How to Soften Leather Coon Hide

Raccoon leather, or coon hide leather, can dry out or harden over time like any other leather product. There are many cost-efficient ways to soften coon hide leather. Depending on what you use the coon hide leather for, you may already have what you need to soften it in your home.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Petroleum jelly
• Mink oil
• Leather softener or polish (if necessary)

1. Lay your coon hide stretched across a hard, flat surface such as a table or floor.

2. Test spot the leather by rubbing a small circle of petroleum jelly or mink oil on an unexposed area of the hide. If this is a coon hide product to be worn, test spot an area that will not be seen while wearing. If the leather discolors after 3 to 6 hours of drying, use a professional leather softener to avoid staining.

3. Rub petroleum jelly, mink oil or leather softener into surface. Use your fingertips to massage the leather in small circular patterns.

4. Allow the leather to dry completely in an open area before further use. Drying may take several hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the instructions on any leather softener container before use. Be mindful of care instructions on any purchased coon hide leather product. Only soften old, worn or heavily used coon hide leather that has cracked or visibly dried out.

• Do not use or wear your coon hide leather until it is dry to the touch.

References

• LeatherTherapy.com