What Kind Of Oil To Put On A Softball Glove

Defend your softball mitt against natural leather damage such as drying and cracking by applying a glove oil to help protect, soften and condition it. Many glove manufacturers offer their own glove oil solutions, which are made specifically for their ball gloves. Lard-based oils such as neatsfoot, lanolin and mink also will help to protect your glove.

Neatsfoot Oil

Neatsfoot oil is a very effective leather lubricant that typically is made of animal fats. Neatsfoot oil repels water and will increase the pliability of dry, tough or hardened leather. It prevents the leather from drying out and cracking, yet may darken it considerably. Christopher Calnan, adviser on the conservation of organic material for the National Trust charity in England, recommends "diluting neatsfoot oil to a 5 percent to 10 percent solution in mineral spirits, Stoddard's solvent, or petroleum ether before applying" to leather.

Glove Manufacturer's Oil

Companies that manufacture softball mitts, such as Easton, Franklin Sports and Rawlings, offer their own oil mixtures designed specifically for your glove. Rawlings "Glovolium Glove Treatment" is a non-toxic lubricant that works to protect, soften and clean your glove, according to ShopRawlings.com. Franklin Sports sells a glove oil conditioner that is a mixture of approximately 95 percent heavy petroleum distillates and 5 percent neatsfoot oil.

Application

Apply a small amount of oil solution to a sponge or cloth. Starting with the palm of your glove and working your way to the web, spread the oil to the stiff areas of your glove only and then evenly massage the oil into the leather. Allow the glove to dry for at least 24 hours.

Tips for Oiling

Only put oil on a glove that needs more flexibility, otherwise lubrication will disrupt its moisture content. Condition the leather with glove oil to accelerate the break-in time if you need to break in a new glove. Shape your glove by playing catch with it as often as possible; when you are not playing with your glove, leave a softball nestled in it