Jump to content
frank207

Cleaning Leather Before Dyeing

Recommended Posts

I have read recently that you should clean the leather with 'oxalic acid crystals' before dyeing. Is there any other homemade solution that can be used thats just as affective?

Thanks

Frank

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've never tried oxalic acid but I've had good results from lemon juice

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Interesting question as I have never routinely cleaned my leather with anything before dyeing - It hasn't needed it. Okay, occasionally there might be a few waxy spots that respond to a drop of methylated spirit but these are few and far between. Have I misunderstood the problem?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ferret,

Do you use the lemon juice straight or do you mix it with something?

UKRay,

No you did not mis-understand the problem. The strap for my First belt is a little spotty, maybe from handling it.

Thanks for the input

Frank

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Ferret,

Do you use the lemon juice straight or do you mix it with something?

UKRay,

No you did not mis-understand the problem. The strap for my First belt is a little spotty, maybe from handling it.

Thanks for the input

Frank

Use the lemon juice straight. Just put some in a little dish, and sponge it on. Wipe it with a clean sponge when you're done. You'll be surprised at how your sponge looks when you're done with it.

Kathy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Use the lemon juice straight. Just put some in a little dish, and sponge it on. Wipe it with a clean sponge when you're done. You'll be surprised at how your sponge looks when you're done with it.

Kathy

doesn't that make it sticky

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

doesn't that make it sticky

Lemon juice, like most citric juices are natural bleaching agents. Vinegar is a stronger version and will clean absolutely anything but I wouldn't use it on leather, it may smell a little strange for awhile :) A number of folks have been a little afraid to use the Oxalic Acid crystals, dissolved in water, by the way. I have a plastic container with the Oxalic solution, I notice no smell or gas off and it doesn't burn my hands, I normally wear thin rubber gloves when handling it. I rinse the leather with clear water after the application. I can assure you, there is a lot of junk on that leather you don't see unless you are one of the few folks that have no "oil" in your skin. Packaging residue is another problem some times. Just clean it, you won't need to worry about it then head_hurts_kr.gif

ferg

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oxalic acid's also found in rhubarb, rubbing leather with a stick of rhubarb seems an odd thing to do though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

What is the proper way to clean the leather without messing up the tooling?

Kevin.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't really need to clean the leather in most cases unless I have a greasy spot or need to remove a finish to re-dye another colour. When that happens I use a bit of cheapo nail polish remover on a sponge or cotton ball. Works great for me and it's easy to find.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...