Do try this at home: leather jacket repair tips

[MrProper]

It always annoyed me that the original zip pullers on the sleeves of my Irvin coastal command got twisted and the zips always opened as a result. This canting meant that the locking mechanism on the slider no longer worked. I removed the pullers and replaced them with a ring with paracord and now everything works as it should. Maybe less repro, but it works.

 

[Herrvallmo]

It always annoyed me that the original zip pullers on the sleeves of my Irvin coastal command got twisted and the zips always opened as a result. This canting meant that the locking mechanism on the slider no longer worked. I removed the pullers and replaced them with a ring with paracord and now everything works as it should. Maybe less repro, but it works.

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Look great good job Proper!

 

[Destruct]

Any advice for how I might patch up this tear I caused dismounting a collar from one of my old Cals?

Attaching leather/fabric from the back and using a little glue to close the hole seems promising. The snap doesn’t have to be functional, just looking to close the hole and prevent further tearing.

 

[Will Zach]

Any advice for how I might patch up this tear I caused dismounting a collar from one of my old Cals?

Attaching leather/fabric from the back and using a little glue to close the hole seems promising. The snap doesn’t have to be functional, just looking to close the hole and prevent further tearing.

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Yes, backing up the rip with a piece of leather and then gluing the "plug" back into place is the way to go. Contact cement is one of the best adhesives for that.

 

[Destruct]

Yes, backing up the rip with a piece of leather and then gluing the "plug" back into place is the way to go. Contact cement is one of the best adhesives for that.

I’ll give that a shot, thanks

 

[Will Zach]

I’ll give that a shot, thanks

Just keep in mind that working with contact cement involves letting all the solvent evaporate before contacting the glued surfaces. Once contacted, they cannot be separated. I'd buy some leather scraps and practice, because you only have one shot.

 

[mdgnowles]

On a jacket, always use high quality dye.

I just did an experiment, dying a brown leather belt black using liquid fabric dye. Mostly out of laziness because it’s available at the supermarket. It took several coats, between which you have to buff out the salt crystals that are added to the mixture to set it on fabric.

I’m just working some black polish into it now and it came out well but again I wouldn’t recommend this method.

I’ve dyed boots with proper dyes that have looked like they came from the tannery that way after years of hard wear.

Do you know if these high quality dyes you refer to contain some kind of a mild top coat?

 

[Wolverine]

A lot of great questions and answers here, and just thought to share some of my DIY remedies.

Regarding scuffs, rubs, marks: part of the journey, in my opinion, and wear with pride (earned it!); but when “battle scars” turn into unsightly, ragged looking marks (and/or for those who don’t want their jackets, etc. to tell a story of its own for some reason), a good cleaning (saddle soap) and proper conditioning takes care of that for the most part, bringing its supple nature and color back without removing the “patina” (you earned it, so wear it with pride!). Pecard’s is great for vintage as well as functional / hard use leathers, especially black and darker colors. Bick’s is also good, especially for newer models and lighter shades (will not darken but, as with all things, test on an inconspicuous area before use just to be sure).

Dirt, Odor: For leathers that have been neglected, dried out and/or “musty” (you know, the ones you tossed in a duffel bag after a long ride or in the rain, or something you bought off the ‘Bay, maybe? NOT judging, it happens sometimes), a good clean – cold water soak with a gentle detergent (woolite for e.g., with a touch of Blue Dawn – gentle on ducks, etc.), air dry, flat, preferably on a sweater dry hanger (air circulates). Once dry, thoroughly condition (as above). For general sanitizing/dealing with odors, Otter Wax odor eliminator (made for waxed cotton, fabric and oil cloth jackets specifically, works great for jacket liners, too – minty!). Can also mist (Clorox Disinfecting Mist, safe for leather car seats and couches, etc.), or, if a pet lover/owner, probably have Nature’s Miracle, enzyme odor and stain eliminator on hand –fresh lemon scent, and economical. (Again, as with all things, test in an inconspicuous area before use, always, which bears repeating). And, of course, fresh air and sunshine. Does a skin, all skins, good .

Scratches, deeper marks, discoloration, road rash, etc. While these can be covered up with shoe wax and creams, such “fixes” are temporary. For a more permanent solution, depending on the extent of the damage to be repaired, use Saphir's Renovating Recolorant Repair Cream, a resin-based cream used to fill in holes, helps correct deep scuff marks, nicks and scratches, etc. and also repair discoloration for smooth leather that will not bleed nor rub off once dried. Comes in a variety of colors and can also be mixed (like mixing paint colors) to produce any tone. For more extensive damage, rips and/or tears, a good tailor can patch it back together, and a good excuse for a patch (you know you like them, now you’ve a reason: make it your own and enjoy!). For simple refurbishing, a wash and condition along with a little Urad and/or Saphir Pigment Colouring Cream work wonders, or a re-dye.

Resizing: Most quality leather jackets can be taken in or let out a bit (a good tailor, one with leather knowledge, can help you with that). Same when it comes to cuffs/sleeve length, among if not the easiest of repairs, next only to zipper etc. replacements, with real tailors also amenable to working with you, catering to your preferences and your needs.

I am not affiliated, etc. with any of the brands etc. mentioned above, just a happy consumer that has actually used all of the above mentioned products with excellent results, an artist and professional caring for my own items with pride (polishing one’s own shoes and/or conditioning one’s decades old jacket, for decades more use is incredibly soothing as it is satisfying), sharing knowledge and experience from my own parents and grandparents from times past, when goods were made to last, heirloom quality, as they should be. Cheers.