Thoughts on Wested predistressed cow?
Moderators: Indiana Jeff, Mike, Indydawg
Thoughts on Wested predistressed cow?
Great forum! I stumbled across C.O.W. while searching online for info about custom-made leather jackets. Your enthusiasm is infectious: I'll soon be ordering a Wested!
I was leaning toward goatskin until I read a few too many posts commenting on shininess and a vinyl-like appearance. (Satisfied Wested goatskin owners feel free to rebut! )
Anyway, at the moment I'm considering the predistressed cowhide. From combing through back posts I gather Peter's "new" pre-D. cow became available last autumn, so I'm hoping those who have owned or even seen them since then can share their impressions on a few things...
1. Many (non-Wested) pre-D. jackets I've seen look overdone and just obviously faked: more of a marbled appearance than an authentic aged look, and the color tends to get too light around high wear areas like seams and zippers. Photos of the Wested new pre-D. look much more convincing. What are people's firsthand impressions of the hide's appearance?
2. As I understand it Peter runs the assembled jacket through a dryer as part of the distressing process. Does anyone know if this allow any control over the extent of distressing? (i.e. can it be pulled from the dryer sooner rather than later for a less-distressed look?) Of course I can just ask the folks at Wested about this when I call, but I figured I'd toss the question out there in case anyone had any experience with this.
3. Like most of you I'd like my jacket to look lived in, but I'm also planning to have it for a long time. How does the pre-D. finish hold up? I know it's only been out there a few months, but in that time has anyone noticed the finish noticeably degrading, especially around high wear areas like I mentioned above?
In the Jacket section of the main Indygear site there's a pic of _'s "undistressed predistressed" LC jacket, treated with Pecards. (http://www.indygear.com/gear/images/pat ... ested1.jpg) I don't know if this is the "new" pre-D. or not, but I think it looks great! I'd love to hear how the finish has held up.
Any insights greatly appreciated!
A.I.
P.S. I've inquired about Wested hides exclusively because I'm planning on major mods and Wested seems to be the place to go to for that sort of thing.
I was leaning toward goatskin until I read a few too many posts commenting on shininess and a vinyl-like appearance. (Satisfied Wested goatskin owners feel free to rebut! )
Anyway, at the moment I'm considering the predistressed cowhide. From combing through back posts I gather Peter's "new" pre-D. cow became available last autumn, so I'm hoping those who have owned or even seen them since then can share their impressions on a few things...
1. Many (non-Wested) pre-D. jackets I've seen look overdone and just obviously faked: more of a marbled appearance than an authentic aged look, and the color tends to get too light around high wear areas like seams and zippers. Photos of the Wested new pre-D. look much more convincing. What are people's firsthand impressions of the hide's appearance?
2. As I understand it Peter runs the assembled jacket through a dryer as part of the distressing process. Does anyone know if this allow any control over the extent of distressing? (i.e. can it be pulled from the dryer sooner rather than later for a less-distressed look?) Of course I can just ask the folks at Wested about this when I call, but I figured I'd toss the question out there in case anyone had any experience with this.
3. Like most of you I'd like my jacket to look lived in, but I'm also planning to have it for a long time. How does the pre-D. finish hold up? I know it's only been out there a few months, but in that time has anyone noticed the finish noticeably degrading, especially around high wear areas like I mentioned above?
In the Jacket section of the main Indygear site there's a pic of _'s "undistressed predistressed" LC jacket, treated with Pecards. (http://www.indygear.com/gear/images/pat ... ested1.jpg) I don't know if this is the "new" pre-D. or not, but I think it looks great! I'd love to hear how the finish has held up.
Any insights greatly appreciated!
A.I.
P.S. I've inquired about Wested hides exclusively because I'm planning on major mods and Wested seems to be the place to go to for that sort of thing.
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Well, you've hit quite a bit..
I'll take a point by point stab here....
Having only seen samples of the new distressed Wested cowhide, I can only say that it looks EXTREMELY good to me. None of what you're talking about. Now, Peter does not still do the dryer thing-the hides are coming to him distressed. How they do it, I do not know. BUT, I have a pre-distressed Wested Raiders from a couple of years back that has held up wonderfully!!! Indiana Joe can chime in on this, since he's borrowing it at the moment until his new jacket can get here.
Any pre-distressed finish is going to have the weakness of having the top layer of leather broken, allowing for increased oxidation to occur. There IS a way to slow this process almost to a screetching halt, however, in a product known well around here called Pecard Standard Leather Dressing. It is IDEAL for the distressed leather and puts a protective barrier on the leather itself, while putting the moisture back in the leather that was removed during the distressing process. www.pecard.com
_'s jacket is MORE than a few years old, I believe, and is no longer in his possession. I believe that Fedora has it, and could comment on how the leather is holding up these days. Like I said, I've had mine for QUITE a while, and it's been on several adventures, too. It has only been treated with Pecards and is in BETTER shape now than the day it got here. The distressed hide will hold up just fine as long as you take care of it. And it looks better right out of the box, too.
Ok...hope that helps!
Indydawg
Having only seen samples of the new distressed Wested cowhide, I can only say that it looks EXTREMELY good to me. None of what you're talking about. Now, Peter does not still do the dryer thing-the hides are coming to him distressed. How they do it, I do not know. BUT, I have a pre-distressed Wested Raiders from a couple of years back that has held up wonderfully!!! Indiana Joe can chime in on this, since he's borrowing it at the moment until his new jacket can get here.
Any pre-distressed finish is going to have the weakness of having the top layer of leather broken, allowing for increased oxidation to occur. There IS a way to slow this process almost to a screetching halt, however, in a product known well around here called Pecard Standard Leather Dressing. It is IDEAL for the distressed leather and puts a protective barrier on the leather itself, while putting the moisture back in the leather that was removed during the distressing process. www.pecard.com
_'s jacket is MORE than a few years old, I believe, and is no longer in his possession. I believe that Fedora has it, and could comment on how the leather is holding up these days. Like I said, I've had mine for QUITE a while, and it's been on several adventures, too. It has only been treated with Pecards and is in BETTER shape now than the day it got here. The distressed hide will hold up just fine as long as you take care of it. And it looks better right out of the box, too.
Ok...hope that helps!
Indydawg
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Excellent!
Sounds like you're on the right track to me!
Keep us all updated on your adventures in jacket acquisition!!!
Later!
Indydawg
Keep us all updated on your adventures in jacket acquisition!!!
Later!
Indydawg
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Welcome Andy Inna!
Yes, I have Indydawg's jacket on loan. He tends to be rather generous when it comes to things like this.
I have owned or worn several Flightsuits Expedition jackets in lamb, goat, and deerskin. I have also owned non-Indy cowhide jackets. That said, this "old" pre-distressed cowhide jacket gets two thmbs up from me. IMHO it is a very well made jacket that has an aged look to it---like it's been on a few adventures. As such, it has a definite Indyesque look. As to quality, this is the first Wested I've worn for any length of time and I must say that this is put together quite well. It looks like it's been around the block a few times but, in no way, does it feel like it will fall apart. After all this time, the stitching and seams are very strong and, let's face it, cowhide is one tough leather. "I even like the color." I understand these older pre-distressed came a bit lighter but the one I have was treated with Pecard dressing so it's darker--the same shade as the FS seal chrome goat, much darker than the FS seal deerskin.
Cheers,
I.J.
p.s. I haven't worn a cowhide jacket in quite a few years. I had forgotten how warm cowhide is! Whether it's the hide or the thickness of the leather itself, this pre-distressed Indy jacket is definitely warmer than the other Indy jackets I've worn (lamb, goat, & deer).
Yes, I have Indydawg's jacket on loan. He tends to be rather generous when it comes to things like this.
I have owned or worn several Flightsuits Expedition jackets in lamb, goat, and deerskin. I have also owned non-Indy cowhide jackets. That said, this "old" pre-distressed cowhide jacket gets two thmbs up from me. IMHO it is a very well made jacket that has an aged look to it---like it's been on a few adventures. As such, it has a definite Indyesque look. As to quality, this is the first Wested I've worn for any length of time and I must say that this is put together quite well. It looks like it's been around the block a few times but, in no way, does it feel like it will fall apart. After all this time, the stitching and seams are very strong and, let's face it, cowhide is one tough leather. "I even like the color." I understand these older pre-distressed came a bit lighter but the one I have was treated with Pecard dressing so it's darker--the same shade as the FS seal chrome goat, much darker than the FS seal deerskin.
Cheers,
I.J.
p.s. I haven't worn a cowhide jacket in quite a few years. I had forgotten how warm cowhide is! Whether it's the hide or the thickness of the leather itself, this pre-distressed Indy jacket is definitely warmer than the other Indy jackets I've worn (lamb, goat, & deer).
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I agree. Here is a link to some thoughts on the authentic goatskinDoctor_Jones wrote:There is nothing wrong with the goatskin Peter delivers now. I don't see any grey shine into it whatsoever.
Maybe you can lean towards the authentic brown goatskin. Wish I had done that...
http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3180
Oh, man... just when I start getting comfortable with the idea of the predistressed cow, you guys start luring me back to goat! Sounds like you're quite pleased with your Wested goat, Indiana Joe. I gather from your comments in that other thread that it drapes satisfactorily? How do you feel about the leather's shininess, 9 or so months later? Have you treated it or done anything to artificially distress it?
A.I.
A.I.
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Well, now...
Just to throw another monkey in the works, oddly enough, Indiana Joe's goatskin is the jacket I just SOLD because he wasn't happy with the fit. After trying on and wearing the distressed cowhide for a few hours, he changed his mind about which leather he liked better....his new order will be placed for a distressed cowhide INSTEAD of the goatskin....
How's THAT for making your decision harder
Later!
Indydawg
How's THAT for making your decision harder
Later!
Indydawg
Hey, Indydawg, I have a question. You said that standard Pecards dressing works well in preserving distressed leather, but what about the extent of the work on my jacket (particularly the large back patches)? As you've seen, I have worn the leather down to a soft suede-like finish, and I'd hate to ruin my work. What do you recommend for this? I've only treated the un-distressed areas of my jacket with Letap, and I'm afraid to put anything on the raw areas.
-Dale
-Dale
- Michaelson
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If I may stick my nose in here, the only product you're going to find that will come close is either Lexol or the Pecards Motorcycle Leather lotion. Nothing is like Letap, unfortunately, but these two come awfully close. They won't soak in as deeply as the standard dressing because they're not oil based...all three mentioned above are water soluable, so once dry, they should not harm your weathering work. Regards. Michaelson
- Indydawg
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Well...
Those are exactly what I would have suggested....PLUS, I might try the Scotch Guard for Leather, if it's still available. I've actually got some Letap that is specially made FOR sueded leather/distressed leather, it's different from the regular Letap that goes on as a foam...this stuff sprays on like the ScotchGuard for leather....you could try THAT stuff, too....
Either way, I think you'd be good to go with ANY of these ideas....
Yeah..that distressing job on your jacket should NOT be messed up...it looks too good!
Later!
Indydawg
Either way, I think you'd be good to go with ANY of these ideas....
Yeah..that distressing job on your jacket should NOT be messed up...it looks too good!
Later!
Indydawg
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Really?
Where did you find the spray Letap, IndyDawg? I haven't seen any around my area. You're right. The Scotchgard for leather isn't to be found anymore, at least around my area. Regards. Michaelson
- Indydawg
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REALLY?
DANG! Well, the spray Letap Peter gave me when he was here last May...I've just never used it. And I've still got a can of the Scotchguard for Leather I haven't used, too....guess I'll hold onto it now, as it appears it's not around any more....
Later!
Indydawg
Later!
Indydawg
Lamb Tough?
Well, I know I'm the one who brought it up, but I wouldn't expect too much from a "tougher" lambskin. Everything I've read about lamb describes it as a "fashion leather" that is fundamentally, structurally less durable than other hides.
- A.I.
- A.I.
Re: Thoughts on Wested predistressed cow?
Care to share what those major mods might be?Andy Inna wrote: P.S. I've inquired about Wested hides exclusively because I'm planning on major mods and Wested seems to be the place to go to for that sort of thing.
Best to all,
plynck
Re: Thoughts on Wested predistressed cow?
Third sleeve...Plynck wrote:
Care to share what those major mods might be?
Actually, as I mentioned above, I stumbled across this forum while looking for info about custom-made leather jackets. So while my thought is to use the Indy jacket as a jumping off point, my interest is not screen accuracy. The most glaring mods I have in mind would be to replace the patch pockets with slash pockets (bye-bye, flaps), and add wrist straps (similar to the side straps) so the cuffs can be cinched tighter when needed.
And so I stand revealed as a heretic.
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Re: Well, now...
Andy Inna, note that it was the fit of the jacket. I assumed a 40R Wested would fit me like the 40R Expeditions I've had. You see, I looked at the measurements of each respective jacket (listed on each respective vendor's website) and noticed the Wested was smaller so I simply included all the measurements that I had taken off my seal chrome goat Expedition. Long story longer, Indydawg tactifully mentioned the jacket was too small, I tried on his 44R pre-distressed cow (with no mods) and the shoulders and sleeve length were right on.Indydawg wrote:....oddly enough, Indiana Joe's goatskin is the jacket I just SOLD because he wasn't happy with the fit.
Having all those jackets in one place (see http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3221 ) it was easy to look, feel, smell, and decide which one was more Indyesque. In other words, nobody's jacket can compare to Dale's distress job on his Wested lamb. That thing "belongs in a museum!" It looks that Indyesque. Most jackets look so new, all the time.Indydawg wrote:After trying on and wearing the distressed cowhide for a few hours, he changed his mind about which leather he liked better...
But the pre-distressed cowhide looked like it had seen an adventure or three and that's the look I would prefer, right out of the box. Cow is also a warm hide so it should be great in the winter weather just like the goat and deer Expos I've worn. The drawback (there's always a catch) is that I was able to wear the goat and deer when it got warm. Seriously, when it was 75F to 78F I was wearing the jackets and not breaking a sweat. That's just my experience. This pre-distressed cowhide? I tried wearing it at 75F and I started sweating. I thought it was me (had I had enough water?) until I quickly realized it must be the hide. So, maybe I will get an autentic colored goatskin Wested next Spring if I'm not able to wear the pre-distressed cowhie for most of the 2003 Georgia Spring and Autumn.
Well, as you may have read, this authentic colored goatskin is a very new hide from Wested. So, I did have it that long (2 weeks?) and I only tried it on a few times but never wore the jacket in, around, or out of the house. In terms of being shiny, that it is. But it honestly didn't bother me b/c I just reasoned that it would soon fade with wear ( I just like to wear jackets as much as possible) rather than with 70% alcohol, etc. The color was right on---we had an authentic colored lamb there to use for comparison. I had just simply decided I would wear it in order to distress it. And, if you're wondering why I would then go for a pre-distressed Wested, I'm a bit anxious for that look since I had been wearing my Expos continuously since November of 2001. Yes, my wife will tell you that even M-F during the entire Georgia summer, the jacket was on my back (it's cold around the office) and anytime the temp was 79 or below, I was wearing it. Oh, yeah, and on all our hiking and camping excursions as well. My point is that I just wanted to see one highlight! Just one smidgeon! So, that's the baggage behind my wanting the pre-distressed cowhide.Andy Inna wrote:Sounds like you're quite pleased with your Wested goat, Indiana Joe. I gather from your comments in that other thread that it drapes satisfactorily? How do you feel about the leather's shininess, 9 or so months later? Have you treated it or done anything to artificially distress it?
I'm done typing so where is the out-of-breath emoticon?
Thanks Indiana Joe. Heheh, yeah, where is that exhausted emoticon?
That information helps me a lot. I've been stuck in deciding what
wested jacket to get- -you may have read it once or a million times.
Yeah.... still deciding about the authentic goat and others.
I guess I would have to see some of the jackets to make
my final decision.
CJ
That information helps me a lot. I've been stuck in deciding what
wested jacket to get- -you may have read it once or a million times.
Yeah.... still deciding about the authentic goat and others.
I guess I would have to see some of the jackets to make
my final decision.
CJ
yep still.
I do have a wested dark lamb.
Someone first commented that the
new batch of authentic lamb was pretty durable.
Then it was backed down, since lamb is lamb, with
not much durability compared to the goat
or lambtouch cowhide.
I love how the lambtouch cowhide looks.
it looks so much like my dark lamb, and
people say it draps like a lamb. But I don't
like the fact its a bit heavier, especially for my
75-80 degree weather.
The authentic goat is still on top of my list
on what to get. But I'm still in limbo about it.
CJ
I do have a wested dark lamb.
Someone first commented that the
new batch of authentic lamb was pretty durable.
Then it was backed down, since lamb is lamb, with
not much durability compared to the goat
or lambtouch cowhide.
I love how the lambtouch cowhide looks.
it looks so much like my dark lamb, and
people say it draps like a lamb. But I don't
like the fact its a bit heavier, especially for my
75-80 degree weather.
The authentic goat is still on top of my list
on what to get. But I'm still in limbo about it.
CJ
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I don't have experience with the lambtouch but common sense tells me that although it may be a warmer hide, it would not be as warm as the regular cowhide width on the pre-distressed or other cowhide Westeds. I guess that's why it's called cowhide and not cowskin, eh? Lambskin and not 'lambhide.'CEEJAY928 wrote:I love how the lambtouch cowhide looks. It looks so much like my dark lamb, and people say it draps like a lamb. But I don't like the fact its a bit heavier, especially for my 75-80 degree weather.
Anyway CEEJAY928, if you're leaning toward the authentic goatskin, I think you will be making a great choice. You've read the reviews--great leather, great color, and it's made by an authentic vendor. I can't recall if you've handled a seal chrome goat Expo or not but keep in mind the Wested goat is much thinner than the Flightsuits. I found this an awesome characteristic of the authentic goat b/c it really helps the drape!
Now, if you'd leaning toward the pre-distressed cowhide.......where's that exhausted emoticon? I should have one of those before I get started again.
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Predistressed cow
Hello, all. As I am officially new to this forum, let me first say thanks to all for creating such a place and keeping it as helpful and encouraging a source of information. No small feat, that.
Now on to the (hopefully helpful) goods. I recently received my predistressed LC cow from Wested and it really is a honey of a coat. As with most every jacket I've ever seen from Wested, it all really hinges on the cut of leather you receive. That being said, even their lesser hides/skins are of very high quality, in my most humble opinion.
The hide itself is rather evenly distressed, so if you're after a screen authentic look you'll need to do a bit of work for yourself. It also appears slightly light to my eye (though I find the LC jacket the lightest of the lot), though again that is something easily remedied should you so desire. In fact, I think it is perhaps easier to control the finished look of your jacket this way, filling in the darker areas by hand and leaving the leather beneath as highlights. All this being said, the coat looks great right out of the box and as if it's been a bit traveled, if impeccably cared for.
In my opinion, the leather Wested is using now for its predistressed product is of higher quality and yields better results than the old "dryer" method. To reiterate, this is of course only my opinion. As for the hide itself, it is practically bulletproof. Very, very durable. And while it is no doubt heavier than Wested's other offerings, it is in not too much so -- this coming from someone that lives in sunny Los Angeles. Being a devotee of the Wested lamb, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Should you be interested, I would be glad to email you (or anyone else interested) pics of the jacket to help inform your decision. I don't have a page to host pictures or I would of course share with all.
Again, I'm nothing but impressed with this place. I hope to stay awhile.
Now on to the (hopefully helpful) goods. I recently received my predistressed LC cow from Wested and it really is a honey of a coat. As with most every jacket I've ever seen from Wested, it all really hinges on the cut of leather you receive. That being said, even their lesser hides/skins are of very high quality, in my most humble opinion.
The hide itself is rather evenly distressed, so if you're after a screen authentic look you'll need to do a bit of work for yourself. It also appears slightly light to my eye (though I find the LC jacket the lightest of the lot), though again that is something easily remedied should you so desire. In fact, I think it is perhaps easier to control the finished look of your jacket this way, filling in the darker areas by hand and leaving the leather beneath as highlights. All this being said, the coat looks great right out of the box and as if it's been a bit traveled, if impeccably cared for.
In my opinion, the leather Wested is using now for its predistressed product is of higher quality and yields better results than the old "dryer" method. To reiterate, this is of course only my opinion. As for the hide itself, it is practically bulletproof. Very, very durable. And while it is no doubt heavier than Wested's other offerings, it is in not too much so -- this coming from someone that lives in sunny Los Angeles. Being a devotee of the Wested lamb, I was very pleasantly surprised.
Should you be interested, I would be glad to email you (or anyone else interested) pics of the jacket to help inform your decision. I don't have a page to host pictures or I would of course share with all.
Again, I'm nothing but impressed with this place. I hope to stay awhile.
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Hey everyone:
Just to let people know, you can still get the scotchguard for
leather at Wal-Mart. I know you can even get it at most
Supermarkets. I found mine at ShopRite. I know that there
are not ShopRites all over the country, but you should be able
to find it at your local Supermarket.
And just to clarify, here in New Jersey we say Supermarket
or Grocery Store. You may call it something different where
you live.
But I have found all the different Scotchguard products there.
Not just the leather one, but the fabric one, and the carpet
one as well.
Flathead.
Just to let people know, you can still get the scotchguard for
leather at Wal-Mart. I know you can even get it at most
Supermarkets. I found mine at ShopRite. I know that there
are not ShopRites all over the country, but you should be able
to find it at your local Supermarket.
And just to clarify, here in New Jersey we say Supermarket
or Grocery Store. You may call it something different where
you live.
But I have found all the different Scotchguard products there.
Not just the leather one, but the fabric one, and the carpet
one as well.
Flathead.
Re: Thoughts on Wested predistressed cow?
Not really. A lot of folks here seem to have gone to a lot of trouble working with suppliers to develop a wonderful jacket in an amazing assortment of hides. I don't know of a better jacket to start with, and most folks are happy to be "authentic", but others sacrifice that authenticity for the look that they want. All seem to be welcome here; I believe that it is the love of the the look, the quality and the craftsmanship in these jackets that attracts people to post here.Andy Inna wrote: The most glaring mods I have in mind would be to replace the patch pockets with slash pockets (bye-bye, flaps), and add wrist straps (similar to the side straps) so the cuffs can be cinched tighter when needed.
And so I stand revealed as a heretic.
- A.I.
Personally, I really like the look of the patch pockets in a leather jacket, although I try to avoid the same in a sport coat. However, the wrist straps sounds interesting. Could you post a picture if you go through with it? I have a jacket with wrist straps, and I like the look. Were you going for snaps or buckles (I only ask because you mentioned "cinching" the wrists tighter).
Speaking of, I notice from the Gear page that Wested once offered pronged buckles (with or without eyelets) for the side straps:
http://www.indygear.com/gear/jacket.shtml
Has anyone ever ordered a jacket from Wested with buckles (as opposed to sliders or D rings), or know if Peter still offers them?
Best to all,
plynck
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Michaelson, I couldn't find the thread I'm looing for in which you explained why the pre-distressed cowhide was getting darker so quickly without LeTap or Pecard dressings. I think it must have been in with the batch of threads that disappeared a few months back.
Anyway, if I recall correctly (please straighten me out, if not) sage Michaelson mentioned that it was the general dust, air particles, particulates, etc. that were making the Wested 'dirty' so the jacket was getting darker in appearance.
Here's my question to everyone. If I want to apply Pecard leather dressing, do I first have the jacket cleaned back to its tan, almost beige appearance? Or, shall I apply the dressing to the jacket in its current condition? It seems the latter would trap the 'dirt' but, then again, it's a pre-distressed cowhide so I don't think it'll matter.
I.J.
Anyway, if I recall correctly (please straighten me out, if not) sage Michaelson mentioned that it was the general dust, air particles, particulates, etc. that were making the Wested 'dirty' so the jacket was getting darker in appearance.
Here's my question to everyone. If I want to apply Pecard leather dressing, do I first have the jacket cleaned back to its tan, almost beige appearance? Or, shall I apply the dressing to the jacket in its current condition? It seems the latter would trap the 'dirt' but, then again, it's a pre-distressed cowhide so I don't think it'll matter.
I.J.
Just thought I would throw up a couple of photos of my Predistressed Cow from a couple of years ago. I usually put dress it with pecrads which keeps it looking a bit darker. It isn't as dark as normal in any of these links not to mention it is covered in Fuller's Earth. But it has been very durable. I am interested actually in checking out the new finishes
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... reIndy.jpg
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... 3FRI73.jpg
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... FRI169.jpg
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... FRI175.jpg
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... reIndy.jpg
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... 3FRI73.jpg
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... FRI169.jpg
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... FRI175.jpg
- Michaelson
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Humm, I don't remember ever making that statement. Usually it gets LIGHTER with use without any treatment, except for the areas of the jacket that get regular handling and darken from hand oils. A lot of times it can darken slightly due to oxidation, but enough to cause it to turn grey. It also gets lighter, depending on dye process, by being able to see the lighter lower layers of the hide after the dyed surface has been 'cracked' after distressing. It only darkens after application of leather dressing, returning moisture to the leather. If you ever find that post, let me know. If I wrote that, I have NO idea what I may have been drinking that day. Regards. Michaelson
p.s. to answer your question, use a leather cleaner and condition, such as Lexol, to clean the leather surface, then allow to dry. Once dried, apply what ever dressing you're wanting. Most companies suggest either using water soluable OR standard dressings that are oil based, but never cross them. I have successfully gone from water based TO standard oil based, but never the other way around. Just something to mull over.
p.s. to answer your question, use a leather cleaner and condition, such as Lexol, to clean the leather surface, then allow to dry. Once dried, apply what ever dressing you're wanting. Most companies suggest either using water soluable OR standard dressings that are oil based, but never cross them. I have successfully gone from water based TO standard oil based, but never the other way around. Just something to mull over.
Last edited by Michaelson on Thu Sep 11, 2003 7:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Indiana Texas-girl
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Zen, your jacket looks like it has a very smooth finish compared to my PD and others I've seen. It doesn't look as grainy (bumpy skinned).
P.S. Check out the 4-legged octapus with the fedora-like hat in the back ground...Are those brains (or baby snakes ) coming out? ick!
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... reIndy.jpg
Off topic...do blue eyed people have more of a tendency for their eyes to turn red in flash pics?
P.S. Check out the 4-legged octapus with the fedora-like hat in the back ground...Are those brains (or baby snakes ) coming out? ick!
http://www.adventurersplace.com/Convent ... reIndy.jpg
Off topic...do blue eyed people have more of a tendency for their eyes to turn red in flash pics?
- Michaelson
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Yep. Blue, then green, and on from there, as the cornea allows the flash to pass through and bounce off the back of the eyeball. You're litterally seeing the back of the eye when you see the red. That's why professional photographers use angled flashes to bounce the light up and away from the eyes. Rule of thumb, angle if incidence is equal to angle of reflection. (yes, I am a professional and don't do it at home, needless to say. ) Regards. Michaelson
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People should be bowing to your MIGHTY GREATNESS!Indiana Texas-girl wrote:So I should get people to photograph me on their knees or from a balcony up above to angle away from my cornea? (joking)
NEAL! NEAL BEFORE HOLLY THE TEXAS GIRL… FOR WHICH YOU ARE UNWORHTY!
Sorry... new camera's have a feature that will cause the flash to "blink" a few times just before the shot is taken so you won't GET red-eye. [I don't know why, I always get Red-eye... I mean bloodshot. Could it be... nahh!]
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hahaa! That's the biggest "Bwaaaah" I've heard in a while!Renderking Fisk wrote: People should be bowing to your MIGHTY GREATNESS!
NEAL! NEAL BEFORE HOLLY THE TEXAS GIRL… FOR WHICH YOU ARE UNWORHTY!
Well, my eyes must be anti-Red-eye-Redux...my last cam and my current ones want me to have the "evil red" eyes like Grand Admiral Thrawn.Sorry... new camera's have a feature that will cause the flash to "blink" a few times just before the shot is taken so you won't GET red-eye. [I don't know why, I always get Red-eye... I mean bloodshot. Could it be... nahh!]
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Thanks for the Lexol tip. BTW, I truly cannot find that thread. Perhaps if I tell you that in it, Indydawg and I were theorizing why it would daken so quickly (a month!) and we were thinking that, "Skin Tans!" Leather being skin, it must be getting some rays and thus, getting darker. However, you told us that the predistressed hide was quite raw and it was just getting 'dirty' and thus darker.Michaelson wrote:Humm, I don't remember ever making that statement. Usually it gets LIGHTER with use without any treatment, except for the areas of the jacket that get regular handling and darken from hand oils. A lot of times it can darken slightly due to oxidation, but enough to cause it to turn grey. .... It only darkens after application of leather dressing, returning moisture to the leather. If you ever find that post, let me know. If I wrote that, I have NO idea what I may have been drinking that day. Regards. Michaelson
Oh well, no problem. I'll clean it and Pecard it. : <--can I use a proper noun as a verb here? Anyway, the oil base seems like it would repell water much better than the water base. Would you not suggest the oil base for the pre-distressed Wested?
- Michaelson
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Hummm. Makes sense, but honestly, I've slept since then, and just flat don't recall. I do recall a like discussion regarding Aldens, but once again, can't recall when THAT discussion occurred. They say as you age, the memory is the second thing to go. Unfortunately, I can NOT remember the first... Regards. Michaelson
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I've owned my pre-distressed cowhide jacket for more than 2 years now, and I am still loving it. After my initial treatments of Pecards Leather Dressing, I've been consistantly treating it every 6 months. The jacket is now much darker then when I first received it, and the stiffness is entirely gone. I like the distressed look and feel it has, and I don't think I'd be as happy with a non-distressed jacket. I wear it often--at least a couple times a week--and it has not shown any sign of wear.
I guess I'm saying that if you want the pre-distressed look, this is the best way to go. It takes a while for the color to darken to a Last Crusade look, but when it reaches that level of softness, you'll be more than pleased. If you wanted, I'm sure more frequent treatments of Pecards would do the trick.
I guess I'm saying that if you want the pre-distressed look, this is the best way to go. It takes a while for the color to darken to a Last Crusade look, but when it reaches that level of softness, you'll be more than pleased. If you wanted, I'm sure more frequent treatments of Pecards would do the trick.