Hey riders,
I’ve been riding long enough to know that nothing ruins a great leather jacket or pair of boots faster than getting caught in the rain without proper protection. Water soaks in, the leather dries stiff and cracked, and suddenly that piece you love starts looking (and feeling) old before its time. UV from long summer rides doesn’t help either.
At True Leather Care, we carry the Skidmore’s Biker Edition line specifically for folks who actually use their gear on the road. In this guide, I’m sharing exactly how to waterproof leather motorcycle jackets, boots, and other riding gear the right way - so it stays supple, protected, and ready for whatever the ride throws at you.
Why Waterproofing Your Bike Gear Matters
Motorcycle leather takes a beating: rain, road spray, bugs, sun, and engine heat. Without a good protective layer, it absorbs moisture, loses oils, and cracks. A solid waterproofing treatment creates a barrier that sheds water while letting the leather breathe - keeping it flexible and looking sharp for years.
The key? Don’t skip the prep. Waterproofing works best on clean, well-conditioned leather.(If your gear is already dry or cracked, start here first: How to Restore Dry, Cracked Leather)
Step-by-Step: How I Waterproof My Own Riding Gear
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly
Never waterproof dirty leather. Grit and old residue stop the product from bonding properly.
I use Skidmore’s Biker Edition Leather Cream - it cleans and conditions in one step. Wipe everything down, get into the seams and zippers, then let it dry completely.
Never waterproof dirty leather. Grit and old residue stop the product from bonding properly.
I use Skidmore’s Biker Edition Leather Cream - it cleans and conditions in one step. Wipe everything down, get into the seams and zippers, then let it dry completely.
Step 2: Condition First
Dry leather won’t take waterproofing well. Apply a good layer of Skidmore’s Biker Edition Leather Cream, work it in, let it absorb, and buff off the excess. This restores the natural oils so the leather stays supple under the protective layer.→ Check my full conditioning guide here: How to Condition Leather with Skidmore’s Cream
Dry leather won’t take waterproofing well. Apply a good layer of Skidmore’s Biker Edition Leather Cream, work it in, let it absorb, and buff off the excess. This restores the natural oils so the leather stays supple under the protective layer.→ Check my full conditioning guide here: How to Condition Leather with Skidmore’s Cream
Step 3: Apply the Waterproofing
This is where Skidmore’s Biker Edition Beeswax Waterproofing really shines. It’s a natural beeswax formula I trust on my own gear because it protects without making the leather stiff or plastic-looking like some sprays do.
This is where Skidmore’s Biker Edition Beeswax Waterproofing really shines. It’s a natural beeswax formula I trust on my own gear because it protects without making the leather stiff or plastic-looking like some sprays do.
Here’s how I do it:
- Warm the tin slightly (set it in warm water for a few minutes) so it spreads easily.
- Apply a thin, even coat with a clean cloth or applicator brush. Work it into seams, stitching, shoulders, and high-wear areas.
- Let it penetrate 15–30 minutes.
- Buff thoroughly to remove excess and bring out the natural finish.
- On jackets or boots that see heavy weather, I often add a second light coat on the most exposed spots.
Give it 12–24 hours in a dry spot before hitting the road in wet conditions. Patience here makes a big difference.
Why Skidmore’s Biker Edition Works So Well for Riders
I’ve tried a lot of products over the years, and the Skidmore's Biker Edition line was developed to provide riders with a great product that actually works for real riding life:
- Skidmore’s Biker Edition Leather Cream - Cleans, conditions, and restores without darkening leather too much or leaving a greasy feel.
- Skidmore’s Biker Edition Beeswax Waterproofing - Natural protection that repels water, resists UV, and keeps the leather breathing.
Check out this rider’s experience with a high-end Schott NYC jacket: Customer Review – Schott 626VN with Biker Cream
Tips for Different Pieces of Gear
- Jackets — Extra attention to shoulders, chest, and sleeve cuffs.
- Boots — Focus on the toe box and ankle flex areas (they take the most abuse).
- Pants/Chaps — Hit the front panels hard.
- Saddlebags & Gloves — Don’t forget these — they protect your stuff and your hands.
For average riding: every 3–6 months. If you ride in heavy rain a lot: every 1–3 months or after a deep clean. Always re-treat after a thorough cleaning.
Common Mistakes I See Riders Make
- Applying waterproofing over dirty leather
- Using too much product (less is more)
- Skipping conditioning first
- Using cheap aerosol sprays that stiffen leather over time
If you want your leather to look and perform better mile after mile, start with the Skidmore’s Biker Edition combo. It’s what I recommend to every rider who wants natural, effective protection that lasts.→ Shop the Full Biker Leather Care Collection Here
Ride safe, keep your leather alive, and I’ll see you out on the road.
— Ryan Williamson, True Leather Care
