These wonderfully made items will last another lifetime (or two!) with the proper care and "feeding."  Animal skins, specifically exotic skins, need to be nourished on a regular basis in order to keep them soft and supple and to keep them from drying, cracking, flaking or splitting. 

It is not difficult to keep your exotic skin bags and accessories in terrific condition so that they may continue to be passed down through generations.

Below, we have outlined some general guidelines to help you keep your "legacy" pieces in tip top shape! 

We condition and polish all of our items prior to sending them out to their new home. We also include "skin" care instructions with every purchase, however, should you have any questions after your purchase on caring for your items, please contact us.

Alligator/Crocodile Leather

Alligator leather, in particular, is one of the most beautiful and durable of the luxurious exotic leathers.  Without proper care, the flexibility, durability and overall appearance of alligator leather will diminish drastically. Under normal use and over time, some of the oils that tanners put into the leather will disappear. These oils and compounds must be replaced periodically, in order to maintain the beauty and longevity of your exotic leather product.

NEVER use household chemicals (like Pledge furniture polish), alcohol, or other solvents to clean your exotic leather skins. These harsh products can destroy the natural glazed protein finish on classic alligator finishes, can often remove any coloring or finish applied to skins, and over time leave your bag looking dull and worn. It is also important to understand that you can not clean exotic skins with polish, oils or creams...you will only seal in the dirt/dust. Your items need to be cleaned first, then conditioned. And, NEVER use nail polish or super glue on your bags!

For matte finishes, BICK 4 Leather Cleaner & Conditioner is our product of choice for keeping your skins properly hydrated and providing water and stain resistant qualities. Although Mink Oil can be used successfully on matte finishes only, great care should be taken in its application to avoid stitching as Mink Oil can impact the strength/effectiveness of cotton/cotton blend threads.

We normally apply a small amount of cleaner/conditioner to our skins, buff off, and then follow with a treatment of the same color polish or cream (although this is an extra step - Bick 4 used regularly is really the only leather care product necessary). KIWI and Meltonian creams and polishes (both Sarah Lee Companies) offer an excellent variety of common and unusual colors, if you want to take that extra step in keeping your items in supple, healthy condition!  

For classic and high-gloss bombe finishes, wiping with a soft, clean cotton cloth regularly and a monthly or bi-monthly treatment of BICK 4 Leather Cleaner and Conditioner, followed by a polishing with the same color polish or cream (KIWI or Meltonian) is recommended.

If your skins are excessively dry, flaky and brittle, this means they have dry-rotted (which happens when natural oils are not replaced into the skins over a long period of time, or they have been exposed to moisture/water). Unfortunately, and sadly, the item is probably beyond rehydration, and your best bet is to retire it.

Snake & Lizard Skins

The variety of patterns, coloring and textures available with lizard and snake skins, have prompted many high-end designers to incorporate them into their fashion lines.

Although very durable exotic skins, they too, over time, will dry out, flake and/or lift if not given the proper oils necessary to keep them soft and supple. It is important to note that Python skins have large scaled areas on their skins that naturally lift slightly. This should not be mistaken for damage or dryness. 

Unlike lizard skins, snake skins have more prominent, defined "scales." It is critical when treating your snake skin items, that treatment applications be applied (in the direction of the scales).  The proper direction can be determined by lightly running your hand along the skin.  It will either be smooth (indicating the direction of the scales) or it will be rough or your hand will catch more easily (indicating that you are going against the natural "grain" of the scales).  If you rub or apply any products against the natural "grain" of the scales, you will pull the scales up and give the skins an undesirable "flaking" appearance.

Snake and lizard skins are also exotic skins that will last decades if properly cared for with a regular scheduled cleaning with Bick 4 Leather Cleaner & Conditioner.

CLICK HERE to Add BICK 4 to Your Order

 

 

 

 

 

Application

Apply the conditioner, cream/polish sparingly with a soft clean cloth (do not use paper towels or brushes, as they can scratch the finish - we have found old T-shirts cut into squares work the best!) and let it penetrate for a few minutes. After it dries, buff with a clean soft cloth. Do not be alarmed if some of the color transfers to the cloth - this is normal. The finish should feel smooth and glassy afterwards.  The more often you polish and buff, the glossier your skins will become! We recommend a regular monthly or bi-monthly polishing schedule.

 

Application

Apply a small amount of Conditioner with a soft cloth. After application, gently wipe away excess in the direction of the scales until conditioner is gone and there is a soft, glossy sheen. We recommend a monthly or quarterly hydration schedule.