Hydrophobic Sprays

[Chavez]

Hi All,

What's the story with the hydrophobic sprays? Are they ok to use on leather? If they are, then that's the answer to a lot of leather problems as they offer great water resistance and should prevent dye crocking from wet leather items!

Has anyone used these without any long-term negative effects?

Thank you!

[TexasJack]

There's a whole slew of new products coming out - many touting nanotechnology, though I think they broadly misuse that term.

I haven't had a chance to try any on leather, but I don't see any reason that they couldn't be used. I doubt if they would do much to protect the surface against anything but water, as they are extremely thin films. They don't seal the surface - like waxes for example - they just cause water to bead up and roll off. (They're the opposite of the surfactants in detergents and paints that make beads of water flatten out on the surface.)

[stelmackr]

There is a product made by Bee-Natural that you spray on that works like magic. It is applied by completely covering the leather and as it dries a second coat makes sure all the leather is covered. When dry the leather returns to the natural color and water just beads up and runs off. The leather remains flexible and feels the same.

I've used this product on naked leather (leather that is dyed, but had no protective finished) to make the leather useable for my book covers.

I started my little business with those "Friday Specials" from Siegel Leather of California. Many of the leathers were quite inexpensive, but had no finish on them. By using Bee-Natural Leather Protector, I was able to use all those odd, inexpensive leathers.

The Natural Leather Protector works. I've often wondered how this would work for belts, wallets, motor cycle seats, etc. I think give it a try after the this holiday ordering rush.

• NATURAL LEATHER PROTECTOR
  
• Natural Leather Protector waterproofs and protects your most color sensitive leather. Natural Leather Protector is made with the newest and most advanced formulas in scientific technology, offering you a waterproofing and stain resistance that doesn't affect the color or texture of deer hide.
  
• Size Available: 16 oz Bottle $32.50
  
• www.bee-natural.com/cgi-bin/web_store/web_store.cgi?product=hobby&category=yes&cart_id=2190785_4659
  

Hope this helps.

Bob Stelmack

[Chavez]

Thanks Jack.

I tried one of these sprays on a pair of shoes and I am very impressed with results.

If these sprays don't seal the leather then they should be ok long term...

[Jazznow]

You can use Sprays like that, which are made for shoe Protection on all leather gear. Just make sure its an High Quality product, so you don't get spots or staining.