[Don't worry even on rainy days!] We will introduce how to care for your leather bag using a waterproof spray to protect it from rain and dirt!
Hello! This is Nakajima from HushTug.
In my previous blog post I introduced how to care for your leather bag when it gets wet in the rain, but this time I would like to introduce how to care for your leather bag so that it doesn't get wet .
The rainy season in the Kanto area usually begins in early June, but this year it appears to be starting early overall and is expected to begin around the end of May.
Waterproofing your leather bag is a simple process that anyone can follow, so get prepared now and get through the rainy season!
Is waterproofing necessary in the first place?
In conclusion, waterproofing is a necessary step.
Leaving leather exposed to rain or water will allow the moisture to penetrate the leather, causing water stains and the leather to soften and wrinkle. In the worst case scenario, mold may grow if left unattended.
To prevent this from happening, preventive care is very important.
Waterproof care not only repels water but also protects against dirt, making it an essential part of maintaining your bag for a long time.
There are two types of waterproof spray: silicone and fluorine. Each has its own characteristics, so we will introduce them to you.
| Fluorine Type | Silicone Type |
| It adheres to the fibers themselves and has a water-repellent effect. | Coat the entire surface |
| Breathable | Poor ventilation |
| Water and oil repellent | Water repellent, but oil repellent effect is weak |
| Low sustainability | Highly sustainable |
| Less susceptible to discoloration | It may become cloudy or discolored. |
As you can see, each type has different characteristics, and if you are using it on leather products, we recommend the fluorine type .
Fine fluorine resin adheres to the leather fibers, providing a waterproof effect.
Therefore, it does not impair the breathability of the leather and waterproofs it, so it is recommended as it puts less strain on the leather.
On the other hand, silicone type sprays are less breathable but last longer, so they are more effective at improving the repellency of vinyl materials such as raincoats and umbrellas rather than leather products.
Be sure to consider the materials you use and take proper care of them!
How to waterproof leather products / Steps
Now that you know the types of sprays to use on leather products, we will introduce the specific care steps.
There are a few things you need to prepare, so if you haven't got them yet, I hope this will be helpful.
◆Things to prepare before waterproofing
1. Horsehair brush
Use it to remove dirt and dust from leather products before applying waterproof spray. It is very useful to have one as it is something you use every time you care for your leather products!
→See the product on Amazon
2. Waterproof spray
HushTug recommends using Collonil waterproof spray, but any fluorine-based waterproof spray should be fine. If you have a favorite brand, just make sure it's fluorine-based!
3. Cloth (for dry wiping)
This is used for finishing after drying. I usually use the one in the photo above, but basically anything made of cotton will do, so you can even use scraps of T-shirts instead.
How to properly use waterproof spray
Once we have everything we need, we can begin providing care.
There are four steps in the care process, so we will introduce them in order.
1. Remove any dirt or dust from the surface
Use a horsehair brush to brush the entire bag.
If you spray waterproof spray on a bag while it is still dirty or dusty, the water-repellent effect may become uneven.
Brush thoroughly to clean the entire bag!
2. Apply waterproof spray outdoors
When outdoors, spray the bag evenly with waterproof spray.
If you hold it too close it will not be applied evenly, so be sure to hold it about 20 to 30 cm away from the bag before using it.
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Before using the waterproof spray, spray it into an empty space and make sure it comes out in a clear mist before spraying it onto your bag.
Be careful not to put it on the bag right away, as this can result in granular water droplets getting on the bag and causing unevenness or stains.
3. Dry in a well-ventilated place
After applying the waterproof spray, leave it in a well-ventilated area for 20 to 30 minutes and let it dry naturally.
If you use it before it has completely dried, it may not be as effective, so be sure to wait until it has completely dried before using it.
4. When dry, wipe with a cloth.
Once the leather surface has dried, lightly wipe it dry with a soft cloth to complete the waterproofing treatment.
Just to be on the safe side, make sure it is completely water repellent before using it!
Protect your leather products from water and dirt with waterproof care!
How was it?
This time, we introduced waterproof care for leather products using a waterproof spray.
The effectiveness of waterproof spray depends on the brand used and how often you use it, but it lasts for about 5 days to 1 week, so it's a good idea to use it regularly.
Also, since leather that has been used for a long time has become broken in and the fibers have become soft, water will penetrate it more quickly, so be sure to apply waterproof care before using it on a rainy day!
Thank you for reading to the end this time as well.
HushTug Nakajima