Leather Care for Wallets, Belts & Bags
McKay Provisions leather goods are built from full-grain heritage leather—meant to be carried daily, broken in honestly, and improved by time. This guide covers cleaning, water/rain, scratches, patina, and how to keep your gear alive for the long haul.
Understanding Your Leather
Full-grain leather is open-pored, honest, and made to change. That's why it looks better a year from now than it does today.
What "full-grain" really means
We use true full-grain leather—veg-tanned and heritage-tanned hides that are breathable, open-pored, and built to age with you. Expect marks, shifts in tone, and natural grain variation as it lives.
In plain language: leather like this doesn't stay "new." It becomes yours.
The enemy of leather
- Heat (speeds drying and cracking)
- Grit (sand and dust act like sandpaper)
- Harsh chemicals (strip oils and finish)
- Over-conditioning (can make leather heavy)
Patina (and Why It Matters)
Patina is the deepening of color, contrast, and character over time—caused by handling, sunlight, friction, and the natural oils of daily life. It's not damage. It's proof of use.
What you're seeing
Patina is the deepening of color, contrast, and character over time—caused by handling, sunlight, friction, and the natural oils of daily life. It's not damage. It's proof of use.
Want to speed it up? Regular carry is the best patina engine—but our All-Natural Leather Balm can also help deepen tone and bring contrast forward sooner, for those who want a richer look and "premature patina" on purpose.
Do's & Don'ts
Simple rules. Big payoff. This keeps leather aging beautifully for years.
Do
- Use your leather often—handling helps it age evenly.
- Wipe dust and grit with a dry (or lightly damp) cloth.
- Let wet leather dry naturally at room temperature.
- Store bags loosely filled to maintain shape.
- Condition periodically (not constantly).
Don't
- Don't soak or submerge leather.
- Don't machine wash or machine dry.
- Don't use alcohol, solvents, or household cleaners.
- Don't over-condition (more is not better).
- Don't store leather sealed in plastic.
Water, Rain & Moisture
Leather and water have a complicated relationship. The goal is slow drying and smart protection—never heat.
If you get caught in the rain
- Blot moisture with a clean cloth (don't rub aggressively).
- Air dry at room temperature.
- Avoid heat (hair dryer, heater, direct sun).
- Once fully dry, a light coat of balm can restore and help protect going forward.
A small edge that matters
Our Leather Balm adds slight water resistance and helps leather resist water, grime, and everyday weather while keeping a breathable finish—ideal for daily-carry gear that lives hard.
All-Natural Leather Balm
Built for daily-carry leather goods—to repair, protect, restore, add slight water resistance, and help you earn a richer tone and earlier patina without a greasy residue.
How to use (the right way)
- Step 1 — Test first: Try a small hidden area so you can preview results before treating the entire piece.
- Step 2 — Clean & dry: Start with leather that is clean and completely dry.
- Step 3 — Warm: Scrape a small amount and warm between fingers.
- Step 4 — Apply: Work into leather using slow, circular motion.
- Step 5 — Set: Let absorb for 5–10 minutes.
- Step 6 — Buff: Soft cloth (or horsehair brush) to desired sheen.
Healing deeper scratches
For deeper scratches or scuffs: work balm into the mark, then let it sit longer (ideally overnight) before buffing.
Hardware bonus
Use a tiny amount to lubricate zippers, snaps, swivels, and moving hardware. Work it through, then wipe off excess.
Why it's worth it
If you buy one thing to keep your leather looking alive, make it this. Designed specifically for daily-carry leather goods to help repair, protect, restore, and resist water/grime—without a greasy residue.
Many customers use it intentionally to deepen tone and kick-start a richer, more contrasted look—especially on heritage leathers.
Pick Up the Leather Balm
A small investment with big benefits—keep your gear alive for the long haul.
Leather Care FAQ
Search below. If you're still stuck, email us and we'll tell you exactly what to do—no runaround.
Will the leather balm darken my leather?
Often, yes. Most leathers darken and deepen immediately after application and show higher contrast. In many cases, the darkness eases back as the balm settles. Test a hidden spot first if possible.
How do I apply the Leather Balm correctly?
Start with leather that's clean and completely dry. Warm a small amount between fingers, work in slow circular motion, let it absorb for 5–10 minutes, then buff with a soft cloth (or horsehair brush) to your preferred sheen.
How do I treat deeper scratches or scuffs?
Work balm into the scratch, then let it sit longer—ideally overnight—before buffing. This gives the balm time to settle into the leather so the mark blends naturally.
Does the Leather Balm help with water resistance?
Yes. It adds slight water resistance and helps leather resist grime and everyday weather while keeping a breathable finish.
Can I speed up patina?
Yes. Daily carry is the best accelerator, and our Leather Balm can deepen tone and bring contrast forward sooner for a richer look and earlier patina.
My leather got wet—what should I do?
Blot gently and let it air dry at room temperature. Avoid heaters, hair dryers, and direct sun. Once fully dry, a light coat of balm can help restore and protect.
Water left spots—will they go away?
Often, yes, as the leather dries and continues to patina. If spots remain after it's fully dry, a light, even balm application can help unify tone. Test first if possible.
How long should I wait before applying balm after getting wet?
Wait until the leather is completely dry to the touch—inside and out. Then apply balm lightly if needed.
My Chicago screws are loosening—what do I do?
A tiny amount of blue Loctite is the fix. We apply thread locker before belts leave the workshop; future application is rarely needed, but occasionally helpful depending on wear.
I lost my money clip—can I get a replacement?
Yes. Email us and we'll help you get a replacement for a small fee.
Can I use the balm on zippers, snaps, swivels, and hardware?
Yes—sparingly. Use a micro-dab, work the hardware gently, then wipe off excess.
I used too much balm—now it feels heavy. What should I do?
Wipe with a clean dry cloth and let it sit. Most of the feel will even out as it settles. Next time, apply less—thin coats win.
I'm seeing a slight haze after balm—normal?
Sometimes. A quick buff with a soft cloth usually brings back a clean, hand-rubbed sheen.
Still stuck? If something looks off (deep damage, hardware issues, a weird spot), email us. We'll tell you exactly what to do—no runaround.
100% Made in America
Crafted right here in San Diego, CA.
Full Grain Leather
No "genuine" junk.
Backed Forever
Lifetime+ Heirloom Warranty
Free shipping
On orders $75+
Handmade
In our San Diego workshop.