How to Make a Leather Belt Look Antique

Distressing a leather belt will make it look antique.

Getting a new leather belt might be a nice addition to your wardrobe, but it can be frustrating to work with. New leather is stiff and hard to manipulate. It might also be uncomfortable. You can remedy this by distressing your leather belt. This process turns a belt that looks brand new into one that looks like an antique, and is easier to work with.

Things You'll Need

• Saddlesoap
• Water
• Leather belt
• Hair dryer
• Cotton balls or pads
• Alcohol
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Soak the leather belt in water and saddlesoap. Let it soak for several minutes. Bend the belt to soften up the leather and improve its flexibility.

2. Spread the belt out flat on a counter and use a hair dryer to dry it. The leather should start to crack and look worn.

3. Apply alcohol to cotton balls or pads and dab it onto the leather belt. Be sure to thoroughly cover the material with the alcohol.

4. Rub sandpaper across the belt in small circles. Use only slight pressure at first, then increase the pressure in random spots. Once completed, the belt should feature light and dark coloring and a cracked and crumpled texture.

References

• Made Man; How to Distress a Leather Jacket