Protecting Leather...

What is the best way to protect leathers from being faded like if they're worn in the rain or get dirty, etc.? Can you just buy a can of the standard leather protector stuff that you get at Wilson's Leather (or some other fashion leather store) and use that to coat the surface? Or am I getting worried, and it really takes a lot of effort to discolor leathers?

--Kidd

That's a good question. IT all comes down to how you store your leathers
and how often you clean them. Try to keep them stored indoors if all possible.
If you just spot clean your leathers then treating it will not be needed unless you wash off the entire jacket or suit. You can use standard leather treatment but certain companies will sell their own line of treatment. I know that Dainese sells their own line of goodies not cheap either. It is not needed to treat the leather after every wash either

i dont even know why you worry about your leathers fading. as long as they protect you from the asphault, u should love them no matter how they look.

doug: Is it a crime to want them to stay looking good as long as they don't touch the pavement? Hahaha - If I'm on the ground, the last thing I'm worried about is how the leathers look! I'm just looking for advice on keeping them looking good for as long as possible.

Thanks for the advice MelloCag. I have been known to leave them in my gearbag in the garage a time or two, but mostly they stay indoors. I also have a Teknic lightning jacket that I use for cruising around and just wanted to know if I should apply some leather protector. I had heard that rain discolors leather raipdly. I doubt I'd mess with it on my A-star suit since I wouldn't be racing in the raiin.

--Kidd

improper care of the leathers will cause them to fail "tear" during a "get-off". Leather will dry and become hard and tear much easier if not treated correctly. They will look fine but after a while you will notice they do not have that soft feel but feel like a horses saddle. This comes from not properly storing , cleaning, and to much skin to leather use.

Yeah actually rain will leave spots if not careful. Water treat your jacket like you would treat a leather from Wilsons. A-Stars will actually survive the rain alot better then Teknic I think it's the dye used plus may already be treated but just incase I would treat them it won't hurt it.

i never said not to take care of your leathers, all i said was who cars if the color faids, if they protect u, they're fine.

Your right about them doing their job regardless of how they look but if your
leathers or worn and faded it may be time to replace them. Like a helmet you should upgrade your leathers, gloves, and boots after several seasons and especially if you hit the pavement alot

Bravo - will do, thanks!

--Kidd