New here, need your sage advice!

[daveangel69]

Hi all,

New to this forum. Like many I have developed a flight jacket obsession and have since been looking into preservation and restoration of the ones I have. But I barely have the first clue on looking after these items or how to safely treat them, or which products to use! Below is one of my jackets.

This one is actually rather new, sheepskin, and unspoiled, but it is starting to look a little bit dry and thirsty. It hasn’t developed much of a patina yet, so I don’t know if I should leave it for a while to develope a bit of character, or start treating it right away to keep it in good condition.

What products or treatments (if any) would you recommend at this stage? Also, are any of you aware of an online step by step hand holding guide to treatment application and process? Dearly afraid of ruining a perfectly good jacket! Thanks, and nice to meet you all.

 

[MikeyB-17]

Hi, welcome. If it’s getting a bit dry and you think it needs it, a drop of one of any number of leather treatments will do the trick. The most popular around here is Pecard’s antique leather dressing, although some are against it as it’s a petroleum product. I can only speak as I find, and have used it for years without any of my jackets suffering any ill effects. Some say good old Vaseline will do the job just as well. Whatever you use, no need for step by step guides, just apply it with your fingertips, the main thing to remember is GO EASY! Use only a small amount-if you overdo it it will make it greasy and unpleasant, and that is very difficult to put right once you’ve done it.

 

[mulceber]

Agreed - my rule of thumb (for any product), is expect the jacket to absorb it pretty quickly. If it isn't mostly dry to the touch within a half hour, take a dry rag and wipe off the excess that's left. And I can't emphasize what Mikey said enough - go easy! Less is more!

 

[ES335]

Welcome!