How to Restore a Leather Football Helmet

Leather football helmets were standard before the invention of hard plastics and high-density foam padding. The helmets are no longer in production, and old models hold antique value. Restoring the leather requires special materials. Leather restoration is not a complex process, but it does require an eye for detail as you rehydrate the material and work it back into an attractive form.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape
  • Cloths
  • Water
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Leather Conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the helmet and determine which parts are leather. Some football helmets use leather on the top and canvas on the sides. Others have a complete leather cover.

    • 2

      Apply tape over the seams where the leather meets other materials. The conditioner stains canvas and ruins the restoration.

    • 3

      Wipe the leather surface with a damp cloth to remove dust. Follow with a dry cloth to remove the moisture and clean any spots missed on the first wiping. Work the seams and cracks with the cloth to remove dirt and dust from crevasses.

    • 4

      Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the leather. This removes any accumulation of oil on the material.

    • 5

      Apply conditioner to a cloth and rub it into the leather. Rub aggressively, focusing on cracks. The conditioner hydrates and restores the leather. Leave the conditioner on the helmet for one hour.

    • 6

      Wipe the conditioner off the helmet with a clean cloth and inspect the leather. Apply a second coat of conditioner if the material remains cracked. Continue applying and wiping the conditioner until the leather displays a clean finish.