Applying Leather Conditioner
Leather is a natural material made up of countless tiny fibers, and just like human skin, those fibers rely on natural oils to stay flexible. As the oils evaporate over time, the leather begins to dry out, stiffen, and eventually crack—exactly what you see on older pieces that haven’t been cared for.
Routine conditioning keeps the hide nourished so it stays supple, resilient, and better equipped to handle the wear and tear of daily life—whether from kids, pets, or general use. We personally recommend Leather Honey Conditioner, which is widely available online for around $20, as an excellent choice for restoring moisture to buffalo leather.
Before Conditioning: Let the Leather Breathe
When your furniture arrives, it has spent weeks sealed tightly in protective wrapping during transit. Because of this, the leather needs time to acclimate to your home. We strongly suggest letting the piece sit 24–48 hours after unboxing before applying any conditioner. This allows trapped moisture to dissipate and the leather to settle.
We intentionally ship our furniture dry, with minimal oils applied before packing. This reduces the risk of mildew or mold forming inside the wrapping during transit, since leather is naturally susceptible to both. Once your piece has had a day or two to breathe, conditioning becomes essential—it replenishes the oils we purposefully withheld to protect it during shipping.
What to Expect When Applying Conditioner
When you begin conditioning, follow the step-by-step instructions provided below. It’s perfectly normal to see a small amount of dye transfer onto your cloth during the first application, especially with darker hides. After a thorough application and buffing, this dye transfer should stop and will not continue during normal use.
UV Rays & Sunlight
Whenever possible, avoid placing your leather furniture in direct sunlight. Exposure to UV rays can cause fading and weaken the fibers over time. Keeping your piece out of harsh sun will significantly extend its life and preserve its rich color.