I work outside a lot in poor conditions and without doubt my 184SM will get beat-up pretty bad pretty often. I hope that it will only get snowed on, but I am sure it will get soaking wet a few times. What should I do about this? I know Schott would rather that the jacket not get REALLY wet, but unfortunately in my line of work I can be any place in the world with as little as 6 hours notice and at times I may only have one jacket...that may be the 184SM and it may go into a situation that is less than ideal, such as a torrential downpour every now and then :(
100 % Neetysfoot oil or mink oil. Then a few days after you put on two coats Armorall , two coatds also. Then as needed afterwards when you notice the jacket drying out. You will notice the change in feel.
Please be aware that we do not recommend putting anything on a naked cowhide jacket. This leather has no finish and anything applied to the leather will be fully absorbed which can cause severe discoloration on the jacket. I have also personally seen jackets that have been sent into us for repair that products have been applied to the leather. The natural feel and texture of the naked cowhide leather is lost when coated with a product, they almost have a artificial feel to the leather. As with any leather jacket when it becomes wet, wipe the leather off with a soft cloth and hang the jacket to air dry. Leather that has become saturated will become stiff, you can lightly apply some mink oil to soften and condition the leather. Avoid applying and products that contain silicone as leather needs to breath, silicones coats the leather and does not allow the leather to breath. If possible get some rain gear to carry with you. Gail
If leather becomes extremely wet and soaks through the leather it will make the leather stiff. It will also dry the leather out. Once leather becomes dry it will be become weak and will be tear easily. This is why we recommend leather not to be worn in the rain, and if you should get caught in the rain to take care in drying the jacket and conditioning the leather.
Leather should not be soaked continuously as it will ruin the leather. If you have had a pair of leather gloves you know if they get wet, they become stiff. They will soften again with wear, but if you continuously get them wet in time the leather becomes weak and they tear. How many years of wear in any leather item is determined by how well you maintain and care for the item. The better the care the longer it will provide years of use. Gail
And never use Armor All on any leather. It's meant for plastic, vinyl, rubber and the like. When it first came out, the old labels said it could be used for leather, but the current label does not. Armor All does make a specific product for leather.
07/27/08 at
12:46 AM
