Caring for Your Leather Guitar Strap
Caring for Your Leather Guitar Strap
A guitar strap isn’t just a functional accessory, it’s part of the performance. It holds the weight of your instrument, your posture, and your presence. And when it’s made from vegetable-tanned leather, it carries something more... Your story. That deepens with every gig, rehearsal, and quiet moment of practice.
At Coupland Leather, we believe that caring for your strap is an act of respect. For the craft, the material, and the music. That’s why we created our Leather Balm, a simple, natural way to preserve and enhance the life of your strap.
Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather Deserves Special Care
Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned using plant-based tannins, making it more breathable and reactive than synthetic alternatives. It’s prized for its ability to develop a rich patina over time, but that same openness makes it vulnerable to dryness, cracking, and moisture damage if neglected.
Your guitar strap is exposed to sweat, friction, and fluctuating environments. Without proper conditioning, the leather can stiffen, fade, or lose its supple feel. That’s where Coupland Leather Balm steps in.
What Makes Coupland Leather Balm Different
Crafted in small batches using just two ingredients, cold-pressed olive oil and Yorkshire beeswax, our balm is designed to nourish and protect without overpowering the leather’s natural character.
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Olive Oil penetrates deep into the fibres, restoring flexibility and reducing surface dryness. It helps soften the strap without making it greasy or heavy.
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Beeswax forms a breathable barrier that repels moisture and shields against wear. It also adds a subtle sheen that enhances the grain and colour of the leather.
Together, they create a finish that’s protective, restorative, and visually enriching, without clogging the pores or altering the tone of the leather.
The Visual and Tactile Transformation
After applying the balm, you’ll notice a warm glow return to the strap. Scuffs soften. Colour deepens. The leather feels more alive, ready to move with you, not against you. It’s not just maintenance; it’s a revival.
What Leathers It’s Not Made For
Coupland Leather Balm is formulated specifically for vegetable-tanned leather. It’s not suitable for:
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Suede or Nubuck – These leathers have a raised nap that will darken and flatten with oil-based products.
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Patent or Coated Leathers – These have sealed surfaces that won’t absorb the balm and may become sticky.
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Chrome-Tanned Leathers with Synthetic Finishes – These often contain plasticizers or coatings that resist natural oils and waxes.
If you’re unsure, test a small hidden area first, or reach out to us for guidance.
Your guitar strap is more than a tool, it’s part of your sound, your stance, your story. With Coupland Leather Balm, you’re not just preserving leather. You’re honouring the music it carries.