Beeswax has been used for centuries mainly to protect the surface of leather from water, dirt, or stains. It does this by forming a barrier on the surface of the leather. But does beeswax, or any wax for that matter, actually condition leather?
To give a brief answer, It’s a big No!. While beeswax does form a barrier on the surface of leather, it does not penetrate the leather to nourish it as a leather conditioner does. Beeswax will clean and, in all cases, protect your leather from the elements.
This also means that if your leather is already conditioned or softened, the beeswax will help preserve that state. Beeswax is specifically great to use on unfinished leather goods such as saddles, belts, or holsters.
It gives the leather a nice sheen while still allowing the natural breathability of the leather. So if you’re looking for something to protect your investment, beeswax is a good option. But if you’re looking to condition your leather, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
But it is important to state that beeswax can be combined with other ingredients to create a leather salve that can penetrate the surface of the leather and condition it. We’ll go into more detail about this later on. But before we do, let’s first understand what exactly is beeswax and how it works.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax secreted by bees from their abdomens. It’s made up of a variety of compounds including fatty acids, oils, and resins. Bees use beeswax to build the honeycomb in their hives.
Beeswax has a variety of uses beyond its role in honeycomb construction. It’s often used as a natural alternative to commercial waxes and polishes. You can find beeswax candles, cosmetics, furniture polish, and more.
What Does Beeswax Do To Leather?
Beeswax also has some uses as far as leather goes. Here are a few ways beeswax is used on leather:
- Makes Leather Water Resistant
One of the primary benefits or uses of beeswax is that it makes leather water-resistant. This is because the wax forms a barrier on the surface of the leather.
It’s important to note that this does not make the leather waterproof. Water can still penetrate the surface if it’s left on long enough or if it’s under pressure (like when you’re wearing a leather jacket in the rain).
But the beeswax will help repel water and protect the leather from spills or light rain. You can even use it to give new shoes or boots a waterproofing treatment before you wear them out in the elements.
- Protects Leather From The Elements
Another way beeswax helps leather is by providing protection from the elements. This includes things like dirt, dust, and UV rays.
Again the barrier the beeswax forms on the surface of the leather helps to repel these things. This is especially beneficial for unfinished leather goods that are more susceptible to damage from the elements.
For example, beeswax can also help to preserve the color of leather by blocking out UV rays. This is why you’ll often see it used as a base for leather dyes and stains.
- Beeswax Cleans Leather
Beeswax can also be used to clean leather. It does a great job of picking up dirt and debris from the surface of the leather. And because it’s a natural wax, it’s safe to use on most types of leather.
You can even make your own beeswax leather cleaner by combining equal parts beeswax and vinegar. Just rub the mixture into the leather with a soft cloth and buff it out when you’re done.
- Restores Color to Faded Leather
Another way beeswax can help leather is by restoring color to faded leather. This is because the wax helps to block out UV rays (as we mentioned earlier).
If you have a piece of leather that’s starting to fade, you can rub some beeswax into it to help bring back the color. This is mainly because beeswax will darken your leather when you use it.
So if you have a light-colored piece of leather, you may want to avoid using beeswax on it. But if you have a dark-colored piece of leather that is starting to fade or lose its brilliance, beeswax can help to restore the color and make it look new again.
- Helps With Leather Crafting
Last but not least, beeswax can be used in leather crafting. It’s often used as a lubricant when working with leather tools (like knives and needles). This helps to prevent the leather from sticking to the tool and tearing.
Beeswax is also used to finish the edges of leather to help prevent them from fraying. Not to talk of using beeswax as a lubricant for leather lace for easy stitching or thonging.
Reasons Beeswax Will Not Condition Leather
Now that we know what beeswax is and does, let’s get into why it cannot be used as a leather conditioner.
It’s important to note that there are different types of leather finishes. The most common are aniline, semi-aniline, or pigmented.
Aniline leather has no protective coating and as a result, is more susceptible to staining. Semi-aniline leather has a very light protective coating that helps resist stains to some degree. Pigmented leather has a thick coating that makes it the most resistant to staining.
Beeswax can be used on all types of leather finishes but it works best on unfinished or aniline leather. This is because the wax can penetrate the surface and provide some protection against staining.
However, beeswax will not condition leather. Below are some of the main reasons beeswax will not condition leather.
1. Beeswax Cannot Penetrate The Surface of The Leather
For leather to be conditioned, the conditioning substance should be able to penetrate deeply into the leather fiber. This helps to replenish the natural oils that have been lost over time.
This is to say that conditioning leather happens only in the fibers of the leather and not on the surface.
Beeswax, however, cannot penetrate the surface of leather. It only forms a barrier on top of the leather. This means that it can protect leather from dirt, water, or stains but it will not be able to condition the fibers of the leather.
So technically speaking, beeswax can be used as a form of protection for leather but it cannot be used to condition it.
2. Beeswax Will Not Replenish Lost Oils In The Leather Fibers
With use, time, and wear, leather will slowly lose its natural oils. This is what causes leather to dry out, crack, or become brittle.
The main function of a conditioner is to replenish the lost oils in the leather fibers. This helps to keep the leather supple and soft.
Beeswax does not contain any penetrating oils that can replenish the lost oils in leather. This means that it will not be able to condition leather.
In short, if you’re looking for something to protect your leather, beeswax is a good option. But if you’re looking for something to condition your leather, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Better Alternatives To Beeswax For Conditioning Leather
There are many different types of leather conditioners on the market. And while there are some that are better than others, it really depends on your specific needs. However, if you’re looking for a good all-around leather conditioner, here are a few of my recommendations;
- Leather Honey Leather Conditioner
This is a great all-around leather conditioner that can be used on all types of leather. It’s made with a blend of natural oils and waxes that help to condition and protect leather.
Leather Honey is also water-resistant and will help to repel water, dirt, and stains. It’s also very easy to use; simply apply it to a clean cloth and rub it into the leather and you’re good to go. If you’re interested in trying Leather Honey, you can check it out here on Amazo!.
- Chamberlains Leather Milk Conditioner
This is another great all-purpose leather conditioner that can be used on all types of leather. It’s made with a blend of natural oils, waxes, and extracts that help to condition and protect leather.
Chamberlains is also very easy to use; simply apply them to a clean cloth and rub them into the leather. If you’re interested in trying Chamberlains, you can check it out here on Amazon!
- Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner
This is another great all-purpose leather conditioner that can be used on all types of leather. It’s made with a blend of natural oils and waxes that help to condition and protect leather.
Bickmore is also water-resistant and will help to repel water, dirt, and stains. It’s also very easy to use; simply apply it to a clean cloth and rub it into the leather. If you’re interested in trying Bickmore, you can check it out here on Amazon!
Final Thoughts
Beeswax is a great substance for protecting leather. However, it’s not a good option for conditioning leather. If you’re looking for something to condition your leather, you’ll need to look for a product that’s specifically designed for that purpose. And as always, thanks for reading!
FAQs
Q: Can I use beeswax on my leather couch?
A: Yes, you can use beeswax on your leather couch. However, it will not condition the leather. It will only form a barrier on top of the leather.
Q: Can I use beeswax on my car’s leather seats?
A: While you can use beeswax on leather, it’s not the best option. Beeswax can leave a greasy residue that will attract dirt and dust. It’s also difficult to remove if you decide you don’t like the look or feel of it. If you’re set on using beeswax, make sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. You may also want to consider using a leather conditioner instead.
Q: I accidentally got some beeswax on my leather shoes. How do I remove it?
A: If you accidentally get beeswax on your leather shoes, you can remove it with a damp cloth. Rub the cloth over the area until the wax is gone. You may need to use a little elbow grease, but it should come off relatively easily. If you’re having trouble removing the wax, you can also try using a leather cleaner.
