Can I buff a suede saddle to make it smoother?
02-21-13, 08:59 AM
#1
Aluminium Crusader :-)
Thread Starter
Can I buff a suede saddle to make it smoother?
I bought a reissue suede Selle Italia Turbo, but the suede is a little more 'grippy' than i anticipated, and it bugs me a bit.
Armor All? Vaseline? Clear shoe polish? Leather oil?
Buffer? Brush?
**********????
Thanks
Armor All? Vaseline? Clear shoe polish? Leather oil?
Buffer? Brush?
**********????
Thanks
02-21-13, 09:04 AM
#2
Ha ha ha ha ha
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How about one of those battery operated doovalackies (like an electric shaver) that you use to get the fluff balls off your jumpers?
02-21-13, 10:03 AM
#3
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1. Find and install 1980's Spandex seat cover
2. Ride several thousand miles, sweating profusely.
3. Done !
Actually, if you get it wet and ride it that way, it will probably ruin the nap...but just removing that doesn't really make it much less grippy.
THe smart move would be to trade it to someone with a non-suede. Or sell it, and buy what you really want.
2. Ride several thousand miles, sweating profusely.
3. Done !
Actually, if you get it wet and ride it that way, it will probably ruin the nap...but just removing that doesn't really make it much less grippy.
THe smart move would be to trade it to someone with a non-suede. Or sell it, and buy what you really want.
02-21-13, 10:28 AM
#4
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Stop riding naked! 
But, really, there is not much you can do regarding the "grippiness" of suede until you wear it down naturally. Buffing it will just ruin the surface and now you have no bargaining chip. Trade it in.
But, really, there is not much you can do regarding the "grippiness" of suede until you wear it down naturally. Buffing it will just ruin the surface and now you have no bargaining chip. Trade it in.
02-21-13, 10:43 AM
#5
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I mink oiled both of my Selle Italia Turbo reissue saddles (one black, one brown). Two coats, warming up on the heater vent after each application. It smoothed them out nicely.
02-22-13, 06:40 AM
#6
Aluminium Crusader :-)
Thread Starter
Thanks for the replies. Hmm, mink oil; I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the tip
I had a good crack at it with a rag, lots of elbow grease, Armor All, neutral shoe polish, and some Vaseline. It made a big difference -- definitely removing the 'fuzz' -- but it's still nowhere near shiny. It is less grippy
I might try some other leather polishes
I had a good crack at it with a rag, lots of elbow grease, Armor All, neutral shoe polish, and some Vaseline. It made a big difference -- definitely removing the 'fuzz' -- but it's still nowhere near shiny. It is less grippy
I might try some other leather polishes
Last edited by 531Aussie; 02-22-13 at 07:20 AM.
02-22-13, 07:06 AM
#8
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Are you supposed to ride? The thought the 41 is to talk about bikes.
02-22-13, 08:08 AM
#9
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02-24-13, 10:23 PM
#10
Aluminium Crusader :-)
Thread Starter
Thanks again. Excuse my ignorance, but is it actual oil, or the polishing compound that you get from shoe or furniture shops?
02-25-13, 05:35 AM
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Shoe store, serves as waterproofing too. I'm not going to say that it was perfect but I was happy with the result. It is wax like in application but it goes to clear as you work it.
02-25-13, 08:01 AM
#13
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Mink oil comes in liquid or paste forms from anyplace that sells leather goods.
Check with a Western tack shop (where they sell saddles and leathergoods for equestrian purposes). There are saddle soaps and leather conditioners for just about any finish of leather out there and they are all made for use outdoors under conditions similar to what your bike saddle will encounter. Never use petroleum jelly (or anything petroleum based if you can avoid it) or Armor All (IMHO one of the least valuable products ever made for anything other than making car interiors shiny for a quick sale).
Like others have said, the best way is to use appropriate leather cleaners and conditioners and wear the saddle smooth. It won't take long for suede to lose that fuzzy texture.
Check with a Western tack shop (where they sell saddles and leathergoods for equestrian purposes). There are saddle soaps and leather conditioners for just about any finish of leather out there and they are all made for use outdoors under conditions similar to what your bike saddle will encounter. Never use petroleum jelly (or anything petroleum based if you can avoid it) or Armor All (IMHO one of the least valuable products ever made for anything other than making car interiors shiny for a quick sale).
Like others have said, the best way is to use appropriate leather cleaners and conditioners and wear the saddle smooth. It won't take long for suede to lose that fuzzy texture.
02-25-13, 08:10 AM
#14
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Sure you can...WITH YOUR BUTT!!!
My six yr old thought that was hilarious.
As other mentioned, ride lots.
My six yr old thought that was hilarious.
As other mentioned, ride lots.
