Care/Restoration of Kilt Straps

[Paul Henry]

Matt, one of the problems with linseed oil is that it can take a very long time to dry, infact it usually forms a skin and then dries inwards.It's usually used on wood, and helps with waterproofing, because of it's "skinning"

Most of my experience is with very fine quality leathers that I use with my bookbinding, but I would suggest caution using an "oil" on leather, especially if it in contact with fabric. I used to make book covers out of thick cow hide, sometimes I would gently polish it with a fine wax, or use a little of "4care" fiebings leather care.
The key thing is I think to do a little test first,

[Chas]

I have seen leather harnesses that were stored for years in a cool, dark cellar and felt dry as a chip, taken out and put into use on a hot, bright day. Suddenly they were glistening bright and you could feel the oiliness on the surface.

High quality waxes are one thing, but oil based substances can be a time delay minefield.

Regards

Chas

[Chas]

A thought has just come to me. The buckles on so many kilts these days are rubbish. They are made from stamped steel, which means there will be sharp edges to scratch and scour the straps. High quality buckles are cast and will have no sharp edges. Some time spent on a stamped buckle with a small needle file and finished with a nail file could extend the life of straps - maybe forever.

Regards

Chas

[Pleater]

The British Military Forces use spit - dainty maids use a cup of warm water, Hercule Poirot uses vaseline.

Polish isn't supposed to sink in, you put it on, thinly, onto however many items you are polishing, then go back to where you started and wipe off all the surplus, then go back again and buff to a high gloss.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[bdkilted]

My dry cleaner wraps the leather straps with foil before cleaning to proctect the leather. You might ask your to do the same next time.

[Gingerpose]

Gents, thanks for the response so far. I guess I'll persist with the natural polish. Is it possible to soften it somehow to make it easier to apply and quicker to be absorbed into the leather?

Ainslie