How to Make an Old Baseball Glove Look New Again
Contents
If you have an old baseball glove that you want to look new again, there are a few things you can do. With a little bit of effort, you can make your old baseball glove look like new again.
Materials Needed
Assuming you have an old baseball glove, you’ll need the following materials: leather conditioner, old rags, water, a bucket, and soap. You’ll also need a little bit of elbow grease!
1-2 cans of leather dye
You will also need some gloves to protect your hands, old rags, and a place to do the dyeing where you won’t mind getting a little messy. If you have an old baseball glove that you want to make look new again, here is how to do it.
1-2 cans of leather sealant
You will also need several clean rags and a small paintbrush. If the gloves you are working with are very old, you may want to use a leather conditioner before applying the sealant. This will help to restore some of the natural oils that have been lost over time.
1-2 cans of leather conditioner
##In order to make an old baseball glove look new again, you will need the following materials:
-1-2 cans of leather conditioner
-A clean, dry rag
-A toothbrush (optional)
First, take a look at your glove and decide how much conditioning it needs. If the leather is dry and cracked, you will need to use more conditioner. If the leather is only mildly damaged, you can get away with using less.
Once you have decided how much conditioner to use, squirt it onto your clean, dry rag. Rub the conditioner into the glove in small circles, making sure to cover all of the damaged areas. You can also use a toothbrush to work the conditioner into hard-to-reach places.
Allow the conditioner to soak into the leather for at least 15 minutes before wiping off any excess. Your glove should now look like new!
Preparing the Glove
You will need the following materials:
Clean the glove with a leather cleaner
Cleaning a baseball glove is important to do periodically to remove dirt, grime, and sweat that can damage the leather. It’s best to use a leather cleaner specifically made for gloves, as other cleaners can be harsh and damage the leather. You can find a glove cleaner at most sporting goods stores or online.
To clean your glove, start by removing any grit or debris from the surface with a soft brush. Next, apply a small amount of cleaner to a clean cloth and rub it into the leather in a circular motion. Be sure to work the cleaner into all the nooks and crannies, especially around the seams. Once you’ve thoroughly rubbed in the cleaner, use a second clean cloth to wipe away any excess.
After cleaning, your glove will look like new and will be ready for another season of play!
Apply the leather dye
Open the container of leather dye, and using a cotton swab, apply a very thin layer to the entire surface of the glove. It’s important to use very little dye, as you can always add more if needed. Also, be sure to avoid getting any on the laces, as this will cause them to stain. Allow the dye to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Apply the leather sealant
To keep your baseball glove looking new, you’ll need to apply a leather sealant. This will help protect the leather from water and dirt. You can find leather sealants at most sporting goods stores.
Once you have your sealant, apply it to the glove using a clean cloth. Rub the sealant into the leather in a circular motion. Be sure to get all of the nooks and crannies.
After you’ve applied the sealant, let the glove dry for 24 hours before using it again.
Apply the leather conditioner
To make an old baseball glove look new again, you will need to start by cleaning it. Once it is clean, you can then apply a leather conditioner to help keep the leather supple. You will want to do this several times throughout the year, especially if you play in a lot of games.
Let the Glove Dry
If your baseball glove is starting to show its age, there are a few things you can do to make it look new again. First, let the glove dry. If it is wet, it will not respond well to the following steps. You can let it air dry or use a fan to speed up the process.
Let the glove dry in a well-ventilated area
Once you have given the glove a good cleaning, it is important to let it dry in a well-ventilated area. You can either hang it up or lay it flat to dry. If you choose to hang it up, make sure that the laces are not hanging down too far as this could cause them to stretch. It is also important to not place the glove in direct sunlight as this could cause the leather to crack. Once the glove is dry, you can begin to work on breaking it in.
Apply a second coat of leather dye, sealant, and conditioner if needed
If the baseball glove is still not the color you desire, repeat the steps above. Remember to always Test First in an inconspicuous area to determine if you need a second coat, and to allow the glove to dry thoroughly between applications.
After you have achieved the color you want, apply a thin coat of leather sealant over the entire glove. This will help protect it from dirt, water, and ultraviolet rays that can cause fading. Allow the sealant to dry completely before using the glove.
Finally, apply a quality leather conditioner to maintain softness, flexibility, and durability.
Breaking in the Glove
A new baseball glove can be stiff and challenging to break in. You can make the process easier by forming the glove to your hand and breaking it in slowly. First, put the glove on your non-dominant hand and form it into a fist. Gently bend the glove’s fingers and palm until it’s comfortable. Next, use a baseball and insert it into the glove several times. Finally, oil the glove to soften it.
Wrap the glove in a towel
If your glove is starting to feel dry and stiff, it may be time to break it in. This process will help soften the leather and make it more pliable. It’s important to do this gradually, so you don’t damage the leather.
To get started, wrap the glove in a towel.Secure it with a rubber band or string, making sure the towel is snug but not too tight. You don’t want to stretching the leather while you’re breaking it in.
Next, wet the towel with warm water. You can use a spray bottle or simply dip the towel in a bowl of water. Once the towel is damp, wring it out so that it’s not dripping wet.
Finally, put the glove on your hand and make a fist. The more you move your hand around inside the glove, the faster it will break in. Just be sure not to overdo it — you don’t want to ruin your new glove!
Place the glove in a freezer for 24 hours
If you have an old baseball glove that you’d like to make look new again, there are a few things you can do. One of the easiest ways to break in a glove is to place it in the freezer for 24 hours. This will help to loosen up the leather and make it more pliable.
Remove the glove from the freezer and let it thaw
Thawing the glove will make it more pliable and easier to work with. Allow the glove to thaw for at least 24 hours, or until it is soft and pliable. You can speed up the process by placing the glove in a warm room or using a hairdryer on low heat. Do not put the glove in the oven or microwave, as this can damage the leather.
Maintaining the Glove
You can make your old baseball glove look new again with a little bit of elbow grease and the right materials. First, you’ll want to clean the glove with a moist cloth. Be sure to get in all the cracks and crevices. Next, you’ll want to apply a thin layer of conditioner to the glove. You can find conditioner made specifically for baseball gloves at your local sporting goods store. Then, you’ll want to wrap the glove in a clean, dry cloth and let it sit overnight. In the morning, your glove will be soft and supple, just like new!
Store the glove in a cool, dry place
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your baseball glove is to store it in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity can cause the leather to dry out and crack, so avoid storing your glove in direct sunlight or in a hot car. A closet or storage box in a cool, dry room is ideal.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to take extra steps to protect your glove. You can purchase a dehumidifier designed specifically for storing baseball gloves, or you can put a couple of silica gel packets in the storage box with your glove. Silica gel packets are those little “do not eat” packets that often come packaged with new shoes or electronics — they help absorb moisture and keep the air inside the storage container dry.
Apply a leather conditioner once a month
A leather conditioner helps keep the leather flexible. This is important, because as the leather dries out, it becomes brittle and is more likely to tear. You can buy a leather conditioner at most sporting goods stores. Apply it once a month, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
