Leather Balm / Atom Wax Question

[Dwight]

A friend gave me a small bottle of Leather Balm with Atom Wax (Feibings product).

I tried it out on a small piece of scrap leather, . . . and I kinda like that finish.

Questions:

What is it best used for?

How is it best applied to say a belt, . . . a holster, . . . a wallet?

How does it hold up under long term use (maybe light abuse)?

Thanks, . . . may God bless,

Dwight

[Josiah]

Holds up fine under abuse. Many use it on motorcycle seats and such. Best method of application, I don't know. I am going to try airbrush in a day or so as sponges and daubers lift dye, especially antique.

[particle]

Perhaps it's different with drum dyed leather (don't use it, so can't say for sure), but I tried applying it with a dauber with a single, quick rub over the thread to avoid lifting the color, then let it dry completely. When I buffed away the excess, it still discolored my thread. I threw the crap in the trash - hate it. Love the feel of it, but if you're at all worried about discoloring the thread, don't use it. Again, maybe it's different with drum dyed leather. Also, if you apply it too heavily, it will leave sort of an embossed edge around the heavier areas that's nearly impossible to get rid of. Apply it very sparingly.

If I were going for a wax-based finish, I'd opt for one of the oil/wax products like Montana Pitch Blend (I still haven't tried any of those types of products because I wanted to make my own to save money).

[Josh Ashman]

I use it a fair amount but mostly just on items that are only oiled. I agree with Eric in that if you use it on dyed stuff it'll lift the dye and dirty up your thread, it'll also streak your dye. I have carefully wiped a LIGHT layer on with a paper towel let that dry, buffed then put on a second coat and had minimal dye transfer but it's definitely an issue. If I apply it over something that just has NF oil then I use a scrap of sheep skin with the wool cut down as short as possible, let dry for at least half a day and buff. Good luck, Josh

[immiketoo]

I use it almost exclusively. For dyed items, dab it straight down and lift straight up. Then let it dry completely. Less lift if any with that technique.

[Josiah]

Airbrushed it on a wallet and it worked great. No dye lift at all