Renapur Leather Balsam
Tested by: Bob Pickett £12 for a 200mm pot | www.renapur.com
I own a pair of TCX Hero leather boots. Since getting them five years ago, they’ve seen me through untold thousands of miles riding a range of different bikes. And how much love have I returned to these faithful servants? Erm (shuffles feet, stares at floor in shame), none whatsoever.
Testimony to their quality, despite my embarrassing lack of care they’re holding up nicely. But as you can see from the photos, they weren’t looking at their best. This became an issue when I signed up for a ride where a core requirement was smart dress (not my default setting). They needed cleaning and made to look presentable again. Thankfully, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure’s previous editor, Mikko, put me on to Renapur (having been recommended to him by author and bike tester Geoff ‘Toot Hall’ Hill, in a similar situation that
Dave refers to in his editorial on page three of this issue).
Renapur issue two warnings: that its products are for use on finished (i.e. smooth) leather only, so you shouldn’t use it on suede, nubuck or fully aniline type leather; and Renapur Leather Balsam may darken some types of leather, especially if it has faded over time and with wear. So it’s perhaps best to test it on a small concealed area first.
As per the instructions, I dipped the application sponge into the balsam, using the tiniest amount and worked a little into a small spot on the heel. Wow! Really, wow.
Five years of neglect disappeared within moments. Encouraged by this, I set to applying to the rest of the boot. Just rub gently into the boot, there’s no buffing needed afterwards (if you are too liberal with the balsam, wipe off the excess with a soft cloth).
I estimate I took two minutes, tops, on each boot. And as you can see from the pictures here, the results are spectacular.
Remember, this isn’t a coloured polish, this is a natural and neutral balsam. What you’re seeing there is the leather’s tones being drawn out once again.
And the bonus? The balsam also waterproofs the leather.
Twelve quid for a pot! Even applying on a regular basis to my boots, jackets and gloves it should last a few years. Absolute bargain. I am SO impressed with Renapur Leather Balsam. Moments after finishing, yes, I was recommending it to my friends.