Leather hardens through age and also lack of care. If the leather has not been used for a long time the fibres will dry out through lack of movement. Heat also causes leather to shrink. Originally most automotive leather was the processed vegetable tanned variety which hardens and shrinks at a temperature of about 70 °C (158°F). Today processed chrome-tanned hides are used which can withstand temperatures of around 90 °C (194°F). The less a leather is re-oiled through care, the lower the temperature at which it will start to shrink. Leather that is heavily damaged will never be restored to look and feel like brand new leather but their lifespan will be increased.

Specifications:

• 250 ml is sufficient for two seats and several handbags/smaller suitcases. One liter is sufficient for an entire full sized vehicle.
• Areas of use: Bags & Cases, Car, Furniture, Saddles.
• Suitable for Pigmented leather & Semi-Aniline leather.

TREATMENT OF HARDENED LEATHER:

1. Clean the leather with COLOURLOCK Mild Leather Cleaner or use COLOURLOCK Strong Leather Cleaner if necessary. 
• Important: Too much moisture can damage antique leather so it is advisable to use a foam, rather than liquid, cleaner and remove the residue with a slightly damp cloth. Allow to dry naturally and away from heat and sunlight.
2. If leather repair is necessary due to large cracks, holes, or severe damage then email us for a repair kit solution and training.
3. Apply Old Leather Softener with a sponge or a soft cloth. 
4. Let the leather rest for 24 hours to allow time for it to fully absorb the Leather Softener, then repeat. 
5. Next try and loosen the fibres by kneading the leather with your hands. Continue until the leather feels softer. But be careful as very old and shrunken leather can break easily. While the leather will never be as soft as it once was, you should still see a noticeable improvement. Professionals use a leather-softening tool to soften the leather (see video).
6. After the final application of Leather Softener remove the residue with a soft cloth and let the leather rest for a week before carrying out further treatment and repairs.
7. To nourish and protect the leather, use COLOURLOCK Leather Protector and, if the leather is glossy or exposed to the weather, COLOURLOCK Elephant Leather Preserver offers added protection.
8. Depending on the level of use a care treatment should be applied once or twice a year. Further treatments with Leather Softener are not necessary if maintained.