The two pictures show the same situation from different view.
The 2nd picture is clearer, looking at the bolster reveal that it is non-perforated.
It shows where the water damage has reach the height of the bolster top and get stuck there, showing the water line; probably most of the evaporation takes place from this water line. Although it looks like this is a non-absorbent finish; that is, water will pools on the surface rather than absorbing right through. I believe; if it gets dry by now, water must have evaporated through the micro-crazing of the finish water line. This may also be an avenue for the stiffness rectification option. Notice the wrinkles and the whitish residue, could be an accumulation of fatliquor and other leather constituents that breaks the hydrogen-bond with the protein fibers and leaches out that causes the stiffness of the now empty side of the leather.
Rain water pH may vary, but may still be too high for the liking of the leather averaging pH 3 – 5. pH value of rain water including all other liquid solution will have an effect on the leather protein fiber. pH above the isoelectric point of leather will shift the protein fiber negative, while lower than the isoelectric point will shift the protein fiber positive. Since leather is acidic, the protein charge is positive; it hydrogen-bond with the negative charge fatliquor, so the positive and the negative ions behaves just like magnet “unlike poles attract”. Rain water pH disrupts the pH balance of the protein fiber thus the fatliquor leach out. As water wick out during evaporation, the now empty individual fibers becomes stick together, is one reason for the leather to become stiff.
To rectify and reverse the situation is to first relax and separates the stick together fibers free from each other through hydration with a pH 3.3 Hydrator.
And thereafter fatliquor replenish with Fatliquor-5.0 it to return to its original softness.
There are a few options how best to soften up the leather.
Will it be done as it is without considering the finish appearance?
Will it be done in conjunction with refinishing?
It would be ideal to strip the existing coating for easier hydrating and fatliquoring processing follows with refinishing.
What do you think?
Roger Koh
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