restoring patina

[onstar]

I jut bought an old Schott Cafe racer and it has 2 ugly vertical line down the center. Looks like the previous owner stored it that way for along time. Is there a way to get rid of patina?

 

[onstar]

I jut bought an old Schott Cafe racer and it has 2 ugly vertical line down the center. Looks like the previous owner stored it that way for along time. Is there a way to get rid of patina?

 

[onstar]

Im talking about the 2 folds that run parallel to the ip

 

[jacketjunkie]

You can do about as much as with a folded corner of a bookpage; pull it back straight and put a weight on it. Work it with your hands and try to even it out. Additionally treat it with a conditioner if the leather is stiff.

 

[ton312]

I don't think those creases look bad at all! They are formed from wear and even if you could eliminate them they will return. The leather is trained that way. I can't imagine why they are a bother...leather jackets shouldn't wear like cardboard. From the fit pic you posted it looks good!

 

[onstar]

You can do about as much as with a folded corner of a bookpage; pull it back straight and put a weight on it. Work it with your hands and try to even it out. Additionally treat it with a conditioner if the leather is stiff.

will it come back?

 

[onstar]

I don't think those creases look bad at all! They are formed from wear and even if you could eliminate them they will return. The leather is trained that way. I can't imagine why they are a bother...leather jackets shouldn't wear like cardboard. From the fit pic you posted it looks good!

its someone else's fit and not my

 

[ton312]

its someone else's fit and not my

That's the world of vintage leather jackets, doesn't mean you can't make it your own.

 

[ton312]

will it come back?

The answer is yes, in that it won't ever really vanish. Think of a crumpled, balled up piece of paper. Even if you iron it out...it has a memory or ghost of those creases that simply can't be eliminated.

 

[dan_t]

Scrunch up the rest of the jacket, so these little creases become unnoticeable.

 

[handymike]

use a steamer to lessen the creases, then follow @dan_t 's advice and beat the crap out of it.

 

[navetsea]

that is caused by the jacket worn open, and probably used while sitting for a long time (driving or riding) so the front panel is pushed to the side and also following the vertical piping along the side panel. it will happen again even if you get it straightened, just the model of the jacket. if you want to avoid it, pick a CR model with chest pocket on both side, horizontal metal zipper will keep the chest panel straighter.
but then you get another crease pattern, most likely this |-X-| so maybe if you don't like permanent creases, pick one from fabric perhaps.

if you want to try it chemically, there is leather stiffener you can apply to make leather become stiff, usually used by people who make wallet, holster, and book binder, try it if you feel adventurous, I don't know how it affect dye and pigment on finished jacket.

can also try to wet the leather and then use iron on low heat, over a news paper or towel.

 

[dan_t]

ITS A LEATHER JACKET MAN!!!
Beat it.
Abuse it.
Drink in it.
Eat in it.
Get drunk in it.
Fight in it.
Get someone’s blood on it.
Make love in it.

Ok, I might have gone too far.

Wear it with pride.

MAKE it yours.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Maybe it's the photos but I can't see any issues there. Creases and folds are good. Leather jackets always do that. Is this your first leather jacket?

 

[Monitor]

I'm not sure I see what the problem is but no, creases and folds can't be "fixed". Leather will stay that way forever.

its someone else's fit and not my

Well... Then I'm afraid you're just going to have to buy a brand new jacket.

 

[TREEMAN]

I can definitely see the creases in the pics. I would try what JJ advised. This would surely irritate me !!

 

[scottyrocks]

One of the best parts of owning a leather jacket is the character it takes on from wear. I've never had a leather jacket that didn't become better the older it got, and that means wear and character lines.

 

[Carlos840]

Patina,

And no, nothing much you can do about the lines. Some jackets do it, some dont.
I think it comes from different neckline/ shoulder designs.
Some jackets have the weight on the traps, these usually stay flat. If the jacket is pulling on your neck, it will usually crease like this one. Even more if it is thinner leather
My Lewis Leather and Alexander Leather have the same lines (both have chest pockets, doesn't help) my Aeros, DD and Eastman dont.

 

[navetsea]

I think if the chest pocket zips is close enough to the main zip it won't, it will make this crease pattern instead
|=\|/=|
| /|\ |
which I like much more.. ideally shouldn't happen on suit jacket, but such X creases on the front looks cool on leather...at least to me
I see pictures of bigger size CR jackets that the chest pockets are closer to the armpit rather than the center zip, then the vertical crease will happen on them.

 

[Seb Lucas]

By the way, as Carlos alludes, the use of the word patina isn't correct. This is a question of creasing and folds. Patina refers to the surface discoloration of an object and the wear or layers of tarnish it has acquired over time. Originally it referred to the film or layer of green that old bronze acquires.