linseed oil to soften leather????
#1
Drifting
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linseed oil to soften leather????
Hello all
I took a good look at my 81 seats and the leather looks and feels very hard and was thinking that it won’t be long till I get cracks in the leather.
I was told by a retired leather worker (I think he’s about 89 years old and very wise) that they would use linseed oil to soften leather.
They would clean with water a few soap flakes and a little wood alcohol and before it would dry start rubbing in the oil let it sit for a day and more oil 3 or 4 times , he said that the leather would feel like butter after all the oil and the oil would not come off.
Any thoughts on this before I start.
I took a good look at my 81 seats and the leather looks and feels very hard and was thinking that it won’t be long till I get cracks in the leather.
I was told by a retired leather worker (I think he’s about 89 years old and very wise) that they would use linseed oil to soften leather.
They would clean with water a few soap flakes and a little wood alcohol and before it would dry start rubbing in the oil let it sit for a day and more oil 3 or 4 times , he said that the leather would feel like butter after all the oil and the oil would not come off.
Any thoughts on this before I start.
#4
Race Director
I have used linseed oil, both boiled and regular as a finish for high end
wood finishes.
Don't used boiled linseed oil, make sure it's raw.
"Neatsfoot Oil" is much better.
Put it on liberally, don't be alarmed by the oil film, and let it sit for a day and it will all soak in and sofetn the leather to a better than new state. A couple of applications spread out over a few weeks may be necessary. Don't do it too often, once every 6 months or year thereafter.
wood finishes.
Don't used boiled linseed oil, make sure it's raw.
"Neatsfoot Oil" is much better.
Put it on liberally, don't be alarmed by the oil film, and let it sit for a day and it will all soak in and sofetn the leather to a better than new state. A couple of applications spread out over a few weeks may be necessary. Don't do it too often, once every 6 months or year thereafter.
#6
Team Owner
Linseed oil would soften leather [as would about any oil], but I'm sure it wouldn't be my first choice. There are a lot of "leather balms" on the market for high-end furniture, as well as for high-end cars. These have additives for softening, but also things to make leather smell like something other than a...well....a baseball glove...or an old steer. Just a thought.
#7
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Linseed oil would soften leather [as would about any oil], but I'm sure it wouldn't be my first choice. There are a lot of "leather balms" on the market for high-end furniture, as well as for high-end cars. These have additives for softening, but also things to make leather smell like something other than a...well....a baseball glove...or an old steer. Just a thought.
#9
Drifting
#10
Burning Brakes
I have read about people having very good results with Leatherique. My father-in-law used it on his 3000GT to soften the leather on the top of the back seat (which hardened in the Florida sun) and it worked extremely well.
Link:
http://www.leatherique.com/
Sounds like you want the rejuvinator oil.
Link:
http://www.leatherique.com/
Sounds like you want the rejuvinator oil.
#12
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I have read about people having very good results with Leatherique. My father-in-law used it on his 3000GT to soften the leather on the top of the back seat (which hardened in the Florida sun) and it worked extremely well.
Link:
http://www.leatherique.com/
Sounds like you want the rejuvinator oil.
Link:
http://www.leatherique.com/
Sounds like you want the rejuvinator oil.
#13
Drifting
I would stay away from the raw materials that have worked in the early days and go with some comercial form of leather conditioner as many of the members have stated.
I have had very good results with the leather conditioners and cleaners from BMW. I have used it on all of my cars including our '97 Suburban that we sold awhile back. The Suburbans new owner did coment on how well the leather was kepted for 9 years old.
The BMW leather conditioner also maintains the leather smell and is safe for the plastic and vinal areas also.
Stay away from silicon based shinney protectants as they will dry and harden leather.
I have had very good results with the leather conditioners and cleaners from BMW. I have used it on all of my cars including our '97 Suburban that we sold awhile back. The Suburbans new owner did coment on how well the leather was kepted for 9 years old.
The BMW leather conditioner also maintains the leather smell and is safe for the plastic and vinal areas also.
Stay away from silicon based shinney protectants as they will dry and harden leather.
#15
Drifting
"Neatsfoot Oil" is much better.
Put it on liberally, don't be alarmed by the oil film, and let it sit for a day and it will all soak in and sofetn the leather to a better than new state. A couple of applications spread out over a few weeks may be necessary. Don't do it too often, once every 6 months or year thereafter.
Put it on liberally, don't be alarmed by the oil film, and let it sit for a day and it will all soak in and sofetn the leather to a better than new state. A couple of applications spread out over a few weeks may be necessary. Don't do it too often, once every 6 months or year thereafter.
Honestly, that is what I use. Get it at Tandy Leather stores. Works great on leather jackets, boots, shoes, etc.
#17
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Leather restoration
I have over 35 yrs in Restoring British Automobiles, And have came across some leather that looked and felt like cardboard. I did however find a reasonably inexpensive way to restore leather back to being supple again. 50% Neatsfoot oil. and 50% Anhydrous Lanolyn mixed together forming a liquid somewhat like Yogurt . Apply liberaly with good quality brush. repeat untill leather doe's not absorb anymore wipe off access and buff with towel. I try to do this during the summer and park it in the sun the heat helps the leather absorb the mixture. If you can't do this then heat up the mixture in a double boiler so it is hot but not scalding hot. then brush it on. After 2 days usualy the leather will return to feeling like leather again. Do this once a month and the leather will become like a glove..
#18
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Thanks All
I joined here a month or so back when I bought my vet (first one) and you all have been invaluable in getting me though so many things by posting and reading, and I know so many more things will come up, and I feel just fine as I know the combined knowledge must be 3 or 4 thousand years in here.
Thanks to you all for your help
Todd Field
Ontario Canada
Thanks to you all for your help
Todd Field
Ontario Canada