Club Obi Wan

Folks,

As some of you may have seen in the jackets section, I've recently ordered an FS Goatskin Expedition. While I anxiously await its arrival, I've already started thinking about distressing. My current and only other Indy Jacket is a USWings Vintage Cow. As such, I really have no experience in distressing jackets. I simply coated my Vintage Cow with Pecards periodically and I've been pleased with the overall result.

However, I'm not quite sure what to do with my new jacket when it comes. I would prefer to let it distress naturally over time. But, with that said, I'm kind of confused as to how to do that. The answer seems blatantly obvoius but what I'm wondering is this:

I'd like to protect the leather from damage or wear that could destroy the jacket such as drying and cracking but at the same time, I don't want to over protect it with Pecards and such so that if it should happen to get wet (intentionally or unintentionally) that the water can't penetrate and give that nice wrinkled look.

So, I suppose, in short, I am asking: should I coat my jacket with Pecards before I start to wear it or should I wear it a while, let it get broken in and wet a few times and then coat it? Or would getting it wet first and adding pecards later demage the leather?

I truly hope a person can understand what I'm asking because I'm aware that it may be a tad confusing, for which I apologize.

Goatskin takes quite a while to 'break in'.

I can only say what I do, and that is to apply a light coat of Pecards leather jell (they call it creme) to soak into the jacket and loosen it up, while also helping add a coat of protection to the hide.

Then, wear it. Most folks roll it up and toss it into the bottom of their closet when not being worn. Some sleep on them or in them.

It's all in what YOU decide to do, but it's a very hard wearing hide, and my SPP has always been to apply a light single coating right out of the box, then wear it.

Regards! Michaelson

Thanks for the advice, Michaelson. I think that's what I'll do. If you don't mind, while we're on the topic, do you have any advice tips for preventing "serious damage" such as drying, splitting, and cracking of the leather? For instance, if it gets soaked should I apply a new coat of Pecards while still damp or wait until it dries?

Wait until it dries.

do you have any advice tips for preventing "serious damage" such as drying, splitting, and cracking of the leather?

I guess it depends where you live. Dryer climes would probably dictate treatment more often. Personally, I live where it's generally quite humid so I just treat my jackets once or twice a year and I've had a couple for quite a few years now without cracking....and that's BEFORE I learned about Pecards!

IndyJones wrote:Thanks for the advice, Michaelson. I think that's what I'll do. If you don't mind, while we're on the topic, do you have any advice tips for preventing "serious damage" such as drying, splitting, and cracking of the leather? For instance, if it gets soaked should I apply a new coat of Pecards while still damp or wait until it dries?

Yes, wait until it dries. Pecards puts the "natural" moisture back into the leather. So wait for the water to dry off first.

Also, I'd not recommend trying to artifically distress this leather. The Wested Lambskin works good for MK's acetone treatment, but this Expo Goat is very tough indeed. Best to wear it, enjoy it, and let "nature" take it's course.

I'd also recommend the balling it up instead of hanging. You can always loosen it up some in a dryer - but make sure the tumbler's set on NO HEAT, just air. A few hours of that can help. But zip it up and some people put it in a clean pillow case first. Pecards AFTER doing this, not before.

Also, like Michaelson said, some of us have slept in the jacket 8-[ , zipped up of course. But make sure your home's air is on... Your natural body heat overnight does help out.

Also, rubbing alcohol will take the shine off the jacket. Do this first, then run it through the dryer (for a few hours on no heat), and then add the Pecards Creme and that should help get the boulder rolling. Then, wear the darn thing as much as possible. Watch T.V. in it, whatever. Just remember to NEVER hang it up. ALWAYS ball it up and throw it in the corner, sit in it or stuff it between a mattress. It'll soften up beautifully!

Regards, Dr. J

Thanks a lot fellas, I really appreciate all the advice.

I actually have been wearing it as much as possible in the heat...mainly as you suggested, while watching TV, on the computer, etc, etc. As a result, I have to say, I think I love this jacket more and more each day. It's almost as if it starts to mold to your body shape. I'm very pleased and very appreciative of all the advice you guys offer.

I just took sandpaper to my USW goatskin jacket and it distressed nicely.

gotcha!!!

;0

Hah. You got me IndyG . Sadly, I've had terrible luck with electronics lately. A few weeks ago, my digital camera broke at work. I've been planning to get a new one and then today, my laptop broke, forcing me to buy a new one...putting a large dent in my bank account. (It's sad but I think I would go into withdrawal without my PC)

Anyway, I'll try to get some pics up soon...I do have access to another digital camera. It might take me a day or so but hopefully I'll be able to get some pics up tomorrow.

In the meantime, I really appreciate all the advice on distressing. Thus far, I've followed the "Michaelson Method"...i.e. I applied a coat of Pecards jell, allowed it to soak in for 24 hours, wiped off the excess, and since have worn it whenever I'm able...practically anytime I'm in the house, on the computer, driving, etc., in order to break it in. The breaking in has really worked well...it's loosened up nicely and literally feels like it's molding to my shape.

At some point, I intend to offer a full review but I think I'll wait until I get some pics.

Thanks again for all the advice...

Ok folks,

I've uploaded 19 pics of my jacket. I posted some in another thread: viewtopic.php?p=333539#333539

My photbucket album contains all the pics of this jacket. You will also notice that some pics are a comparison shot between the two jackets, The lighter colored one on the right is my USWings Vintage Cowhide.

Enjoy!

http://s232.photobucket.com/albums/ee77 ... chiaJones/