S and J Jacket Distressing

[micsteam]

Hey guys, I don't know if this has been discussed here before but if it has I apologize (mods), I have a Steele and Jones Raiders jacket in Ribby Morino and was wondering about distressing this. I love the jacket but I'd like it a little darker so I'm going to use some Picards but I'd like to distress it somewhat, sand paper, throw it in the dryer, etc. ... ?? I'm open to suggestions. Thanks for your help in advance.

[The Character]

I have an S&J Raiders in the Calfskin ...

The Raiders jacket in general has a lot less distressing on it than you think .. and certainly compared with Crusade or Doom ...

Basic tutorial is:

Day 1
1/ Hang it zipped up on a hanger (with shoulder supports) in the Shower
2/ Spray soak it all over with VERYU hot water .... let drip dry till no more drips are falling
3/ Throw it in the Tumble drier in 10 minute increments (20 mins MAX from experience) .. not to fully dry it, but to knock it out of shape a little and puff up the grain ...
4/ lay it out flat and pull it back into shape (lining pockets collar etc) FLIP over onto front and repeat
5/ put it on and wear it till fairly dry ... but damp.
6/ Hang it up on hanger in a well ventilated dry place overnight

Day 2
1/ Put on jacket ..wear it a bit to ensure its dry ...
2/ Take a sanding block (fine grit unless you want scratches, on foam block) .. gently start to go over the whole jacket BUT moreso on areas where were is would receive most wear.

- Pocket flaps and edges
- zipper sides
- elbows
- wrist edges
- collar
- shoulders ..

Notes:
The general rule is go slow and steady but remember - Jackets wear ALL OVER .. not is specific areas ..

If you want it to look more natural .. everything needs a little bit of treatment but you can sand or abrade very lightly

Avoid heavy sanding on seams or you run the danger of popping threads

Some folk including myself used to advise distressing when the jackets wet but my experience to date is that makes it VERY difficult to see how heavy the effect is ...

A lot of the sanding can be done when your wearing it to catch natural creases on arms etc .. but eventually you will have to take it off .. Sling it zipped up over an ironing board etc ..

Don't use a hard surface and if you have an inside pocket be VERY wary when doing the chest front or you'll get a nice pocket line across the front ..

AFTER DISTRESSING WIPE ALL OVER WITH A PROPRIETARY LEATHER FEED/LOTION (NOT PECARDS DRESSING)

if in doubt refer to the very many tutorials in the distressing section

Good luck and remember its your choice ... lol

My S&J below

[Indiego Jones]

micsteam, what character said is great advice
I'd like to give you my opinion.
But I need, if you remember, the order number.
So I know exactly the skin batch.
Thanks.

[micsteam]

Hi Diego, I'll send it through my email to you now. Thanks

[micsteam]

Diego, I just PM'd you now, thanks.

[Indiego Jones]

didn't got mail or PM....strange

[Indiego Jones]

Chris!
Found you!
Order # 41 (I remember, perfect RAIDERS jacket in Harrison Ford size)

That leather is our FIRST BATCH of Ribby Merino!!

Ok, be very gentle....not like Deborah Nadoolman!

Character advice is too much for this leather (on thin cowhide, like his, is ok)

Avoid the shower, and NO tumble dryer....you'll end up with a destroyed jacket.

Try this:
rub a clean cloth with little alcohol, on seams and places where you want a distressed effect.
Make a try on the reverse of the jacket (on the inner edge of the back, for example), just to test how deep you have to rub it.
No sandpaper....maybe after the alcohol...we'll see.-

[The Character]

Good advice from Diego .. the calfskin is much harder wearing ...

lamb if you wear it without doing anything other than hot water, will start showing wear on the sleeve bottoms and other areas within 3 weeks ...

[micsteam]

Thanks Diego !! I'll try some slow technique on the inside to test. Is ok to use Picards ?? Let me know, thanks.

[Indiego Jones]

Thanks Diego !! I'll try some slow technique on the inside to test. Is ok to use Picards ?? Let me know, thanks.

I don't know about pecards
I've never used it
That particular leather batch is very permeable.
Having this data, I think the expert on the subject would Michaelson. He's the man. He knows everything about pecards use.-