rhinez0r Report post Posted January 21, 2014 (edited) I'm currently using Tandy Oil Tan sides to make iPhone cases, but I worry that these are actually chrome tanned and could corrode the aluminum body of the phone. Is this true? I was going to switch suppliers and go with Chrome Oil Tan sides.. is this a bad idea? Should I stick with the Tandy junk for now? Thanks in advance for your advice! Edited January 21, 2014 by rhinez0r Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhinez0r Report post Posted January 21, 2014 I may have answered my own question: anodized aluminum doesn't rust, so I guess the phone is safe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeSnuffie Report post Posted January 21, 2014 Aluminum will still oxidize, but not nearly as damaging as with iron or steel. Usually you just get a light film that can be buffed off. I'm no expert but I've bought chrome tanned leather several times and each time the salt content is different. Once, I had to wash it to remove the insanely heavy salts, and other times there have been no detectable salts, but I'm sure they're still there in tiny amounts. Another reason I wouldn't use chrome tanned is because it doesn't always keep it's shape when molded, though I've had some that got very stiff (this was the one I had to wash to remote the salts) and I had some that was so soft it will never hold a shape. Maybe you're not looking for a shaped case, but if you are you might have better luck with veg tan. I've always read that you shouldn't mix chrome tanned with metals but there are experts here who can give better advice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites