Ingrid H Report post Posted April 9, 2017 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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Darby Report post Posted April 9, 2017 I would think you would run the risk of making Cuir Bouilli. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
battlemunky Report post Posted April 9, 2017 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted April 10, 2017 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted April 10, 2017 Upholstery guys use steam all the time as they are adjusting interiors. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredk Report post Posted April 10, 2017 But are they not using chrome-tanned leather? and not veg tanned? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted April 10, 2017 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
