Petroleum jelly for leathers

ice.shark · Nova Slayer Joined: 06 Apr 2013 Karma :

I use petroleum jelly (vaseline) for water sports. It is really water resistant and it a b*tch to get off even with soap/detergent and water. I was wondering if it could be used to waterproof leathers or is it going to ruin them? I don't doubt that it will waterproof them nor do I doubt that it will provide a lasting cover but what I'm unsure of is whether it will prevent the leather from breathing and fundamentally ruin the leathers or change them in a way that they are uncomfortable/unusable. I also get the feeling that I am over paranoid. Anyone tried this?

https://listdose.com/top-10-uses-of-petroleum-jelly-you-didnt-know/
https://www.rd.com/home/extraordinary-uses-for-petroleum-jelly/2/

Copycat73 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2013 Karma :

Slacker24seve... · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 May 2010 Karma :

You've got a few options but I use the stuff from a saddlery shop when engaging in water sports. It nourishes the leather.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

You're asking if the petroleum jelly that people habitually put on their delicate skins-parts can damage cow hide? Thinking

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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Don't be a cheapskate. Use proper for purpose leather food, cleaner and waterproofer. I have some which is a cleaner and food in one which also acts as a waterproofer. It's called Fiebings care 4 and it's designed for horse saddles, but it's the best thing I've used on my leathers.
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Kris · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

I use Renapur on the leather jacket and boots.

Works a treat Thumbs Up

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dandelion · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 18 Feb 2013 Karma :

My old man bought me some supposedly expensive Italian leather shoes for my school graduation about 13 years ago. He said to put any alcohol free hand cream on them or Vaseline to keep them well. I'm wearing them right now.

I'd say it's not going to hurt them, but would look what specialized brands can offer too. In any case, I'd go for textiles if I want water prooof.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

talkToTheHat · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Feb 2012 Karma :

If the petroleum jelly stays sticky or slippery you do not want it. It will just form a layer of greasy salty grime that will harden leathers and abrade you paint.

Bike leathers get filthy. Trying to take short-cuts will diminish their useful life. Use a dedicated leather cleaner so you're not retaining grime with your conditioning layer. Then use a good leather conditioner, there are bike specific products out there, but saddlery products work well. Carr, Day & Martin leather dressing for a matt finish, or Belvoir Leather Balsam for a shiny finish. Works well.
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andys675 · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Karma :

have a look at the leathermaster website for a range of products to clean, feed and waterproof

don't google leather master with safe search turned off, unless you're a freddie mercury type
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dandelion · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 18 Feb 2013 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

I use leidergriese on mine.
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Tarmacsurfer · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2004 Karma :

Another vote for Renapur here, great stuff.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Robster · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Dec 2013 Karma :

Twofish · Nova Slayer Joined: 17 Feb 2015 Karma :

I half remember something about petroleum jelly being bad for the stitching on leather stuff. I've been riding horses for far longer than bikes so I use the same stuff on my leathers that I used to use on saddles - clean them with baby wipes then use proper leather treatment to keep them supple and protected from water. Any leather cream for saddles will do (but not the glycerin saddle soap stuff, bad for stitching again and greasy).