Leather guitar straps are often the most neglected part of a guitarist's kit. They're handled constantly, exposed to sweat and UV light, and rarely given any care at all — until they crack, stiffen, or fail. LORE® Leather Balm is a plant-based leather conditioner designed to keep leather supple, protected, and looking its best. This guide covers how to use it and what it does.

What It's For

LORE® Leather Balm is designed for use on leather guitar straps, leather guitar strap buttons and fittings, leather guitar case handles and trim, and other leather accessories such as capos with leather pads and leather pick holders. It is a conditioner and protectant, not a cleaner. For heavily soiled leather, clean first before applying the balm.

What's in It

LORE® Leather Balm is formulated from plant-based oils and natural waxes — no petroleum-based conditioners, no silicone, and no synthetic chemicals. Plant-based conditioners penetrate leather fibres more effectively than petroleum alternatives and don't degrade the leather over time the way some mineral oil-based products can.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Clean the leather if needed. For light dust and surface dirt, a dry cloth is sufficient. For more significant soiling, a cloth very lightly dampened with water can be used — allow to dry fully before applying the balm.

2. Apply a small amount to a cloth or your fingertips. A small amount goes a long way. Apply to a cloth rather than directly to the leather for more even distribution.

3. Work into the leather. Using gentle circular motions, work the balm into the leather surface. Pay particular attention to areas that show dryness, stiffness, or early cracking — these areas need the most conditioning.

4. Allow to absorb. Leave for 5–10 minutes. The leather will absorb what it needs. You may notice the leather darkening slightly as it absorbs the conditioner — this is normal and will lighten as it dries.

5. Buff with a clean cloth. Wipe away any excess with a clean, dry cloth. The leather should feel supple and smooth, with a slight natural sheen.

How Often to Apply

• Regularly used straps: Every few months, or when the leather starts to feel stiff or look dry
• Stored or less-used leather: Once a year is typically sufficient, give leather a good application before storing to help store for longer periods and avoid dryness.
• New leather straps: A conditioning application when new helps break in the leather and establishes protection from the start

Signs Your Leather Needs Conditioning

• The strap feels stiff or inflexible
• The surface looks dry, dull, or slightly grey
• Fine surface cracks are beginning to appear
• The leather feels rough rather than smooth
• Even if you think your leather goods are fine, try a bit and see the difference!

Don't wait until leather is cracking badly — conditioning is preventative. Once leather has cracked deeply, conditioning can slow further deterioration but cannot reverse existing damage.

What to Avoid

• Petroleum-based conditioners: These can degrade leather fibres over time and may cause the leather to become brittle rather than supple.
• Silicone sprays: These coat the surface without conditioning the leather itself, and can cause the leather to deteriorate faster.
• Over-conditioning: Too much leather conditioner can make leather soft and floppy. Apply sparingly and only when needed.

Conclusion

LORE® Leather Balm is a simple product used simply: apply sparingly to clean leather, allow to absorb, buff away the excess. Done every few months, it keeps leather straps supple, protected, and looking good for years. The alternative — neglect — leads to cracking and eventual failure, usually at the worst possible moment.