Pecards and 1940's Horsehide-- Too much of a good thing???

[Michaelson]

As rule of thumb, I treat at the beginning of the 'wearing' season, then at the end of the season before I hang the jacket up for 'storage'. The only other times that I would treat is if the jacket gets drenched in an unexpected downpour. After completely air drying, I re-apply Pecards. So, the twice a year scenario mentioned by Pecards is my practice.

The antique dressing is the product that kind of splits the difference between the standard dressing and the jell (or their so called 'creme'). I use more jell than standard dressing myself, as I don't particularily like the excess tacky feel of the leather after the treatment. It wears off, but I'm impatient. Regards. Michaelson


p.s. if you ever believe you've oversaturated your jacket with standard dressing, all you have to do is hold a hair dryer on the jacket with medium to high heat until you see the dressing start to sweat out of the leather. Work the jacket in sections so you have complete coverage. This
'sweat' that comes to the surface is the excess dressing liquifying from the applied heat. Just wipe the excess away with a clean dry cotton cloth (tee shirt is best), and you're good to go.

 

[Griemersma]

Thank you for the info. I got the Antique dressing in the mail and am going to give it a try soon.

--G.

 

[raf]

There is some concern on VintageLeatherJackets forum (VFL) concerning suitability of oils/conditioners which contain petroleum with respect to all-cotton stitching seen in older jackets.

Out of an abundance of caution, suggest using oils/conditioners NOT containing petroleum components on jackets which might be constructed with all-cotton thread. This includes elderly "Original" jackets, as well as some modern "Bespoke" jackets whose Mfrs (and customers) insist on being totally "Correct" in all respects. Better safe than sorry.

"Accepted practice" is to apply a thin application on the leather and allowing it a few hours to sink-in. Re-apply in areas that need it. Wipe-off any excess oil/conditioner.

A good many jackets will have a clear spray coating applied to the outer surface of the leather, intended for waterproofing. This coating is impermeable to topical leather conditioners/oils.

On older jackets, this coating may crack. Applying suitable conditioners/oils onto the surface will often penetrate the cracks and the result will be a jacket whose surface finish is somewhat darker, and which does not display the cracks in the finish nearly so much.

 

[Peacoat]

This topic comes up every year or two. Aero says their jackets won't need conditioning for 20 years or so. This probably applies to other quality jackets as well.

The only time I use a conditioner is when one of my motorcycle jackets gets drenched in the rain. I have several that are 10 to 15 years old and haven't even thought about needing a conditioner.

 

[cbez]

21 year old thread..?

 

[Harris HTM]

21 year old thread..?

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/rocketeer-jacket.1592/#post-3248586