How to Restore your Old Leather Jacket

Step-by-step Guide to Restore Leather Jacket

1. Cleaning

When looking for how to restore leather jacket, the first thing you’ll need to do is to clean it thoroughly. This means you will have to remove dirt and grime from it, otherwise, you will not be able to fully restore the jacket. To clean the jacket, take a microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush to dust off the jacket. If you think the dirt has penetrated deep into the fibers of the leather, you will have to clean it with a mild soap and water solution or a leather cleaning solution. Dip the cloth in the solution or spray the cleaner onto it, and gently wipe your jacket, using circular motions.

However, make sure not to soak the jacket during the process as it could damage your piece. In case your jacket has stains on it, such as oil marks, you’ll have to purchase a specialized leather stain cleaner for that. Once you’re done with the cleaning, let your jacket air dry, making sure that it’s not exposed to any heat sources or direct sunlight. 

2. Getting Rid of Scratches and Cracks

Once your leather jacket gets old, it can develop small scuffs or cracks, mainly due to regular use. This usually happens because the material loses its natural oils over time, leaving the fibers to dry out. If you want to fix small scratches, all you have to do is use a leather conditioner or specific oils (such as mink oil or neatsfoot oil) and gently massage it over the cracks with the help of a soft cloth. However, if there are deeper cracks and you’re left wondering how to recondition leather jacket, you’ll either have to buy a leather repair kit, which comes with a filler compound that smoothes out the cracks, or take it to a professional leather specialist. 

3. Condition the Leather

Leather conditioning is a crucial step if you want to learn how to restore a leather jacket. This is because just like skin, which needs moisturization to stay soft and supple, leather is also a delicate material. To condition your leather jacket, follow the previous two steps, i.e., clean it and get rid of scratches. Once that’s done, use a high-quality leather conditioner which will restore the flexibility of your jacket. Apply a small amount of conditioner onto a soft cloth and work it into the leather, using circular motions. Once you’ve covered the entire jacket, let it rest for half an hour. After that, use a dry cloth and buff the jacket to remove any excess product. This process should be repeated twice or four times a year to maintain your jacket’s sheen and extend its durability.

4. Color Restoration

You might be wondering what to do if your jacket has become faded and looks old and worn out. For this type of leather jacket restoration, you first have to thoroughly examine your piece and determine whether there are certain patches which have faded or the overall jacket has become discolored.

If there are only minor touch-ups needed, you can use a leather color balm to fix the affected areas. However, for a complete restoration, you will have to purchase a leather dye that matches the original color of the jacket. Always carry out a small patch test to see if there’s a color match. Once you’re satisfied, you can apply a thin layer of the dye evenly over the jacket using a sponge or a soft cloth. Once the first layer of the dye has dried, you can apply a second layer. After dyeing the jacket, use a leather protectant spray on it.

5. Polishing

Another way to induce life into your old jacket is to polish it, as doing so can bring back the refined and sleek look of the leather. For this process, use a good-quality leather polish, apply it onto a soft cloth, and rub it over the jacket in circular motions. Avoid overdoing it as it would make your jacket look excessively shiny and unnatural. Once you’re done using the polish, create a protective seal over it with the help of a leather waterproofing spray. Doing this would make your piece more durable.

Consider Replacing Your Old Jacket

If you have employed all the methods mentioned in this blog but are still not satisfied with the results, or if your jacket has become severely damaged and cannot be repaired, then instead of focusing on how to restore leather, you should consider purchasing a new, high-quality jacket. At The Leather City, we have a premium collection of jackets suitable for all needs. They are durable and are stitched to perfection. The best part: they are reasonably priced despite being made with top-quality materials. 

Whether you’re looking for a bomber jacket, a biker piece or a vintage-style distressed jacket, we have everything for everyone. Head to our leather jackets collection page and choose your favorite pieces now. Once you have purchased a new jacket, make sure to take good care of it by regularly conditioning it, properly storing it, and keeping it away from sunlight or direct heat sources to ensure its longevity.