Looking after leather is the best way to help it stand the test of time. Bob Pickett takes a look at Renapur:
Renapur – something of an institution amongst owners of leather products (if you’re a biker, it’s pretty much given you will own at least one item of leather clothing) who wants to take care of them.
Renapur Leather Balsam was invented in 1988 by Mr Volker Schindler in Bavaria, southern Germany. Realising he had made something special, he named it for his wife Renate (RENA), adding the German word for ‘pure’ or ‘clean’ (PUR).
Made from a formula of waxes and oils such as Beeswax, Carnauba wax, Jojoba oil and Avocado oil, Renapur Leather Balsam goes a long way; one 200ml pot is enough to treat and protect over 500 pairs of shoes, 100 leather jackets or saddles, or 20 leather suites.
Aside from biker kit, Renapur Leather Balsam is also recommended for equestrian leather care, country sports, car interiors, leather furniture and leather shoes, boots and handbags.
Renapur Ltd took over distribution within 1994. With over 1 . 2 million pots associated with Renapur Leather Balsam sold in the UK alone, and many more than that overseas, its leather care products can be found in households and businesses across the world.
They are recommended by a number of high-end leather goods retailers like Pickett (no relation), The Brogue Trader and – an important one for bikers – Cobra Leathers in Swindon.
Cobra undertakes repair work for all sorts of leather kit; Renapur is the only leather-based cleaner or food it uses.
These days while Renapur Ltd in the UK owns the Renapur trademark in most countries, it still maintains a close friendship with the Schindler family who manufacture all Renapur leather care products for them to this day.
Renapur Leather Balsam is its best-known product, but the range has been expanded, most recently introducing Renapur Leather Cleaner followed by Renapur Hi-Shine.
Testimony to effectiveness, the particular comment Renapur most commonly get from new customers is: “It was recommended by a friend. ”
Leather Care
An important thing to remember about leather: it is a skin. Just like your skin needs maintenance (the cosmetics industry makes untold billions each year doing just that), leather needs care to remain at the best
Article continues below…
What does it cost?
The original Renapur Leather Balsam costs GBP 12. 00 for a 200mm pot (there are scented versions for an extra quid), with 1 litre tub (for heavy users) for GBP 48. 00 A 125mm box set (complete along with applicator sponge) costs GBP 10. 00. For those of you that need to keep their package protected and looking good on the go, a 50mm travel container costs GBP 5. 99. A 6-pack of application sponges is GBP 1 . 50.
Renapur has also introduced the ‘Biocare’ balsam (GBP twelve. 00 for a 125mm pot) – must have if your natural leather goods are at risk from mould or mildew attack.
The Leather cleaner costs £12. 00 for a 250mm bottle (it can be diluted with water up to 50 times)
For leathers requiring the shiny look (equestrian kit for example), Renapur’s Hi-Shine (containing Carnauba wax but importantly no silicates) costs GBP 12. 00 for any 250mm bottle. A Suede and Fabric protector is available for GBP 10. 00 for a 100mm bottle or GBP 15. 00 for 250mm
For everything you need to clean and maintain your leather, Renapur stock a range of kits from the ‘Clean and Feed’ kit for GBP 21. 00 to the ‘Ultimate Care Kit’ with regard to GBP 45. 00
Tried and Tested:
I own a pair of TCX Hero leather boots. Since getting them five years ago, they’ve seen me through untold thousands of miles riding a range of different bikes. And how much love have I returned to these faithful servants? Erm (shuffles feet, stares at floor in shame), nothing.
Testimony to their quality, despite my embarrassing lack of treatment they’re holding up nicely. But as you can see from the photos, they weren’t looking their best. This became an issue when I signed up for a ride where a core requirement was smart dress (not my default setting). They needed cleaning and made to look presentable again. Thankfully, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure Editor Mikko put me on to Renapur (having been recommended to him by Geoff Hill, backing up what we said earlier).
Renapur issue two warnings:
Renapur products are for use on finished (i. e. smooth) buckskin only. Do not use on suede, nubuck or fully aniline type leather.
Renapur Leather-based Balsam may darken some types of leather, especially if it has faded over time and with wear. So test on a small concealed area first.
As per instructions, I dipped the application sponge into the balsam, using the tiniest amount and worked a little into a small spot on the heel.
Wow. Really, wow.
Five years of neglect disappeared within moments. Encouraged by this, I set to applying to the rest of the boot. Just rub gently into the boot, no buffing needed afterwards (if you are too liberal with the balsam, wipe off the excess with a soft cloth).
I estimate I took two minutes tops on each boot. And as you can see the results are spectacular.
Remember, this isn’t a coloured polish, this is a natural and neutral balsam. What you’re seeing there is the leather’s tones being drawn out once again.
And the bonus? The balsam also waterproofs the leather. Twelve quid to get a pot? Even applying on a regular basis to my boots, jackets plus gloves, it should last a few years. Absolute bargain.
I am SO impressed with Renapur Leather Balsam. Moments after finishing, yes I was recommending it to my friends.
Get in touch with Renapur:
Renapur Ltd.
London Road, Ashington
West Sussex RH20 3AX
Email: [email protected] com
Tel: 08007 076884 / 01903 893990
Web: www.renapur.com
#morebikes #motorcycles #motorcycleleather #motorcycling #motorcyclegear #renapur
Mark started life upon two wheels aged 8 on a Mobylette in his Grandfather’s back garden. It was in the blood; Mark’s Great Uncles raced sidecars at the TT, once finishing 5th. His Grandfather was a speedway rider. As for Mark, he once held a licence to race motorcycles in Italy, has completed the ‘Iron Biker’ challenge around the Alps and one day wants to ride around the entire coastline of the UK on a motorcycle..
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