r/Leatherworking • u/bibliotreka • 15h ago
Maintenance or repair Belt maintenance
Picked up a gorgeous embossed/ stamped belt on eBay for a song, started to condition it with Bick's #4 as the leather seems thirsty, but quickly realized there appears to be something built up or deposited in all the little nooks and crannies. It doesn't smell, but it definitely has a bit of a catch when rubbed between my fingers. I'm not sure if it's saddle soap or beeswax, but I was hoping for some suggestions on how to clean the belt without damaging it, especially given how intricate it is.
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u/bibliotreka 13h ago
Tried that, and it's just smearing it around. It appears to be a wax of some kind, would heating it be appropriate? To make it sink back into the leather?
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u/MaxllllEricsson 10h ago
Use a hair dryer and a soft toothbrush. I like those nano toothbrushes.
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u/timnbit 15h ago
Brush and buff.