On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 12:42:31 +0100, Jaap van der Burg <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Just a couple of remarks about the solutions mentioned. Do not forget that
> in normal use leather is expsed to humidity and we rub in water constantly
> with our own body. Once the objects are only on show this input of water
> falls away. One characteristic of oils (and soap) is that it pushes water
> away (they do not mix very well). When we continue to put oils in the
> leather we will end up with a dry leather. 

I'm a bit confused here. While I've come to accept that leather that
needs to preserved in collections should be allowed to dry out
naturally, the above statement seems like a contradiction. If you use
only water on leather, you'll dry it out as well.

But maybe I'm confusing "oil" with lanolin or other natural greases.
I'll agree that some oils will dry out your leather like Lexoil, but
products such as Neatsfoot oil and my new favorite tack dressing
Ko-Cho-Line (AMAZING stuff!!! I've had it recommended to me by a
couple of saddle makers who won't use anything else) will bring back
dry leather like new.

> So be carefull in adding oils (and soap). Do try humidifiing products we
> use for our skin. It is after all the same material.

That I will agree with but I wouldn't recommend your average hand
lotion for leather. A lot of those are too oily as well. When I clean
my tack, I usually just rub in the Ko-Cho-Line with my bare hands as
it softens them too. I wonder if "Bag Balm" will work on leather as
well? Hmmm....

Deb

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).