Is full-grain leather waterproof? The arena of leather products witnesses a glaring name, full grain leather due to its distinctive characteristics of longer life and superior quality.
Meanwhile, an important question springs up in the mind of users, Is full-grain leather waterproof?
In this comprehensive writing, we have tried to answer this question and other similar queries in detail. Let’s unmask the mystery of the waterproofing of full-grain leather jointly.
How water-resistant and waterproof leather is different?
The terminologies waterproof and water-resistant are considered alternative concepts, particularly for leather description.
◈ What is meant by water-resistant leather?
To make a leather water-resistant, it is usually treated with some kind of chemical substance.
Due to this reason, it can hold against a minor water presence without any potential damage to its quality. But, longer time water contact can still damage the structure of leather.
◈ What is meant by waterproof leather?
On the contrary, waterproof leather by making can repulse any extent of water without damaging the core material of the leather.
To acquire this level of waterproofing several ultra-modern chemical treatments and practices are used. Therefore, any waterproof leather can resist minor to heavy rain and extended water submersion.
Is full-grain leather waterproof?
The full-grain leather is usually composed of the toughest section of the animal skin(The outermost part).
For that reason, it has the highest ability to resist the water. So, we can not say that full-grain leather is completely waterproof either it is highly water resistant.
Moreover, to maintain its ability to resist water or to act as waterproof, it needs a regular treatment of leather conditioners and restorers. In case, you are struggling to find a good leather restorer, you can find it here.
Why a full-grain leather should be waterproof?
The waterproofing of the leather is necessary because there are several drawbacks associated with the wet leather. From facing the unpleasant smell and decay of wet leather to witnessing the alteration of shape and nature of the material of the leather.
As a result, the body of the leather product turned into an extremely soft substance and then suddenly became extremely hard making the product useless.
There can be more than one concealed reason for these bad experiences. The foremost reason is the subsequent dryness of leather after evaporation of leather natural oil along with accumulated water.
Secondly, the left-out salt from the tanning process may appear on the surface of the leather after the evaporation of accumulated water. This ultimately causes a stain and discoloration on the surface of the full-grain leather.
To understand it better, you must have a sound knowledge of the best color restorer products (Recommended by the leather industry experts).
Potential Advantages of Waterproofing Leather
There are multiple advantages associated with waterproofing the leather, out of which some are discussed here.
◈ Ever-lasting freshness
The waterproofed leathers usually have more freshness in their finishing looks as compared to others.
The core reason behind it is the intact amount of natural oil leather which does not evaporate due to less contact with water.
◈ Increased lifespan
After waterproofing, the life duration of the leather product increases many times. As waterproofing keeps the full-grain leather away from the dryness, so, it escapes the chance of possible cracking and ultimately experiences a longer life.
◈ Avoiding decay
Likewise, the impermeable leather will not encounter the problem of decay as there will be no water droplets to support this process.
◈ Enhanced looks
A leather product needs regular application of waxes, sprays, conditioners, and color restorers to maintain its ability to waterproof.
This chemical treatment enhances the charm and looks of the leather product in addition to protection from moisture.
Common ways to waterproof full-grain leather
There are multiple types of full-grain leather suitable for various purposes. In line with this concept, there are different ways to waterproof them.
However, here we will discuss some common ways to waterproof any kind of full-grain leather.
◈ Application of homemade waterproof wax
Applying a handmade wax to your full-grain leather product is one of the regular ways of waterproofing.
A homemade wax made up of a jug of cool water, 2 ounces of base wax, and 1 cup of extra virgin oil. Add up olive oil first and then base wax in the glass jar.
Then put this glass jar in the hot water container and keep on stirring until it gets mixed thoroughly.
Now put this glass jar away from hot water and cool it down for 20-30 minutes. Now gently clean the leather product with a clean piece of cloth and place this homemade wax on a small section of leather.
If it looks good and has not given any stain to the leather, put all this wax on the leather to waterproof the product. Do this process 2 -3 times repeatedly in a year to keep your full-grain leather product waterproof.
◈ Spraying water repulsive
Another commonly used waterproofing method is the spray of water repellent on leather products. Every kind of leather needs a different water-repellent spray to cater to its waterproofing needs. These sprays create a protective covering to prevent the leather product from potential water damage.
You can learn more about different waterproofing sprays on the internet.
◈ Regular use of Leather Hero Leather Color Restorer 40z
Leather Color Restorer 40z is a light in nature and viscous product that mixes well just after application on the leather product.
It is specifically suitable to ward off the cracking, discoloration, and other subsequent effects of wet conditions. It is user-friendly and offers an enhanced finishing look to full-grain leather without any prospective damage.
You can order it in a hassle-free way by just clicking here.
Conclusion
Ending the discussion with this upshot that full-grain leather has some inbuilt qualities due to which it shows significant water resistance but it is not waterproof at all.
The ability of a leather product to be waterproof is necessary for many reasons discussed in this article.
But, the good news is that a leather product can be made more waterproof by applying some treatments and practices.
Reading this blog will make you capable of understanding the gradation of full-grain leather based on its impervious capability ultimately you will be able to carry due care of your full-grain leather product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: Can water damage full-grain leather?
Yes, water can significantly damage full-grain leather if it is contacted in heavy amounts without any subsequent restoration treatments.
2: Can we wear full-grain leather shoes in the rain?
Full-grain leather is not typically waterproof, instead, it can offer a good amount of water resistance. Therefore, you can wear full-grain leather shoes in the rain with the required care.
3: Which leather has the highest waterproofing ability?
The full-grain leather and top-grain leather hold the most waterproofing ability.
4: What is the best way to clean full-grain leather?
Washing the full-grain leather with a moisture-resistant finish agent and then drying it immediately with sunlight is the best way to clean the full-grain leather.
5: Is full-grain leather shineable?
Yes, you can shine the upper portion of full-grain leather with a color conditioner once a month. It will also increase its lifespan and breath-ability.