This type of leather is a rare and expensive one, maybe because these creatures are the closest thing we've got to real dinosaurs, who knows right?. When you’re dealing with lizard skin, you’re going to have a wide canvas of wild and florid patterns and colors to choose between, and a leaping plethora exotic creatures, such as snakes and crocodiles, to make your base. You can’t deny this leather’s attraction. The bright blaze against slick scales catches the eye better than a leering snake, scaling over a proud, distinctive, and feral quality truly unique among leathers. That, and lizard skin is pretty darn tough.
How To Care For Lizard Leather
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Protect those magic scales from water and dust
Lizard leather scales are waterproof and provide excellent protection from the elements. Also, this type of leather is pretty much stain proofed, but since they don't represent a threat for your leather doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful. Those scales are rooted in place by a well-lubricated membrane beneath them, which they are charged with protecting. Should that membrane dry up, the scales can pop off, which really doesn’t bode well for the aesthetics.
Another thing to keep in mind when dealing with lizard leather is to protect it against rain. If it does get wet then just blot up the moisture with a dry, clean cloth or paper towel. Blot, don't wipe remember. Wipe smears and blot absorbs.
Speaking of water, it’s also going to be important to clean your lizard leather. For a regular spot clean, snag a soft, slightly damp cloth (only slightly, lest the water run off the scales and into the membrane), and wipe the scales until all visible dust is removed. When you do this, you will want to wipe in the direction the scales are flowing. If you aren’t sure how to verify this, a good trick is to run your finger softly across the leather in a straight line. If the skin feels rough, you’re running the wrong way. The skin should feel smooth to the touch as you slide your finger. If you spot dirt building up in the grooves, you can try to use a soft, bristled brush (an artist’s paintbrush is ideal) to get it out. Be very careful not to lift the scales. Once they come off, they will be unable to be returned to place.
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Give them a thorough cleaning from time to time
If you feel like your lizard leather good is getting especially dirty or if it's grown excessively dist, you should use a non-alcoholic, wax free leather cleaner designed for exotic reptile leather. Always remember to test it in a small adn discreet part before you work on all of your leather. Use a white, lint-free cloth and check the cloth for excess color rub off, discoloration in the lizard skin, or any other side effects.If none are present, you’re good to go.
Let it dry in a cool, indoors area away from sunlight and direct heat. Sunlight and heat are harmful to lizard leather care, as they can dry out your leather fast and may shrink it.
Thing about cleaning – once you have used a leather cleaner, it’s going to take away the lubricants that held your leather together. As a result, the leather’s pores have opened up to receive more oils, and if they don’t get them, they’re going to dry out. To this end, good lizard leather care dictates that a proper conditioning is in order. Depending on how much dirt it’s exposed to and how often you apply a leather cleaner, you probably won’t have to do this too much. If you clean and condition your lizard leather twice a year (condition your leather very soon after you clean it), you should be good most of the time. Play it by ear, and pay attention to your leather. If it shows signs that it’s drying up, bring out your conditioner, and remember to clean it first..
How to store your beautiful lizard leather good
Finally, to keep your lizard leather in good condition, try to store it in the aforementioned cool, clean, indoors location away from sunlight and direct heat. Inside of a breathable container works best, like a wooden box or a dust bag. Try not to put things on top of it to avoid stress, and keeping it in stuffed in newspapers or packing paper, which are more porous than leather, can help keep it strong.
