Spots on molded leather

[farmersracer]

Hi

I have just started to wet form veg tanned leather. But I get lots of tiny black spots on the leather. I can definitely say that they are not there when I cut out the dry leather parts. What is this - something in the water, the leather or the mold?

Thanks for all tips.

Lars Gustavsson

[Northmount]

If you get any iron/steel filings on veg tan leather, when wet it will react with the tannin in the leather producing blue/grey/black spots.  You can bleach it out with oxalic acid or with lemon juice.  Make sure to keep metal working operations away from your leather.  I saw a comment a few days ago about some leather being contaminated before you get it.  So that is another possible.

Tom

[farmersracer]

Thanks Northmount

This makes perfect sense. I have used a iron enamel tray when soaking the leather. I also sand the wood mold before using it. There might be a nail or two treating metal dust.

Thanks for the help