball of dough. Vary the movements, so that the material is stretched in all different directions: you will see that it will gradually become less rigid.
- If it is a belt or similar item, roll it into a small ball, then unroll it and wrap it upside down.
- Manipulate your accessory while watching TV, waiting for someone on a date, or taking a long drive.
Step 3. Soften the skin with use
If you don't like the idea of making your precious leather item ugly, you may feel better with a safer and more traditional approach, or simply by using it more often. Try to wear it whenever you have the opportunity: you will be surprised by the speed with which you will notice an improvement.
- Wearing it will not only do wonders for the material, but will also allow you to make greater use of the item in question.
- Don't be afraid to get the skin a little dirty: you can always touch it up later to return it to its original splendor.
Advice
- Try using different methods to get an aged look in a short time.
- Soften the skin little by little until you get the perfect result.
- Always try leather softeners and other products on a hidden part of the article to see what the result is.
- For complete instructions on garment care, refer to what the manufacturer says on the label.
Warnings
- Avoid any behavior that can permanently damage your skin - once done, you won't be able to go back.
- These methods are meant for real leather and may not produce the same results on synthetic versions.
- Chemical products such as disinfectant alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and degreasers can discolour the skin and ruin its color.
- Never try to age the leather with sandpaper, steel wool or similar tools: they will only serve to scratch the outer surface without improving the malleability of the item.
