How Do You Break in Leather Welding Gloves?

When it comes to protective apparel, your leather welding gloves go a long way in protecting your hands, wrists, and forearms. These gloves are inherently heat and fire resistant, keeping you safe from flying sparks and exposed heat sources. 

But have you ever felt uncomfortable when wearing your leather welding gloves? 

This is a problem for some people. I believe that properly breaking in your gloves is one approach to increase your comfort and security when wearing it.

Breaking in your leather welding gloves might help eliminate any unnecessary stiffness and it also increases your work efficiency. It may also help with cohesiveness and mould your gloves to fit your hand for comfort and convenience.

And there are various proven ways to break into your leather welding gloves to make them soft and comfortable while wearing. Using oil or leather conditioners and hot steam are few such methods. 

In this article, we will take you step by step on how you can break into your leather gloves. 

Ways to Break into Your Leather Welding Gloves.

1.) Step 1: Dampen the Gloves using Clean Water

Break in your gloves by placing moisture in them. Pour a tiny bit of water, but not too much. Now allow the clean water to permeate into the leather. After that, stuff your gloves with newspapers. Your gloves will soften and stretch as time passes. 

Put your gloves somewhere dry. Avoid putting it under direct sun and using a hairdryer since it might cause damage and produce cracks. Allow it to dry for approximately a day. 

2.) Step 2: Use Leather Oil

Leather oil is one of the most often used remedies for breaking in leather welding gloves. What’s great about this oil is that it doesn’t only soften or break down the leather, it also works well for making leather gloves as waterproof as possible. 

This oil’s capacity to waterproof the gloves is actually a plus. Use a firm brush to apply the oil. Every three to six months, use it to apply the oil on the gloves as this allows the oil to thoroughly soak the leather welding gloves. 

One thing to keep in mind is that because the glove will get oil-saturated, it is very likely that it will darken.

This may also cause the material to smell, but be assured that this will only last a short time. It is also necessary to reapply the oil on the gloves. 

P.S- One clue that it is time to do so is if the water stops beading off the leather material.

You can check out this Leather Honey Conditioner . It penetrates deeply to preserve new leather while also restoring dry and old leather.

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3.) Step 3: Use Rubbing Alcohol and Leather Conditioner

You may also break in your leather gloves with rubbing alcohol or leather conditioner. When it comes to softening your gloves, rubbing alcohol is a fantastic remedy. All you have to do is rub alcohol on the outside of the leather gloves. 

Simply repeat this process every six months. Applying the alcohol on a regular basis can help break it in and ensure that it retains a high degree of dexterity, comfort, and adaptability.

Leather conditioner maintains the natural pliability of leather. It also feeds the fibres of this substance. As a result, you may quickly break in your leather gloves after applying leather conditioner to them. 

You can try this Lexol Leather Conditioner, it protects the leather without leaving the greasy residue behind. 

Check it out here- 

4.) Step 4: Massaging the Gloves’ Fingers 

You may try massaging your gloves’ fingertips. However, first soak your leather gloves in water or a conditioner. Also remember to not overdo it or your gloves may be damaged. 

Massage the gloves’ fingers from the fingertip to the palm once they’ve been wet. 

5.) Step 5: Use Mink Oil 

One of the reasons mink oil is beneficial for breaking in leather gloves is that it contains a natural acid that acts as a softening component. As a result, this oil is used to properly break in leather gloves. It also softens the leather, making it easier to break in these gloves. 

However, the oil may cause the leather to brown significantly. To avoid this, apply the oil to the less visible parts of the gloves first. Simply massage the oil into the surface of the gloves to take benefit of this remedy.

Check out this Mink Oil for Leather. It is delicate and smooth, non-greasy, long-lasting and can completely enter and nourish the leather, making it softer and more elastic.

You can check it out here-

6.) Step 6: Apply Silicone to it

You may also break in your leather gloves using silicone. This treatment is fantastic since it increases the water resistance of your leather welding gloves. 

Aside from breaking in the gloves, you’ll find this solution excellent for increasing surface water resistance. This is especially useful when trying to utilise it in situations with mild to severe rain or wetness. 

Silicone spray or liquid can be used to waterproof leather gloves while also lubricating the leather. After you spray it, the leather will stretch somewhat throughout the break-in process. However, the leather may darken.

You may check out the Fiebing’s liquid silicon that helps keep leather soft and flexible. 

Check it out here- 

7.) Step 7: Make Use of Steam 

Many individuals choose to use steam instead of fully immersing their leather gloves. You can use either a saucepan of boiling water or the steam produced by an iron. But be careful to avoid getting burned when using this procedure.

8.) Step 8: Hot Water Should be Avoided 

Some people propose breaking in baseball gloves with hot water. This will not work for leather gloves, so avoid using it as much as possible if you want to fully break in the item. It’s because hot water can destroy the leather’s waterproofed layer and substance. 

Aside from that, it tends to weaken the defensive characteristics built into the glove. 

Now that you know the step by step method on how to break in on your leather welding gloves, you should also be able to maintain them for the long run. Taking care of them is essential to maintain their softness and flexibility. 

How to Take Care of your Leather Welding Gloves? 

Leather welding gloves absorb the perspiration from your hands and get dirty with various uses. 

The following are some tips for maintaining leather gloves for long-term usage. 

1.) Allow to Dry Naturally 

It is essential that if your leather gloves become wet, allow them to dry naturally, but do not expose them to direct sunlight, as they may be harmed. Allow them to dry in the open air. It will help eliminate any odor from your leather gloves.

2.) Know How and When to Clean Your Welding Gloves

Clean your leather welding gloves from time to time. You may clean them with saddle soap and cold water. Then, allow them to dry. 

To clean your gloves, you can use a toothbrush. Then, wash them in cold water with half a cup washing detergent and 1 tablespoon of salt. Then, with your hands, massage the dirt with the solution. 

Rinse them in cold water and squeeze off any excess water. Allow them to air-dry and massage them to keep them from becoming stiff.

3.) Apply The Conditioner 

Condition your leather gloves on a regular basis. It will facilitate breaking in and soften the leather. You may use a leather conditioner to keep the leather fibres in good condition. It will also make your leather gloves more durable. 

When conditioning or polishing your gloves, avoid using conditioners that include colours. 

Examine the cleansers and conditioners you want to use on your leather gloves.

4.) Put Your Leather Gloves On

Use your leather gloves since they will become more flexible, stretchy, and breathable. They can also absorb moisture and shift when used. So, don’t just store them, if they aren’t utilised, they will be damaged with time. 

5.) Store Them Properly

Leather welding gloves should not be stored in sealed plastic bags. Store them in a place with proper ventilation. When storing them, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight. 

Conclusion

Breaking in your leather welding gloves properly will make them more comfortable to use. It results in a precise fit and a job well done. 

In addition to the options for breaking in leather gloves, it is recommended that you use it as often as possible to stretch it and enable it to organically adapt to the contour of your hands. 

And you can always try the above tried and tested methods!