|
|
|
 STEP ONE: Cleaning and/or Color Removal |
|
| The brittle surface color is responsible for at least 50% of the stiffness of old leather. By simply removing this color coating, the flexibility of the leather will be increased by that much. |
|
| Use a quick-dry lacquer thinner. Apply the quick-dry lacquer thinner according to the manufacturer’s directions, working on a small area at a time. Use a dull-edge kitchen knife (with a rounded tip to prevent accidental gouging), medium-course steel wool, or anything that facilitates the removal of the color. Remember, it is only a thin coating and comes off easily. Stubborn spots can be helped with sandpaper or steel wool. Be careful when working around stitching so that you do not weaken the threads. Also be careful not to roughen up the surface and create a “suede” appearance. |
|
| Not all of the color will come off. Removing about 80% is sufficient. When as much of the color that can be easily removed has been removed, allow the leather to dry out thoroughly to give the solvents in the cleaner a chance to evaporate. Let the leather dry at least 24 hours. |
|
| When dry, lightly sand any rough areas and any creases that are too prominent. Sand these creases lightly in the direction of the crease with a piece of fine (320) sandpaper folded over your fingers. Then very lightly and quickly, sand the entire surface. This all-over sanding opens the pores in the surface of the leather and allows it to absorb the SOFFENER Leather Conditioner. |
