How To Repair Leather Holster Cracks And Scratches

If you are a gun enthusiast who likes to visit the local shooting range, then you likely have a Glock or another small handgun that you like to practice with. Glocks are expensive guns that must be treated with care, and a leather holster is a good item to have to keep your gun safe, secure, and close to your body. Your holster can last many years, but you may start to see some damage appearing across the surface of the leather. Thankfully, you can repair both cracks and scratches easily by following the instructions below.

Repair Cracks

Leather holsters will crack over time. The damage appears due to age, because leather is actually flesh that wears down over time. The leather is tanned and sealed so that moisture does not erode the tough tissues, but constant use will force openings to form. The cracks will generally start to appear around the creases of your holster first. Before you can repair the cracks, make sure to clean your holster thoroughly. Dirt, debris, and oils from your hands will be caked in the openings. Not only does the leather need to be clean, but it should be soft as well when you start your repair. Otherwise, you can further damage the leather by causing the outer surface of the material to flake off.

Use Special Leather Cleaners

Many people choose to use traditional products like saddle soap to clean their leather holsters. Unfortunately, these soaps are basic and leather is mostly acidic. Using a basic substance on your leather will change its feel and appearance over time. This occurs as the basic materials in the soap turn the acids into a more alkaline composition. Your leather holster will then darker and feel rough.

Instead of using saddle soap, dish soap, or other basic cleaners, look for a leather cleaner with a neutral pH instead. These products can be found at leather good retailers and at department stores. Once you find the right cleaner, use a soft cloth or a sponge to apply the product to your holster. Use a damp sponge to wipe down the leather afterwards. The water will clear away the cleaner and the grime and will also soften the leather.

Apply Oil and Polish

After you clean the leather, spread a small amount of baby oil on a cloth and gently apply the oil to the cracked leather. This will help to hydrate the material and smooth out any jagged edges that sit around the leather cracks. You will likely still see some discoloration around the cracks once you hydrate the material. One of the easiest ways to get rid of the discoloration is to use leather shoe polish. Look for either a black or brown polish that closely matches the tone of your leather holster.  

Cracks in your leather can be repaired with shoe polish, because the material contains a number of dark and densely colored dyes. Several different types of waxes are also used to create shoe polish and this helps to secure the dye and give your holster a sleek shine. To apply the polish, scoop a small amount of the material out of the canister with a clean rag. Spread the polish over the leather cracks and rub the polish with your cloth. Use a circular motion and rub only until the polish appears to dye the leather cracks. Use a clean cloth at this time to buff your holster.

Fix Deep Scratches

If you have completed all the steps above to repair cracks, then you may still see some deep scratches that are left behind across the surface of your holster. These cracks need to be repaired separately with a bit of glue and some polish. Once you locate the deep scratches, use your leather cleaner to clean the area first.

Use Leather Glue

Once you have cleaned the area, purchase a glue that can permanently repair the holster scratches. Go to your local craft or grocery store and look for a glue with polyurethane or rubber cement. You can also buy special leather glue that contains cyanoacrylate. Spread a small amount of the glue on a toothpick and work the material inside the scratch. Gently pinch the outer edges of the opening together to secure them. Some glue may seep out of the area, so use a wet rag to remove it. Allow the glue to dry overnight and then use your shoe polish to dye the damaged area.

Leather Glock holsters are useful and stylish accessories that you can use to carry your guns. The leather may crack or break over time though, so follow the steps above to make your worn holster look like new. Continue to read more.