I've applied Proofide exactly once to my saddles, and the youngest one is 3 years old. I'll tell you my trick. When I first got the saddles, I applied a coat of Proofide top and bottom, then placed the saddle in my car for a day. A day in a car in Florida is like sitting in a barbecue smoker for a day. I think it melts the Proofide right in.

To be fair, I've never allowed my saddles to get wet, other than from butt sweat. I carry a saddle cover, and if there's a hint of rain it goes on.