I have a trip approaching and I don't think my textile touring suit is going to be the best option in possible high heat and the need of extra protection, it's time to break out the leather.... :D
Cash, being a bit of an issue at the moment has stopped me splashing out on new gear, had my eye on a new mesh Hein Gericke suit but 'cest la vie' and all that. So, I head into the loft to check on my old (old, not really being the right word, more like not current) gear and try and find something suitable....I find my 1 piece RST race suit, perfectly fine but not looking it's best. I check it all over and decide this is what I'm using, no problem, but I need to spruce it up. Quick check on tinterweb and find lots of expensive leather restorers and conditioners, nah, not paying that kind of cash for what I need, there must be a cheaper option.....I find a website that states a well known leather restorer (trades internationally) uses a household product (amongst other things) as a treatment...I'm sold, I'm following these instructions.
First step, put leathers on (underwear optional, I was getting a bit worried here, becomes clear at the next step. ). Next get in a hot shower and really soak the suit and wash with a mild soap (my suit was pretty clean but frothed it up with some baby shampoo anyway). Next completely rinse the suit of all soap, inside and out. Now the easy bit, hang or lay the suit out to dry, needs to get to a stage where it's almost dry/still slightly damp (I hung mine outside for 4 maybe 5 hours until ready for next step). Next (this is the important bit), select a household handcream (all handcreams have lanolin or something similar in them and that is what conditions the leather), I used 'Vasaline Intensice Care'....
, and massage into the leather, this process can take a bit of time, you want to use small amounts of cream and really massage in (the leather will start to feel really supple to the touch, perfect). Now, just let the suit completely dry.
Really happy with the finished suit, it has come up like new (apart from scuffs etc), really supple and looking great, as the cream was massaged in there is no greasy finish to the leather and thankfully it doesn't stink like handcream.... :D
(Disclaimer, I took a chance with this, read it on a website so no guarantee it would be successful but mine was, it's worth a shot if your leather needs an uplift and your a cheap git like me....
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