woolybanana Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 I have an old travelling trunk in leather which has seen better days but which I would like to restore. Anyone out there have any experience with such things please. Do I wash it and then polish it, if so, with what. Then, varnish? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Personally, I'd use a tack cleaning product as they are designed to feed leather rather than polish it. Rather like old wood, just washing and covering up does more harm than good. Go to your local Decathlon and look in the horsey department.EDIT : Here you go:http://www.horse-discount.com/tous-les-equipements-et-modeles-d-equitation-nettoyage-du-cuir.468.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Sadle soap I would think and then a polish with perhaps soft beeswax (http://www.asktheexterminator.com/bees/Beeswax_Polish.shtml) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Brilliant, both of you, never thought of that. Big sloppy wet kisses wherever you like, when you like! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickP Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Don't wash it, as that will dry the leather out Wooly, There are several leather cleaners and then leather polishes. French product that is very good is StarWax, Lotion Nettoyante Cuir, and crème rénovante cuir. Then just lots of elbow grease. I'm sure you will be pleased with the results Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Thank you Nick, but NO KISSES[;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Keep your kisses Wooly Neatsfoot oilI did think ...............well you know..............Wooly in his leather gear in this temperature [:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Talc in the creaky bits then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 If you type "leather restoration" into Google it comes up with a whole host of helpful websites. Have I seen the suggested use of Google before on this forum? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Yeah, Jimmy, but then where would R/H and I get our slobbery kisses from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Yes, Jimmy, certainly, but local knowledge and experience are also invaluable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 If it is really old dry and cracked then you can use just about any oil for the cleaning and initial feeding dependant on your olfactory preferences, word has it that Cooperlola feeds her leather with Castrol R40!Being serious WD40 is very good for removing stains and olive oil as good as any for the initial feeding, I have a WW1 ammunition pouch that I had to feed several times like this before I could move on to the lanolin based leather products.In the UK the cheapest place for leather cleaner/conditioner is usually a motor factor but in France you would just get royally shafted, I get mine from Lidl when they have a promo on cleaning stuff, - W5 soin pour cuir, and for cleaning I recommend the one sold at Ikea called Absorb, perhaps it has a different name in France, very good for stains but you then need a conditioner afterwards, I'm pretty sure that they also sell one.Editted.Here we go http://www.ikea.com/fr/fr/catalog/products/30032293The stuff at Decathlon looks British, is horsey stuff cheaper here I wonder? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 It's so nice to know that my intimate knowledge of leather products, built up over the last 40-odd years, can come in handy occasionally. It's good to share....[:P] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 I'll certainly look there too Chancer, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchie Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 I have a leather sofa and armchairs , I wondered what to use to clean them. I'll try and pick up some of your suggestions too. it does not need cleaning really, but the leather looks like it is thirsty as we say in French [:)]Do you get what I mean ? Mr Théière, please give news !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Aah the smell of burning leatherNews later. [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 [quote user="Frenchie"] but the leather looks like it is thirsty as we say in French [:)][/quote]Tout a fait, Regine. That's where the saddle soap comes in (see my link for the old wooly fruit.)Are the chaps on their way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gluestick Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 If you care to PM with an email address, Wooly, then when I have a mo I'll scan and send you the British Museum's formula for restoration of leather: kindly given to me by the then head of conservation of such artifacts.It is not just a matter of cleaning: it's also a matter of re-introducing essential oils and stuff used in the original tanning process and thereafter to "Feed" the leather to keep it soft.On an ongoing basis, I have always used Connolly's preparations for maintaining and restoring leather.http://www.saddler.co.uk/shop.html?cr=1487&pr=1369&pdesc=connolly_hide_food_for_leather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 That's interesting Gluey, how does the Brit museum's formula compare to pure neatsfoot oil which is made from the animal which you are trying to re hydrate the skin of? whereas connolly's are introducing the bee juice into the equation [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Neetsfoot went out of fashion as it rots stitching (quite critical if you're relying on, say, a stirrup leather to keep you on board the dobbin!) not to mention its origin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Aah thanks Coops, it was hard to get hold of a few years ago as there were immitation products. its origin doesn't worry me as the leather comes from the same source as do meat products. Good to know why it went out of favour though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gluestick Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 [quote user="Théière"]That's interesting Gluey, how does the Brit museum's formula compare to pure neatsfoot oil which is made from the animal which you are trying to re hydrate the skin of? whereas connolly's are introducing the bee juice into the equation [:)][/quote]PM me with an email address and I'll send you the complete information (2 XSheets A4).Mrs Gluey and I used to own an antiques biz which she ran: and I used to restore all manner of things: including once, an old Enfield single shot rise and fall breech British Army rifle (Boer War era) found in the seller's old grandad's loft and absolutely covered in rust!Deactivated; restored; and sold! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 [quote user="Frenchie"]I have a leather sofa and armchairs , I wondered what to use to clean them. I'll try and pick up some of your suggestions too. it does not need cleaning really, but the leather looks like it is thirsty as we say in French [:)]Do you get what I mean ?Mr Théière, please give news !![/quote] One internet site I saw mentioned baby wipes for leather suites - we use 'leather wipes' on our sofa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchie Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Russethouse, I use démaquillant to clean and " feed " my leather schoolbag, it is ok, but the result is only temporary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchie Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 [quote user="cooperlola"][quote user="Frenchie"] but the leather looks like it is thirsty as we say in French [:)][/quote]Tout a fait, Regine. That's where the saddle soap comes in (see my link for the old wooly fruit.)Are the chaps on their way?[/quote]I'll try the saddle soap, will have a look in the local Decathlon.The chaps are getting ready, cleaning the camper van, running some errands, they re leaving on friday at 5, as Guillaume is still in school, he will only miss friday [Www]He is excited!Will never find the right words to thank you![kiss] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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