|
Post by Weaponeer on Feb 11, 2018 19:15:02 GMT
Hello, I got a TFW butterfly sword scabbard that has some paint scuffs, it happened while removing the wrapping plastic from the scabbard. Somehow it got stuck together and when I was removing the wrap, it took of some paint or peeled of some leather (it peeled of the glossy leather layer).What should I use to repair this black shoe polish or leather dye or something else?
|
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
|
Post by pgandy on Feb 12, 2018 2:06:16 GMT
Am not familiar with the construction of TFW scabbards nor the nature of your damage, but have repaired leather objects. It sounds as though some of the top layer of the leather may have come off. Leather dye will take care of the colouring. However, if the finish is damaged such as some leather missing, while the dye will re-colour the damage will still be noticeable due to the difference in the texture of leather. If this is the case use dry sandpaper and sand entire surface to make it uniform and then apply dye. You might even use more than one grade of paper depending on how smooth you want the surface.
|
|
|
Post by demonskull on Feb 12, 2018 2:28:13 GMT
pgandy has the right of it. After you apply the dye and let it dye apply a clear gloss top coat. It will make your repair match the glossy finish of the rest of the scabbard. You can can it at any leather supply store.
|
|
|
Post by Weaponeer on Feb 13, 2018 18:11:12 GMT
Thanks for the input guys, will try it out. What does shoe polish do to leather?
|
|
Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
|
Post by Uhlan on Feb 13, 2018 19:36:05 GMT
Shoe polish is not good here. It is mostly wax with a small amount of pigment. You need a filler. A good shoe repair shop will have leather repair compound in tubes or jars. Shoe leather may get scuffed and the scuffs may run deep, just like on your scabbard. Leather repair compound fills in the deep scuff. If you work carefully in thin layers, in the end you will not see any difference with the surrounding leather. I use Saphir Renovating Cream. It comes in all colours and in a small tube. It is made by Avel in France. See: www.avel.com. They will have the dealer network for your country. But, probably, if you search for leather renovating cream, you will find many more brands. Saphir is ideal since you can thin it with a drop of water. I use it to colour natural leather and repair and fresh up antique book covers, leather covered grips, scabbards and so on. It contains a lot of pigment. Good stuff.
|
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
|
Post by pgandy on Feb 13, 2018 20:32:44 GMT
There’s probably a scientific explanation somewhere. However, from personal experience I find shoe polish, and boot polish which I am less found of probably because I fail to see the advantage in the higher price, will add some oils to the leather to prevent drying and lessening the cracking with age. It will mostly make the leather the shine or take on a lustre if not damaged. There are some tricks in applying the polish such as buffing with nylon (such as your wife’s panty hose or hose) works well. Pure ‘ole spit or water and patience (spit shine) during application works great if you’re into a high shine. Most any military man can tell you about spit shining. Polish will restore some colour or maintain colour if the area is not badly damaged. Leather dye is a more powerful means of colouring. Dye lacks preservatives to maintain the life in leather. Neatsfoot oil is an old standby in keeping leather alive but don’t count on shining the leather afterwards. There are dressings, oils, and greases that will aid in the preservation and water proofing of leather although not intended to give a shine. The best preservative I’ve found is Búfalo made in Bogotá, Colombia. I use it on all of my leather, boots, belts, hats, all and it keeps the water out better than anything I’ve used. When applying I pay particular attention to seams and the stitching using a toothbrush. Smells terrible for the first few days. The lid states “GRASA DE POTRO” (grease from colts). I find it hard to believe the use colts to make the stuff, but then that smell... That’s perhaps more than you asked for but...
|
|
Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
|
Post by Uhlan on Feb 13, 2018 22:01:58 GMT
Oh, I agree with all you say pgandy. It is just that when the top layer is removed, the underlaying raw leather has to be sealed again with a new top layer. The renovation cream does exactly that and fills in even deep scratches or scuff marks when worked in layers. Once the scratch is filled in and the stuff has set you can go over it with any polish you like. It kind of works like plaster. Filling in the cracks in the wall. It does not shrink when drying out.
|
|