How do you store veg tanned leather?

[Crystal]

Hi All-

I have a few pieces of veg tanned leather that I had gotten probably a year ago or so (maybe longer) and I have them rolled. (Space issues). After much reading here and some tips from very generous souls, I think they may be a bit dry. Can they be conditioned with a product to rehydrate them prior to tooling or cutting? Is keeping them rolled going to cause additional problems?

Thanks!

Crystal

[Ian]

Crystal, I punch a hole in each corner and hang the side from a board with hooks placed every couple of inches - takes up very little space, keeps it wrinkle free and I can hang 5 sides on top of each other

Edited April 4, 2008 by Ian

[Crystal]

Crystal, I punch a hole in each corner and hang the side from a board with hooks placed every couple of inches - takes up very little space, keeps it wrinkle free and I can hang 5 sides on top of each other

Thanks, Ian. Very good tip. (Duh... Go verticle instead of horizontal... another one of those slap my forehead moments.)

Crystal

[Bob]

I store veg tan leather rolled up in a cabinate, out of the sunlight and away from the lights. For storage purposes only. In a dark room works too. Stored flat is nice too, but I have space issues too. Hydration? Too dry? I don't think that would be an issue, not for me. I think most people would agree. New veg tan is best stored dry and out of the sunlight, or any light because it bleaches and changes color. I don't like to take out a roll with sun tan lines on it. Kept dry, in a large garbage bag would work too. Just keep out the sunlight.

[tonyc1]

Thanks, Ian. Very good tip. (Duh... Go verticle instead of horizontal... another one of those slap my forehead moments.)

Crystal

Yeah, I hang all my bridle and harness leather face to the wall. I have some boards 8 x 4 that came from a shop that closed down and there are fittings that hook in which can be moved, I just punch one hole and hang the leather on the fitting. I also use these fittings to hang all my patterns off.

I store my saddle skirting and embossing in bags I made from leftover curtain material, the sort that has a sunproof white, rubber type backing.

Tony.

[Crystal]

Thanks, Bob and Tony. Fading wasn't something that I had thought of, either. And wouldn't you know I just pitched a bunch of ugly light blocking curtains out.

Appreciate the help!

Crystal

[LarryB]

I read some where that someone stored thier veg tan in plastic pvc pipes, (cut about 4 foot), with lids at both ends.... So away the wife and I went to Lowes and I got several of them and I roll up my veg tan and cap the pipe, then labeled. Keep them in a large wheel around trash can with my latigo just rolled in the trash can. So far its worked great. I hope this is ok???