Leather is an extremely durable and resilient material. However, as it is a natural product, it also requires special treatment and care to maintain its quality. As experts in all things leather and leather care, we at Harbour 2nd know exactly what you should keep in mind when waterproofing different types of leather – and when this treatment can actually cause harm. In this article, we provide you with everything you need to know!
What is waterproofing?
If you own leather goods, you have surely heard of waterproofing or may have even done it yourself. It involves a treatment with a special product applied to the leather to protect it from external influences such as moisture and dirt, cold, and, depending on the product, from damage caused by UV radiation.
The waterproofing agent acts as a type of protective film that coats the surface, preventing dirt from penetrating deep into the pores, among other benefits. This keeps the leather supple even with frequent use and stress, ensures it looks well-maintained, and makes it easier to clean. But attention: waterproofing is not suitable for every type of leather!
Do you have to waterproof leather?
Do you have leather shoes, a bag, or another leather product and are now wondering if you should waterproof it? The answer is not that simple – because it primarily depends on the type of leather.
For example, we strongly advise our customers against waterproofing open-pored and washed leather, as used in our AnchorLove and UrbanPoets collections. This type of leather develops an individual patina over time. When applying a waterproofing product, there is a risk that the leather might bleed color, for instance due to solvents in the product, and that the patina could become blurred or lost entirely.
For other leather products made of smooth leather or suede, however, we do recommend waterproofing – you can find such products in our JustPure or FashionLights series, for example. Here, you only need to ensure you choose the right product (i.e., one for smooth leather or suede).
Tip: If you are unsure whether you should waterproof your leather, it is best to ask the manufacturer directly. They can usually provide you with precise information on care – we are also happy to advise you on our leather bags, leather backpacks, and leather accessories!
Guide: How to proceed with waterproofing
If your leather handbags or other leather products are suitable for waterproofing, you should definitely do it – after all, it offers many benefits that contribute to the protection of your favorite piece. There are a few things to keep in mind regarding the exact procedure. We have created a short guide for you here.
Important: When choosing your waterproofing product, make sure that it is suitable for the specific type of leather. Not all leather is the same!
Waterproofing smooth leather
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to waterproof smooth leather:
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Cleaning: If there is dirt on the leather, you should remove it gently – for example with a soft cloth or a suitable pH-neutral leather cleaner. You can skip this step for a newly purchased product. Ensure that the leather is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
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Care: If the product is suitable for this (you can check with the manufacturer), you can subsequently apply a thin layer of leather cream or leather grease. Be careful here, as it can cause stains – we therefore advise against this for our bags.
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Waterproofing: Now apply the waterproofing spray from a distance of about 20 to 30 cm. It is best to go outside for this. Ensure an even application – the spray should not cause any spots. Apply two to three layers, allowing the leather to dry between each one.
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Drying: Allow the leather to air-dry, preferably overnight. Do not, under any circumstances, use a heater or hairdryer to speed up the process. This makes the leather brittle.
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Refreshing: You should refresh the waterproofing regularly – roughly every few months, or more often if the item is subjected to heavy wear (such as leather shoes in winter).
Waterproofing nubuck and suede
Waterproofing is particularly important for nubuck or suede, as this is even more sensitive than smooth leather. Caution is advised here, as improper care can quickly affect the appearance. Therefore, rely on a special care product for suede.
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Cleaning: You should clean suede dry, ideally with a brush specifically designed for this purpose. Do not use water to avoid stains!
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Waterproofing: Use a suitable spray and apply it evenly over the whole surface from a distance of about 20 to 30 cm. Follow the instructions on the product.
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Drying: Here too, you should let the leather air-dry for several hours, or even better, a full day, and avoid using a hairdryer or heater.
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Brushing up the nap: After drying, you can carefully use a brush to gently raise the nap again to restore its texture.
Mistakes you should avoid when waterproofing
Waterproofing ensures durability as well as resistance to moisture, cold, dirt, and UV rays. However, you should ensure that you perform this treatment correctly. It is actually quite simple – but you should avoid a few typical mistakes:
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Do not spray too much. This leads to stains and a sticky surface.
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Maintain a distance of 20 to 30 cm. Otherwise, the product will be distributed unevenly, which will compromise protection.
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Ensure that you choose the right products for your leather type. For example, you should never use creams on suede, as they can cause irreparable damage.
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The protective layer only remains effective for a certain time. Therefore, make sure to regularly waterproof your leather items – if they are suitable for it.
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Only allow the leather to air-dry and do not use direct heat. This can cause the leather to become hard and cracked.
Are you still looking for new leather products?
We hope that our guide has given you a good overview of the topic of waterproofing. If, like us at Harbour 2nd, you are a leather enthusiast, then you are surely always on the lookout for new pieces. For this, we recommend taking a look at our collections – where beautiful women's leather bags and men's leather bags as well as stylish crossbody bags await you. For larger adventures, we also offer spacious travel bags.
Frequently asked questions about waterproofing leather
Do you have any remaining questions? Then it is worth taking a look at our FAQ. There, we go into more detail on a few topics:
Should I also waterproof leather accessories?
Waterproofing can also be sensible for accessories such as our men's leather wallets and women's leather wallets, or even leather key cases and leather toiletry bags. Here, you should also pay attention to the type of leather and check whether it is suitable for waterproofing. In case of doubt, you are always welcome to ask us!
Does the breathability remain after waterproofing?
There are waterproofing sprays with which you can maintain the breathability of your leather products. This is particularly important for clothing, but also for bags. Therefore, when purchasing, make sure that the spray is designed for this.
Do I have to waterproof faux leather?
No, you do not have to waterproof faux leather such as PU leather. It can simply be wiped clean if it gets dirty and is less sensitive to environmental influences – even though the overall durability is significantly lower. However, there are special care products for some types of artificial leather that you can use.
Do I have to spray the lining?
No, spraying the lining (e.g., in bags or jackets) is not necessary and not recommended – as this usually consists of other materials. You should only waterproof the outer leather layer of your products. Exception: Your product is also made of leather on the inside, meaning it is not lined. In that case, you can naturally waterproof it on the inside as well.
