Originally designed to preserve & protect the boots of firefighters exposed to extreme conditions, Obenauf's remarkable leather care products use natural oils, beeswax, and propolis in a unique, scientific approach that not only preserves, protects, and waterproofs your valuable leather, but can also restore faded, dry, and neglected items. Obenauf's Watershield provides additional waterproofing that will not damage leather fibers. Obenauf's Leather Cleaner provides an all natural cleaning solution that works with Obenauf's to clean leather safely.

The Obenauf Story

Hi. My name's Marv Obenauf, developer and owner of Obenauf's Leather Preservatives. As a firefighter for 34 years I ruined quite a few expensive boots long before they had a chance to wear out. In 1989 I researched with boot companies, saddlers, and other leather specialists to determine which product on the market was best suited to protect our boots, and our investment, that were often in steam, heat, wet ashes (lye), and caustic fire retardants. I learned that most products are only temporary water repellents or softeners claiming to "condition" leather. They slough off with flexing or light scufffing through brush, leaving leather dried and unprotected. None resist chemicals or heat. Most contain chemicals, mink oil, or pine tar that cause irreparable damage to leather fibers. The common consensus was that the only way to protect our boots against such elements was to stay out of those conditions, as we were baking the leather and literally cooking our boots in lye. We needed something durable that would hang in there when the going got rough (also a common and necessary trait among firefighters). It had to resist heat, caustic fire retardant chemicals, moisture, and restore lost oils. With help from tanneries, the University of Idaho, and leather craftsmen I experimented with different ingredients and recipes. My goal was to extend (preserve) the useful life of leather, not just shed water or soften it. I focused on long range effect. Eventually I had what we needed. It not only worked well; but a little went a long way, as it melted completely into the leather and stayed, which made it economical too. With regular use our boots lasted noticeably longer and stayed comfortable. As word spread and demand for Obenauf's LP (Leather Preservative) grew among ranches, loggers, bikers, boot companies, and anyone with leather, it was apparent that we had a product that was not otherwise available. Four years later we did additional research in response to the demand for a convenient preservative to extend the life of dress boots, jackets, saddles and tack, and leather that is not subjected to severe elements, but still dries and cracks. For this we developed Obenauf's Leather Oil. Over the years, these remarkable leather care products have proven themselves a top performer for people who use leather regularly at work or at play. The testimonials and stories people share with me make me proud to continue to display my name on all our products. Thanks for visiting my website and I hope you enjoy my products. Sincerely, Marv Obenauf