How to Waterproof Leather Gloves Without Heat or a Greasy Grip

To waterproof leather gloves, clean them, then work in a leather waterproofing product made for gloves: a sponge-on liquid, a wax cream or a beeswax balm, and let them dry naturally at room temperature. Test it on a hidden spot first, because these products can darken light leather. These treatments help leather repel water rather than seal it, and they wear off, so plan to re-treat.

Which product suits you depends on the glove: a soft lambskin dress glove needs a lighter touch than a cowhide work or ski glove. This guide is part of our leather care and cleaning guide.

Glove waterproofing products compared

The lightest option is a water repellent spray, and it is the closest to the store's own advice: Leather Collection's care page recommends a water and stain repellent product to help prevent water stains.

Which method for which gloves

• Lambskin dress and driving gloves. The store's men's range is 0.8-0.9 mm lambskin and cowhide. Lambskin is delicate, so use a repellent spray made for leather rather than a heavy wax.
• Work, ski and garden gloves. A wax cream or beeswax balm gives more water resistance. Expect the leather to darken and the grip to feel waxy.
• Suede or split-leather gloves. Waxes and oils mat the nap of suede. The store says suede pairs need a soft brush instead of conditioner.
• Gloves with a waterproof liner. Some gloves come pre-treated and only need re-treating after a season or two of heavy use.

What you need

• The waterproofing product and the gloves, cleaned
• A soft cloth to remove the excess
• An old towel and a can or bottle to dry the gloves upright
• For sprays, a well-ventilated outdoor spot

How to waterproof leather gloves in 6 steps

1. Clean them first. Put the gloves on, wet them with lukewarm water and scrub with a leather cleaner. For dress gloves, a damp, not dripping, cloth is enough. Full methods are in how to clean leather gloves.
2. Spot test. Treat a hidden area, such as inside the cuff, and check the color once dry.
3. Apply. For a sponge-on liquid, work on clean, wet gloves and spread it evenly. For a cream, wear the gloves and rub it in like hand lotion. For a spray, use two to three light coats 20 minutes apart.
4. Work it into the seams. Press the product into the seams and finger joints, and brush or rub it in so none sits on top.
5. Remove the excess. With a liquid, wipe off what is left after about 2 minutes. Buff waxes once dry.
6. Dry naturally. Dry gloves at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters and direct sun. Wait 24 hours after spraying before use.

Heat to help wax soak in? Sources disagree

Some glove makers warm gloves to drive wax in. One glove maker warms gloves in a 200°F oven for a minute between at least three wax coats, and a ski glove brand says a very low heat gun or hair dryer can speed drying.

Other sources say no heat. Nikwax says no heating is needed before, during or after its method. Dents and Leather Collection both say to keep gloves away from heaters, and the store warns heat can make leather stiff and cause cracks. On thin dress gloves, we follow the no-heat advice.

How often to re-treat

One wax-cream maker suggests about once a month for ski gloves in snow use. A ski glove brand re-treats its pre-treated gloves after a season or two of heavy use. Gloves in normal use need little care, says one glove retailer.

If gloves get soaked anyway, dry them slowly and see how to soften leather gloves if they stiffen.

Mistakes to avoid

• Washing gloves in the machine to "reset" them. Glove makers say not to; see can you machine-wash leather gloves.
• Mink oil. Leather Collection lists it among products to avoid.
• WD-40 or silicone sprays. A leather goods maker says these are not conditioners.
• Too much wax. A waxy surface changes grip and darkens light leather.

Quick answers

What is the best waterproofing product for leather gloves?

Match it to the glove: a repellent spray for dress gloves, a wax cream or beeswax balm for work and ski gloves. No independent test is cited here.

What is the best conditioner for leather gloves?

Gloves kept dry pick up enough natural oils from your skin, according to one glove retailer. The store suggests a leather conditioner now and then. For homemade options, see natural conditioners for leather.

Does waterproofing spray work on leather?

A leather goods maker describes spraying two to three coats and refreshing every few months.

Is mink oil good for waterproofing leather?

We don't use it here: Leather Collection lists mink oil among products to avoid.

The care notes on Leather Collection men's leather gloves cover drying at room temperature and storing gloves flat.