How To Make Leather Gloves Water Resistant?

Waterproofing leather gloves is essential to protect them from foreign elements such as dirt, dust, and accidental water splashes. This process can damage the internal leather fibers, affecting their quality and appearance. Full-grain leather gloves are best treated with waterproofing waxes like Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather. Premium brands like Black Diamond and Hestra Gloves often include a sample of waterproofing.

To waterproof your leather gloves, wash them thoroughly, apply a thin layer of waterproof wax, let it sit, and dry them with proper techniques. There are various ways to waterproof your gloves, including using a leather conditioner or waterproofing spray, beeswax, or paraffin wax. Some popular brands for waterproofing gloves include Sno Seal, Snow Proof, Obenauf’s, and Skidmore’s.

To waterproof your gloves, wet them with lukewarm water and scrub them up with Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Use a soft cloth or sponge, hair dryer, heat gun, and leather conditioner (optional). Seal the gloves with a wax leather waterproofer that not only repels water but also breathes, has great grip, and only gets better over time.

Some factors to consider when waterproofing your leather gloves include using all breathable materials, using strong DWR (durable water repellent) on nylon fabric, and using water-tanned leather. Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather is a recommended option. Apply it every few times you go up after your gloves have dried off, and you’ll be good to go.


📹 How to Waterproof Your Gloves

Join Sam, our Chief Leather Officer, on a journey to add a beeswax waterproofing agent to his gloves.


Does oiling leather make it waterproof?

Cold, wet boots can ruin your day and deteriorate the material of your Thorogood boots, reducing their lifespan. To protect your investment, consider waterproofing your work boots. Products like boot wax, waterproofing sprays, and oil treatments offer waterproofing for leather boots, depending on the material and the frequency of wear. Regular leather treatment is essential for maintaining a good seal, and the frequency of waterproofing depends on the conditions you put your boots through.

Waterproofing is also crucial for winterizing your work boots to withstand moisture and salt. Warm days in late summer or early fall are ideal for curing a waterproof application and preparing for the rainy season. By planning ahead, you can ensure your boots are protected and ready for long days of outdoor work.

Can I use olive oil on leather gloves?

Olive oil is not the best choice for leather care as it does not nourish the leather and accelerate its deterioration. The oil is extremely permeable, and it absorbs excess oils from the surface. When oil first saturates the leather, it seeps to the back, eventually spreading throughout the leather and resurfacing, leading to unsightly oil spots. Therefore, olive oil and other oily substances should be avoided.

Does Vaseline waterproof leather?

Although Vaseline provides a coating effect and waterproofing, it lacks the capacity to fully hydrate and nourish leather. While Vaseline may provide some degree of waterproofing, it is advisable to exercise caution as it lacks the capacity to adequately nourish the leather.

Does water ruin leather gloves?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Does water ruin leather gloves?

To maintain the longevity of leather gloves, it is essential to follow the washing instructions on the label and wash them at low temperatures. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as they can dry out the leather and compromise its lifespan. To remove stains, use a damp cloth with a small amount of delicate detergent, scrub the area gently, and rinse well under running water. Do not wring, wrap gloves in a dry cloth, and hang them vertically with fingers facing upwards. Do not leave in direct sunlight or on a radiator, and let them dry at room temperature.

When wet, dyed leather can stain clothing, so it is important to restore their original shape. After the gloves are completely dry, apply a leather conditioner to hydrate and conserve the leather’s softness. For technical fabric gloves, check the care instructions on the label and close any zips and Velcro straps. Use a delicate detergent, never use bleach, fabric softeners, or whiteners, and rinse well under running water. Hang gloves vertically with fingers facing upwards, do not leave in direct sunlight or on a radiator, and do not iron.

Remove the inner lining of the glove to aid the drying process and wash it separately. Linings in wool, silk, and/or merino wool must be washed by hand and dried on a flat surface. If gloves do not have a removable lining, do not turn them inside out. Use a waterproofing spray after washing.

Can I make my gloves waterproof?

It is possible to treat full-grain leather gloves with waterproofing waxes such as Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather, which is often included with premium brands such as Black Diamond and Hestra Gloves. This treatment serves to enhance the gloves’ water repellency and breathability while simultaneously facilitating their cleaning. To apply the wax, it is first necessary to clean the gloves with a damp cloth. It is important to note that the gloves should not be washed in a washing machine. Instead, the product instructions should be followed.

How do you seal leather gloves?

The text provides instructions for pouring the material into the palm of a glove and working it around to ensure comprehensive coverage of all seams between the fingers.

How often should I waterproof leather gloves?

It is frequently recommended by glove and mitten manufacturers that leather products be re-waterproofed on a monthly basis during periods of intensive use.

How to preserve leather gloves?

Store leather gloves in a cool, dry place and avoid harsh chemicals like perfume, hairspray, or household cleaning products. They should be kept in a soft cloth bag to prevent scratches and dust exposure. Weak spots on leather gloves include the seams, which are sensitive areas. Regularly check the seams to prevent them from coming apart and repair loose threads if necessary. Avoid exposing gloves to harsh chemicals to prevent damage and color changes.

Should you oil leather gloves?

The natural oil present in goat leather, lanolin, is vital for maintaining the leather’s suppleness. However, it will eventually leave the leather, necessitating regular conditioning. It is recommended that Fiebing’s Neatsfoot Oil, a highly regarded natural oil, be utilized. The oil should then be applied to the gloves or mittens, rubbed thoroughly, and left to sit for a few minutes.

Does water damage leather gloves?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

Does water damage leather gloves?

To maintain the longevity of leather gloves, it is essential to follow the washing instructions on the label and wash them at low temperatures. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as they can dry out the leather and compromise its lifespan. To remove stains, use a damp cloth with a small amount of delicate detergent, scrub the area gently, and rinse well under running water. Do not wring, wrap gloves in a dry cloth, and hang them vertically with fingers facing upwards. Do not leave in direct sunlight or on a radiator, and let them dry at room temperature.

When wet, dyed leather can stain clothing, so it is important to restore their original shape. After the gloves are completely dry, apply a leather conditioner to hydrate and conserve the leather’s softness. For technical fabric gloves, check the care instructions on the label and close any zips and Velcro straps. Use a delicate detergent, never use bleach, fabric softeners, or whiteners, and rinse well under running water. Hang gloves vertically with fingers facing upwards, do not leave in direct sunlight or on a radiator, and do not iron.

Remove the inner lining of the glove to aid the drying process and wash it separately. Linings in wool, silk, and/or merino wool must be washed by hand and dried on a flat surface. If gloves do not have a removable lining, do not turn them inside out. Use a waterproofing spray after washing.

How to waterproof your leather gloves?
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

How to waterproof your leather gloves?

Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather is a water-based cream that provides immediate and long-lasting protection against water penetration and maintains breathability for wet or dry leather. The product is suitable for use on leather gloves, which are renowned for their durability, flexibility, grip, and appearance. This wax represents an optimal solution for maintaining the pristine condition of leather gloves, thereby ensuring their continued optimal functionality.


📹 How to Waterproof Your Gloves

Learn how to waterproof your leather gloves with Vermont Glove’s chief leather officer, Sam Hooper. Buy our conditioner here: …


How To Make Leather Gloves Water Resistant
(Image Source: Pixabay.com)

2 comments

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  • I left 3 pare of leather work gloves in my outdoor shed over the winter. When I got to them they had mold on them. I figured they were ruined so I couldn’t make it worse. I smoked them in white vinegar. Somewhere between 2 and 10 hours. Then scrubbed them liberally with a brush. After rinsing them with water I conditioned them like in this article and they look and feel great know. If you have a better suggestion for mold on leather gloves let me know.

  • I had a pair of deerskin gloves that I used for hunting, I thought I would waterproof them, I used a high quality leather oil. Worst mistake I ever made, it remove all the porosity from the deerskin. The first day out it was cold, and those gloves felt like I had on metal gloves the cold went through like I had my hands in ice water. The short of it is I ruined those gloves. Be careful on waterproofing gloves, I ended up using them for yard work on warm days.