Steaming Leather

[Ingrid H]

I'm not only a woodworker but a leather worker as a hobby/for sale.  My fancy has turned to steam bending wood and then it dawned on me that maybe steam could be used for wet molding leather.  I've done a little wet molding, but it seems like the leather could be way more pliable if steamed just like wood is.  Has anyone tried it?

[Peter Darby]

I would think you would run the risk of making Cuir Bouilli.

[battlemunky]

Give it a shot and see. I think it'll either be too hot and it'll ruin the leather or it'll be fine.

 

DO NOT microwave your leather to heat it! I tried it. It burns within a very short time.

[fredk]

The leather will shrink by about 20% and harden as it dries.

If you want a really hard case for something then do it, but if you want to retain any suppleness at all use cold or hand-warm water only

[electrathon]

Upholstery guys use steam all the time as they are adjusting interiors.

[fredk]

But are they not using chrome-tanned leather? and not veg tanned?

[electrathon]

15 minutes ago, fredk said:

But are they not using chrome-tanned leather? and not veg tanned?

Yes they are.  Your post was the first in this thread referring to veg or chrome tan.  Chrome will also harden if overheated, but I think to  lesser degree than veg tan.