Zebra Skin Rug - curls and folds - how to restore it?

I just received a new zebra skin rug for christmas and have a couple of concerns.

The hide is thin and isn't very supple. Is there a way to add some conditioner so it won't be so brittle?

It was folded when it was mailed and the crease marks are still present, a month later.

I imagine if we can get it to be more supple, the creases will go away?

Thanks in advance for your help.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...koh/Zebra1.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...koh/Zebra2.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...koh/Zebra3.jpg

There are two steps to solve this problem.

The first step is to relax the crease marks.

And the second step is to restore the fatliquor to make it suppler.

Two products are required: the Hydrator-3.3 and the Fatliquor-5.0.

Find products description and instruction from this link:

http://www.leathercleaningrestoratio...read.php?t=360

Roger Koh
[email protected]

>>>The larger problem is the brittle nature of the hide itself.
>>>It strikes me that it was poorly tanned and isn’t supple at all.
>>>When you walk on it, it sounds sort of like you are walking on paper, doesn’t lie flat, etc.
>>>I’d like to be able to add some sort of conditioning so that the rug is supple.
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Your email above sound like the hide is poorly fatliquored or it is very dry.

Or it could be that the hide is “cured” more than tanned.

If it is “tanned” the two products treatment in sequence will work to achieve what you wish - relax the creases, soften and strengthen the hide too.

If it is “cured” like a rawhide, this mentioned process would not work to soften it (as the hide inter-fibrilliary structure is all glued-up).

So let’s inspect the reverse side.

Additional reverse side pictures helps for identification (full view and close-up)!

Drip some water and take a picture (see if it's absorbed or pools on the surface).

We go from there!

Roger Koh
[email protected]
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification #942
Leather Care Technician
Master Textile Cleaner
Master Fire & Smoke Restorer
Journeyman Water Restorer
Since 1973