Re-Blacking Bellows

[doodle]

I've just noticed, that despite careful (I thought!) positioning on my knee, that my bellows are beginning to show signs of loss of colour on the peak of some folds. They are on a 1920's Jeffries duet and are black leather with black papers, so before tearing into them with the old Kiwi boot polish brush (other brands could be used ), I thought I should ask advice from the knowledgeable. All help most gratefully received, so many thanks in advance

[gcoover]

I would think boot polish would wear off quickly, especially onto your clothing. I would recommend a good black leather dye (professionals often use dark blue and then black), followed by a little LEXOL to nourish the leather. Definitely don't recommend Magic Markers, Sharpies, ball-point pens etc.!

 

Gary

[Theo]

followed by a little LEXOL to nourish the leather

 

 

Avoid any leather dressing that is greasy or oily and is designed to soak in to the leather, at worst it can damage the adhesives that hold the bellows together, with possible bad consequences. Spirit based leather dye is fine, as are acrylic dyes which also leave a surface coating, such as Resoline. After that I would advise nothing more than a good wax shoe polish.

[doodle]

Thank you folks, I'll start searching for the spirit based leather dye and give it a go. Many thanks.

[Frank Edgley]

Fiebings :"Edge Coat" works well, is easy to apply and does not rub off. It is water based for clean up, but is water resistant when dry. Leaves no brush marks.