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Posted

That paid off!! Great work.

Art

For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!

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  • Members
Posted

Looks awesome, can't wait to see pics of the final restored seat!

  • Members
Posted (edited)

After letting the seat dry for 24hrs I realized it was tacky, so I used water then moved on to denatured alcohol to get as much soap out as possible. I didn't know how else to solve that problem. I should have asked. After letting it dry over night I started the filling process. Quite nervous about this stage. I'll let it dry over night again. Tomorrow I'll sand it and refill as needed. I am concerned about the dent that I filled in will not survive the wear and tear of someone sitting on it. The surface there was not ripped and I am concerned the filler wont have anything to grab on to. Any ideas on the grit of sandpaper to use? I was thinking 2000.

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Edited by LuckyRabbitsFootLeather
  • Members
Posted

Lucky, you are well on your way. I not only ride flesh and blood horses, but; iron horses too. I can tell you , you are getting into an area that you can make a good amount of money at, once your name gets out there. Perhaps it would help if you picked up another old seat in not so good condition, and completely recovered it to show your ability. The owner of that seat, might even be interested in buying it. At the very least hanging on the wall in a custom shop, will get you some attention, and that's is how it gets started. Just a thought.

Bob

  • Moderator
Posted

After letting the seat dry for 24hrs I realized it was tacky, so I used water then moved on to denatured alcohol to get as much soap out as possible. I didn't know how else to solve that problem. I should have asked. After letting it dry over night I started the filling process. Quite nervous about this stage. I'll let it dry over night again. Tomorrow I'll sand it and refill as needed. I am concerned about the dent that I filled in will not survive the wear and tear of someone sitting on it. The surface there was not ripped and I am concerned the filler wont have anything to grab on to. Any ideas on the grit of sandpaper to use? I was thinking 2000.

What are you using to fill in the leather? I've never done that before, on a seat I will just recover it. How is the filler going to take the dye? Remember, dye it is Not paint. Not really a problem, if it doesn't work, just make a new cover (using the old seat cover as a pattern if necessary). With restoration, it is often a dilemma as to how far to go. Sometimes just getting the fuzzies off and a re-dye is enough, sometimes replacing panels is necessary. I have recovered a trashed seat, leaving the old cover in place for sentimental purposes. The major factor is getting the customer's expectations straight.

Art

Lucky, you are well on your way. I not only ride flesh and blood horses, but; iron horses too. I can tell you , you are getting into an area that you can make a good amount of money at, once your name gets out there. Perhaps it would help if you picked up another old seat in not so good condition, and completely recovered it to show your ability. The owner of that seat, might even be interested in buying it. At the very least hanging on the wall in a custom shop, will get you some attention, and that's is how it gets started. Just a thought.

Bob

Boy Howdy!

Art

For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!

  • Members
Posted

I am using a professional grade leather filler that can either be used under or mixed into the dye. I bought the dye from the same company so they "should" be compatible. I made sure to research the type of leather I was working with so I could buy the appropriate products. I am flying by the seat of my pants though so I have no idea what the final product will look like or if it will hold up. I asked for customer approval before I started anything. The company said to use a 600 grit sand paper, so I lightly sanded it down today and put another layer on to build up an even surface. I'll start the color process on Tuesday; suppose to slowly build up the dye as well. I'll keep everyone posted.

  • Members
Posted (edited)

Ok, color is done. I had to apply more coats than I'd like to admit and also removed the filler in the large indentations. They weren't taking the color as well. I'll seal when it's ready and post pics. These pics are at different stages of the dyeing process, but the full shot is the "final" color. Final in quotes because I am not sure how much it will darken once sealed. I am not completely satisfied but this is all going to take some practice.

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Edited by LuckyRabbitsFootLeather
  • Moderator
Posted

Very nice work. It is what it was supposed to be with some of the "character" left in, which in restoration is very important. You've really done well.

Art

For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!

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