Removing the shine from a new jacket

G-MANN · Post by **G-MANN** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 2:08 pm

Man you guys are smart!

After reading all the tips and help that Strider received I know someone has the answer to this question.

What do I use to remove the shine from a new Lambskin jacket without disturbing the color?

Any and all help would be appreciated.

John

LeatherneckJones · Post by **LeatherneckJones** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:11 pm

Rubbing alcohol has been known to work wonders in this department...

Ark Hunter · Post by **Ark Hunter** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 4:48 pm

Yep. That's what I've heard too.

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 6:44 pm

Similarly, will using rubbing alcohol fade the effects of brown Pecards?

G-MANN · Post by **G-MANN** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 6:52 pm

Strider, I think your jacket looks great. And whats even better is now you like it, and that is what matters.

Ark Hunter · Post by **Ark Hunter** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 7:19 pm

I wouldn't think it would Strider. The Pecards kind of soaks in so it shouldn't be affected much or at all.

Bjones · Post by **Bjones** » Sun Jan 08, 2006 10:14 pm

I would go with the rubbing alcohol...you might want to try a lower concentration to be safe (50% etc), the higher stuff may remove color on some leathers - it did on one of my non Indy jackets.

Flattery · Post by **Flattery** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 12:55 am

I would go with the rubbing alcohol...you might want to try a lower concentration to be safe (50% etc), the higher stuff may remove color on some leathers - it did on one of my non Indy jackets.

I second this recommendation. 50% worked like a charm on my lambskin jacket.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 2:27 pm

No joke - wear it every day and go about your life as if nothing's diffrent.

rick5150 · Post by **rick5150** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 3:19 pm

Man you guys are smart!

In my case, do not make that assumption! I have ruined some good gear trying to learn what works and what does not. The reason the guys on this forum can do great things is that they:

1) learn from their mistakes, and
2) teach others what they have learned to prevent them from making the same mistakes.

Depending on how the jacket was tanned depends on the outcome. I have had 70% isopropyl alcohol take color right off a jacket before (non-Wested). I have used isopropyl alcohol on Wested Lambskin with only a hint of color removed.

Alcohol can remove the shine to a degree that makes you happy. As with anything, go slowly. You can always remove more shine/color later. Be patient!

Strider wrote:Similarly, will using rubbing alcohol fade the effects of brown Pecards?

I would say it has to. Alcohol dries leather out and Pecards moisturizes and protects. To some degree the alcohol would have to dilute the effects of the Pecards one would think...

This is what I have always done with great results.

After using rubbing alcohol, your skin dries out very noticably, right? Assumably, so does the leather. If you dull the shine with isopropyl alcohol, I would recommend that you then apply Pecards to moisturize the leather again. It will also bring back some of the shine, so that is why you need to do things slowly. Once the Pecards absorbs and you wipe the excess off as directed, the shine will die down a bit. Then brush the jacket with Fullers Earth...

Jorenz · Post by **Jorenz** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 7:24 pm

Rick,

Do I use a cloth rag to apply the alcohol? or just cotton balls? how did you apply it?

Then do I let it dry or do I rub out the excess alcohol?

I started with acetone last night on my new lamb. needles to say I was kinda nervous to start but strider plus all the other examples here have given me the courage. I used a cotton swab and ran it along the stitching. I really like the results. I'm using my 10 year old cowhide as a template. I love the way it has distressed over the years. so I thought I would try and replicate it on my lamb. Any advice would be appreciated

Bjones · Post by **Bjones** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 10:14 pm

Use an old cotton T-shirt with the alcohol...I found that to work pretty good. Soak a good section of the T-shirt (or clean rag) and wipe in light circular motions.....the leather should get "wet", but not soaked through, and keep moving down the jacket. As you go, the alcohol will evaporate off the leather and should take the shine with it. If it still appears shiny repeat after a few minutes, and as Rick mentioned take your time. You may notice some of the color come off on the rag (depending on your concentration)...that should be normal. Just watch as you go so you don't end up removing too much color if it decides to break down at all. Test a spot first on the inside of the jacket...this should tell you if any color will come off.....

MK · Post by MK » Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:10 am

Using a solvent on such an expensive jacket!?!?!?

Who would do such a thing?????

(a grin for those who remember)

rick5150 · Post by **rick5150** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:47 am

...and a huge thank you for the man who started it all