Eastman B-3 "Redskin" treatment advice requested

[Fiver64]

Hello All,

I just took delivery of a nearly-new ELC Rough Wear "Redskin" (off Ebay for $700), and while I love the quality of the jacket, I was juggling the idea of exploring options on contrasting the colors between the brown HH panels and the russet sheepskin, giving it a little more of a noticeable 2-tone effect. It just looks "too new" (and a tad "orange-ish") for my taste. Is there any way to enhance or darken the russet to give it a more deep, contrasting look? Conditioner oils? Or will it darken naturally over time?

Any advice or horrifying-experience anecdotes would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Fiver64]

 

[Fiver64]

The photo looks darker than it actually is in the natural light of day!

 

[Will Zach]

Obenaufs oil will darken the leather a shade. It is being debated whether this is a permanent effect; I think certainly long-term. Can also be reapplied to keep it dark.

 

[draš katalenić]

Obenaufs oil will darken the leather a shade. It is being debated whether this is a permanent effect; I think certainly long-term. Can also be reapplied to keep it dark.

Beautiful jacket. Try with mink oil.

 

[John Lever]

That is quite an old jacket, pre Broken Grain, so at least 10 years old or more. Any oily dressings will cause irreversible colour changes, attract dirt and grime so I would not use them. There are some acrylic stains that might work but on large areas could look patchy. If you are used to blending colours professionally then try that. Otherwise leave well alone.

 

[Bjorn240]

Before doing anything else, I would leave it out in the sun a few days - maybe a week or so, turning it frequently. It looks as if it has spent its life in a closet to date. That might highlight the differences in shade - or it might not. After that, I might touch up the sheep with Obenaufs quite lightly.

Also - that's a great jacket.

 

[Fiver64]

Thank you all for your advice and time, Gents! I think Mr. Lever has the route I will likely go. No point in lousing up a nice jacket for minor preferences. Perhaps it will just grow on me, but I'm hoping that normal wear will just darken it up a bit.

 

[Fiver64]

That is quite an old jacket, pre Broken Grain, so at least 10 years old or more. Any oily dressings will cause irreversible colour changes, attract dirt and grime so I would not use them. There are some acrylic stains that might work but on large areas could look patchy. If you are used to blending colours professionally then try that. Otherwise leave well alone.

Since this is my first foray into ELC jackets......does ELC not process their leather in the same way as they did in years past (as you mentioned) with "pre-Broken grain?" You obviously know your leather, and I'd like to learn. Excuse my ignorance....I do love the lore behind fine leather jackets!

 

[Monsieur Grrr]

Before :

 

[Monsieur Grrr]

And after :

 

[Monsieur Grrr]

john spoke well, if you don't master acrylic, don't try ...
for me it's not a problem .

 

[Monsieur Grrr]

and other little things that make a “new” jacket ...

 

[Monsieur Grrr]

....

 

[seres]

Thank you all for your advice and time, Gents! I think Mr. Lever has the route I will likely go. No point in lousing up a nice jacket for minor preferences. Perhaps it will just grow on me, but I'm hoping that normal wear will just darken it up a bit.

I agree! Beautiful jacket!

 

[Fiver64]

Wow Grrr! Amazing job and wonderful pics! Thanks for taking the time to upload all those. Those HH panels really pop! Fabulous job. I could see myself (not knowing what I'm doing) really messing up a great jacket! You have quite the collection. Is your ANJ-4 from LW? I had one about 20 years ago but could never get it to break in. Nice cut though.

 

[Monsieur Grrr]

Thanks for appreciate my friend .
My ANJ-4 is a first model from Eastman with press studs to pocket flaps and the collar ... is rare and immaculate

 

[Fiver64]

Did you treat all of them with acrylic? Does the coating become brittle or gummy at all? They really shine! Thanks for letting us see them!

 

[Monsieur Grrr]

no . just the B-3 ... apply it with a brush and a damp sponge .
it is a special acrylic which remains very flexible when drying .

 

[Fiver64]

Thank you Grrr!