Club Obi Wan

I thought some of you may appreciate this, although I hope it isn't too off topic...

I'm working on a project which requires the use of some antique leather pouches.

Here they are:







As soon as I saw them, I knew just what was required...I'd swear I heard the voice of Michaelson whispering in my ear (which was a little frightening, now I come to think of it) This was a job for...Pecards!:



Here they are all pecarded up and thanking me for it.



Another one in the eye for old father time! These pouches will live to erm, pouch another day!

Regards

Al

Atta boy!!!! Hearing voices now, eh? Told you I was the voice of conscience!

Well done. Let that soak in, then give it a good buffing with a clean dry cotton cloth (tee shirt, remember?) It will take on a nice warm glow, and not look wet. This is EXACTLY what Pecards was originally created for...restoration by museums of old leather. You're right on the mark here!

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:This is EXACTLY what Pecards was originally created for...restoration by museums of old leather. You're right on the mark here!

Not to be contrary, Knower of Things, as you are a constant source of wisdom and knowledge, but actually, dressings are the enemy of leather museum pieces. Museum professionals hate leather that has been treated with dressings, particularly saddle soap. Since museum pieces are no longer used, they don't benefit from the lubrication effect of the oils and waxes, and the treatments actually accelerate the deterioration of the leather because the oils oxidize and harden over time (Pecards is an oil-based emulsion with blends of wax). Leather items then actually become more brittle than if they were left untreated. Dressings are great for leather that is in use, but don't put Pecards or any other dressing on leather you don't plan to use, like a screen used pair of Aldens. The best thing for leather show pieces is a) consistent temperature and humidity (especially the humidity; 35% to 70% RH is optimal), and b) low light levels, particularly natural light.

So if Pecards is not recommened for leather items that will not see daily use, what is the best treatment for an old leather suitcase?
I recently acquired one that looks a bit dry. I would like to clean and treat the case.
What is a recommended treatment?

You might want to go back and re-read the Pecards information site, Feraud. The original reason for the creation of the original Pecards leather dressing was by request of museums that had leather items in their collections that were dry rotting from non use, and as Mojave, saddle soap on non-used items is a true NO-NO!! Pecards created the dressing for that specific purpose, and it was then discovered to be a perfect dressing for field use as well. It may true in your part of the country, Mojave, but that's quite the contrary on this side of the country. They love the dressing, and for the reasons listed above. Guess it's different from museum to museum. In personal practice, I have used Pecards on VERY old and brittle leather that has been kept in storage. The leather is still in excellent condition after storage. Pecards was made specifically for the museum curator work, unlike other products that ARE harmful to old leather as mentioned in Mojave's post. He's dead on target there.

Still, museum practices may vary from region to region.

They also have a product (or did) called 'antique' leather dressing. It may be just the ticket for the brief case you own.

Regards! Michaelson

Thank you Michaelson. I am going to do more reading.
If I can keep it Indy related, maybe I will post a few pictures.

Post them anyway. It will be a good example of what Pecards can do to restore damaged and dry leather.

...and no, I'm NOT on Pecard's payroll.

Regards! Michaelson

Well, it certainly worked a treat on the antique pouches. Here's a 'finished' pic:

Utini!

You got it!

But I was really pleased with the way the Pecard restored the shine to the leather - in fact, they looked almost as good as new!

Pecards is also good for repairing scuffs on leather shoes - I found that out on accident! I love Pecards - it really is great stuff, isn't it?



In Christ,
Shane