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I steamed a leather jacket...woops?

knowledgeandstyle

New in Town
Messages
14
Location
usa
I have a thick cowhide jacket and a deerskin jacket (both pebble grained) that I steamed to remove creases, but now I'm reading that I shouldn't have done it.
The deer hide seems completely fine, although it has some microscopic white particles that look like dandruff (maybe the finishing flaking off?). The cowhide is fine on the shoulder where I steamed it, but the sleeve is now a little stiffer. None of these issues really bothers me...and the stiffer leather makes it less likely to crease again (ok...nevermind it looks pretty dry and creased), but should I be worried about cracking or anything else down the line...and if so what should I do to deal with this?






The good sleeve...for comparison
 
Last edited:
Messages
15,563
Location
East Central Indiana
Why would you steam a jacket..?? Do you mean it was wrinkled from storage? Natural creases from wearing just add normal character to a leather jacket. Steam not good for leather.
HD
 

knowledgeandstyle

New in Town
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14
Location
usa
Yeah creases from packing....and all the advice from google. Well the deed has been done. Nothing seems too bad yet, but what should I be worried about?
 
Last edited:
Messages
10,977
Location
SoCal
I think you'd be okay conditioning it if you are worried.
Lexol
Pecard's
Obenauf's
All seem to be highly recommended.
Thanks for posting this, I've wondered the same thing.
 

1911 Man

A-List Customer
Messages
350
Location
Utah
It should be fine. With the cowhide (as long as its a smooth finish) a little conditioner as mentioned should soften up any stiffness. If it's a sueded finish I wouldn't put a conditioner on it.
 

Seb Lucas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,562
Location
Australia
Leather tailors often use a steamers to remove creases. But I think you need to take care in how long you use it on the leather. I'm sure it will be fine. Some Pecards.
 

bretron

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,518
Location
NW
You may have burnt the leather in spots, which ain't good.

If I were you, I'd condition the snot out of it in the areas of stiffness; gently working the dressing in with your fingertips. Let It dry, then repeat till it begins to feel softer. its like rehydrating your skin with aloe after having fallen asleep drunk poolside :)You'll know if it's toast if it cracks.
 
Last edited:
Messages
10,181
Location
Pasadena, CA
Once you damage the leather, no treatment will bring it back. You might be able to mitigate it, but that's it. When I get wrinkles, I spray it lightly with water and put in the dryer for a few mins. Works fine, and no damage ever. Good luck.
 

winterland1

Practically Family
Messages
535
Location
minneapolis
I have a thick cowhide jacket and a deerskin jacket (both pebble grained) that I steamed to remove creases, but now I'm reading that I shouldn't have done it.
The deer hide seems completely fine, although it has some microscopic white particles that look like dandruff (maybe the finishing flaking off?). The cowhide is fine on the shoulder where I steamed it, but the sleeve is now a little stiffer. None of these issues really bothers me...and the stiffer leather makes it less likely to crease again, but should I be worried about cracking or anything else down the line...and if so what should I do to deal with this?

You could post pictures so we can see the what it looks like.
 

knowledgeandstyle

New in Town
Messages
14
Location
usa
Once you damage the leather, no treatment will bring it back. You might be able to mitigate it, but that's it. When I get wrinkles, I spray it lightly with water and put in the dryer for a few mins. Works fine, and no damage ever. Good luck.
Do you put it in with heat or tumble dry?

Winterland: There's nothing to see really. Looks exactly the same...just the sleeve is slightly stiffer.
 

knowledgeandstyle

New in Town
Messages
14
Location
usa
Might have replied to quickly...definitely seems like the hardened leather is holding a crease much easier. Looks very dry...the picard's I ordered in the mail can't come soon enough. Pics forthcoming
 

Azog

Familiar Face
Messages
87
Location
Melbourne
I've ironed a few leather jackets using an iron on low heat and with steam on high and got the results I wanted or at least didn't hurt the jacket. I used a pillow case between the iron and the jacket. Although I haven't had any problems there is probably always going to be some kind leather which is going to react badly.
 

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