>>> which products I should purchase
The recommend products to use is Leather Doctor Kit-At5.ws. Additional Hydrator-3.3 and Fatliquor-5.0 is necessary to continue working without stopping otherwise while waiting for supplies to comes in your leather dries up and what is use gone to waste as you have to start all over again in one go until the leather structure is supple up to stretch back to dimension. You find this on-line at
http://www.leatherdoctor.com/kit-at5-ws-auto-leather-water-damaged-restoration-kit/
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>>> any tricks or techniques for repair and restoration
Read the information from the above Kit-At5.ws link
This is a three part restoration system comprises of:
1- CleanPro-1.5 > Acidifier-2.0 system,
2- Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Hydrator-3.3 system and
3- Protection-B system.
Color damages refinishing is an secondary option with this Kit-Ap7.cl
2- Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Hydrator-3.3 system: Hydrator-3.3 is used to relax the shrunk, stick together leather fiber structure, separating and opening it up so that the Fatliquor-5.0 can easily penetrates and moves into the inter-fibrillary spaces, plumps and lubricates it, to return to suppleness when dry from stiffness and cracking. Depends on shrinkage severity from heat, the upper leather finishes strata may not response and thus give way when stretch back to pre-existing condition. A stretching test may be perform to determine if the finishes coatings already delaminate from the leather crust, if so it is more prudent to shave it off for direct accessing the leather crust. If the finishes is intact, then it might be easier to access the thickness of the leather through the perforated and stitching holes or follow the water path into the stitching rows. Bamboo toothpick is used to resize the perforated holes when the leather is plump and limp. Leaving each perforated holes with the bamboo toothpick helps to inspect the alignment in the drying process. It is removed finally to achieve uniform holes size for better appearance. The crust surface has tighter pores then the reverse suede side. Working system is preferably is to apply direct from the suede side, if removing the leather covering is not a huge problem. It is also safer when working on the suede side without direct contact with the finishes. Dwelling up to 72hours with evaporation control is recommended to relax the fiber for easier manipulation with force staking action using a smooth spatula or spoon. The mechanical action force to stretch back the shrinkage may likely damage the surface finishes and safer when work from the reverse suede side if possible, unless coloring or refinishing options is already under consideration. Otherwise to minimize finishes damages force stretching is recommended on the reverse suede side. The shrinkage finishes add burden to the structure stretching as it holds back with stiffness and Hydrator-3.3 has no effect on it. When refinishes is an option (http://www.leatherdoctor.com/kit-ap7-cl-auto-pigmented-perforated-leather-color-refinishing-kit/) then shaving off the color finishes help the leather structure to force stretch back easier. This process of undoing the shrinkage is done in combination with Fatliquor-5.0. Fatliquor helps wedges and lubricates the fiber while it is being separates. Otherwise, when the hydrator dries out before the fatliquor can takes its place the fiber may become stick together again. Leather fibers interlock one another like hinges for flexibility and like metal hinges when it gets rusted and jams tight, a rust remover with mechanical forces works in similar fashion with hydrator before a lubricant like fatliquor is applied to loosen it. In between initial hydrating to relax the stick together fiber and the slow drying, fatliquor may be used simultaneously as a in between before moving totally using fatliquor. Before the leather is completely dry after fatliquor replenishing, it is recommended that it is flexed and massaged until it dries to the desired suppleness. Any fatliquor residue remaining on the surface is brush-in or removed completely with Hydrator-3.3.
Tips:
2.1- The thickness of the leather is saturated to an optimum level with moisture oozing out when gently pressed between thumb and fingers with Hydrator-3.3. Recommend that folding Towel-5 be used as a reservoir to contain the Hydrator-3.3 to slowly penetrate the leather structure, easier through the perforation or stitching rows for quick access.
2.2- The leather is cover up with plastic wrapping to control evaporation and let it dwell up to 72hrs for complete hydration or saturation. Put a towel over the plastic sheet and the seat can be ready for use. Body weight and motion helps to massage and the hydrating saturated leather to a degree. Recommend that the moisture level is kept consistently high at daily interval inspection during the hydrating process.
2.3- When fully hydrated and relaxed it is then manipulate by staking, stretching, massaging or cross flexing the shrinkage to satisfaction. Bamboo toothpick lines up the perforation holes to maintain uniform size and is removed when completely dry. Flat surfaces may be rolled with a glass bottle to eliminate ridges. When completely dry, using an iron on wool setting helps to removes unwanted ridges satisfactorily.
2.4- With satisfaction and allowing up to 25% combine moisture content or when a cotton dry towel remains dry from wiping and the leather is still damp with Hydrator-3.3, fatliquoring with Fatliquor-5.0 begins before the leather is completely dry.
2.5- The fatliquored leather is left to slow dry and any surface shining residue is driven into the leather structure by brushing in conjunction with Hydrator-3.3 until milky residue if any turns crystal clear.
2.6- The surface clear moisture is extract with a cotton towel until towel shows dry.
2.7- Begin staking, stretching, massaging or cross flexing one more time before the leather is completely dried for the desired suppleness.
Let me know if you need further clarification from what you read.
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Roger Koh
Leather, Skin & Hair Care System Formulator
Consultant / Practitioner / Instructor / Coaching
web: www.leatherdoctor.com
forum: www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com
email:
[email protected]