WANTED: Pecard's Experts

[unclegrumpy]

Recently I ordered some Pecard's Antique Leather Care from a US dealer, though not Pecard's itself. What came was a plastic tub of Pecard's Classic Leather Care. I was not happy, because I specifically ordered the product for antique leather.

When I complained, the Dealer replied with the following:

"Pecard has changed its labeling to be more inclusive. It is the same product
just different lid wording. Sorry for any confusion." :shock:

So my question....is this true? I believe that at least there was a difference in the past, with the classic having silicones and softening agents for new leather, but is that the case now?

Thanks!

:?

Here is what Pecard's website says about the two products:

Antique Leather Care Line

"Pecard Antique Leather Care is the safest and longest lasting leather care on the market for old, neglected or abused leather. Recognized as the premier antique leather care for decades, it remains the foolproof and cost-efficient answer to antique leather conservation. Once properly applied (and in the amounts the leather needs), Pecard Antique Leather Care provides the deep moisturizing and lubricity necessary for old leather to resist ageing. It only takes an occasional touchup on the surface to protect the leather from the effects of surface oxidation. Used by museums and collectors everywhere, Pecard Antique Leather Care is the gold standard for antique leather conservation." - RS Dorsey, Antique Leather Care Specialist, Author

Classic Leather Care Line

Pecard's Classic Leather Care products are for hard working leather that takes a beating on a daily basis. Whether driving truck, herding cattle, hauling timber, or any other job that requires tough leather, Pecard's Classic Leather Care products provide heavy duty protection so you can get the job done.

Preferred by work boot companies, construction and factory workers, loggers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts for the best protection available for your investment. Ideal protection from the most hazardous environments, as well as from the effects of snow, water and mud.

 

[Atticus]

I can't answer your question for sure, but I can tell you this: You can go to your local Harley Shop and buy Harley Leather Dressing and you are actually buying Pecards. Pecards sells to Harley who simply repackages it as Harley Leather Dressing. I know this because someone at Pecards told me so.

I would be stunned if all of it...Pecards, Antique Pecards, Harley Leather Dressing or whatever...isn't exactly the same product.

AF

 

[unclegrumpy]

Pecard's website says they have a "Motorcycle Leather Care Line" too.....I wonder if that is the stuff that the Harley Shops sell?

If so, is Pecard's all the same stuff, only with the labels changed to market the product better?

"Motorcycle leathers are a significant investment. Boots, jackets, saddlebags, pants, chaps, seats and accessories are all expensive items. These items require protection from the elements to remain supple and weatherproof, and to provide years of use and protection for the rider - come rain or shine! Pecard Motorcycle Leather Care products are high performance products, providing superior protection for the riders and their gear."

 

[deeb7]

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2433&p=24887

 

[unclegrumpy]

Thanks David!

Though, I am not sure that makes me feel any less snookered!

 

[unclegrumpy]

Interestingly, the Dealer just emailed me the following:

"I have just spoken with Phil at Pecard his number is 800-467-5056 you can call to verify this information. He assures me it is the same product and is sending me antique leather lids to change out on my product so we won’t have any confusion. Whatever you decide to do is fine with us we can even send you a lid when we get them or you can send it back."

I have not decided yet if I'll expend the energy to call them. However, this does not really foster much in the way of trust in Pecard's. Especially since they seem to actively cultivate reviews specifically for their antique leather products. Their lead endorser, RS Dorsey, is a fellow that I used to run into quite often. I've also purchased several of his books on US Military Belts....next time I see him I'll have to remember to ask how his Civil War leather belts are fairing these days.

 

[Happy Hooligan]

I'm interested too, as I specifically purchased the Antique for my jackets and furniture. I've not used their regular version so I can't say. But I'm very happy with their Antique version.

 

[bfrench]

I have a 32oz tub of Pecards Antique Leather Dressing - it states that it is all natural and contains petroleum distillates.

Can't help but think that it a close relative of petroleum jelly (good old Vaseline)

Where's Jeff (Rotenhahn) when you need him????? :lol:

 

[unclegrumpy]

I have a 32oz tub of Pecards Antique Leather Dressing - it states that it is all natural and contains petroleum distillates.

I am not a chemist, but it seems to me that petroleum distillates would negate Pecards claim of being "all natural". I don't think that petroleum distillates are like vaseline, but rather a substitute for water to help the product make it's way into the leather and then evaporate.

Hopefully, there are some experts out there that can chime in and help.

 

[fedoralover]

I can't answer your question for sure, but I can tell you this: You can go to your local Harley Shop and buy Harley Leather Dressing and you are actually buying Pecards. Pecards sells to Harley who simply repackages it as Harley Leather Dressing. I know this because someone at Pecards told me so.

I would be stunned if all of it...Pecards, Antique Pecards, Harley Leather Dressing or whatever...isn't exactly the same product.

AF

After reading this thread and this info by Atticus I went to the local Harley Dealer and bought some. I have a vintage jacket that started getting a white powdery looking substance on it. I am assuming it was a type of mold. I tried just rubbing it off and putting on Lexol but it came back. So I tried a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water and scrubbed it really well. It made the leather look a little washed out. The Harley (Pecards) leather dressing really brought it back to life. Now I have to wait and see if the white stuff shows up again. Hopefully the white vinegar will work. Interestingly I had other leather jackets hanging in the same closet but they didn't get the white stuff. Needless to say though, this jacket won't be going back in that closet.


Thought I would add this info I found about the Petroleum Distillates that is used in products like Pecards.

"BENEFICIAL RESULTS FOR APPEARANCE

The reason that petroleum distillates are used in many appearance care products is because they perform many different and important functions at an affordable price. About 90% of the thousands of Car Waxes and Polishes formulated today contain significant amounts of petroleum distillate, from the best known brands to the lesser known, as well as the highly regarded premium quality brands used by professional detailers. It is used in these products because petroleum distillates easily dissolve waxes and silicones and become an excellent medium to allow them to be spread on a surface. They also cut quickly through oily dirt and light grease and help lubricate the surface and prevent scratching.


Products that are used on plastic, vinyl and rubber surfaces should be formulated from very special grades of petroleum distillate that contain little if any aromatic and naphthenic molecules. While this type of highly refined paraffinic distillate costs a good deal more, it helps insure that the product does not attack the surface or remove important components from the vinyl or rubber when used as directed — yet, it does help to clean and lubricate the surface. Such products can be formulated to leave behind a rich and protective film of wax or silicone (or both) to help lengthen the surface’s useful life and prevent cracking and shrinkage. The use of petroleum distillate also allows premium UV Blockers to be included in the formulation as the most effective ones are not soluble in water. This can provide excellent protection against the surface deterioration, chalking and fading caused by sunlight."

fedoralover

 

[dmar836]

You mean now spraying Armor All all over my jackets will be the next new thing?!

 

[ButteMT61]

You mean now spraying Armor All all over my jackets will be the next new thing?!

No, that's so 70's. Use Vaseline™ :lol:

 

[unclegrumpy]

I have a vintage jacket that started getting a white powdery looking substance on it. I am assuming it was a type of mold.
fedoralover

I have had jackets that pumped out white powdery looking stuff...sometimes for years. In several cases, I am sure it was not mold, but rather the remnants of past conditionings using traditional saddle soap. I think the seasonal humidity changes brought the old saddle soap residue to the surface. My solution to the problem has been a periodic buff with a clean soft towel. If it is saddle soap coming out, the jacket will look better and buff out....if it is mold, buffing is not going to help it much.

Also, if you think it is mold, I would try using slightly damp clean soft towel to wipe it off. Then once the jacket is dry, get it in the sun. Repeat as needed, but don't put a damp or wet jacket in the direct sun. I have added a spray of lysol to my damp towel for persistent offenders, and that has only been as a last resort.

 

[fedoralover]

I have a vintage jacket that started getting a white powdery looking substance on it. I am assuming it was a type of mold.
fedoralover

I have had jackets that pumped out white powdery looking stuff...sometimes for years. In several cases, I am sure it was not mold, but rather the remnants of past conditionings using traditional saddle soap. I think the seasonal humidity changes brought the old saddle soap residue to the surface. My solution to the problem has been a periodic buff with a clean soft towel. If it is saddle soap coming out, the jacket will look better and buff out....if it is mold, buffing is not going to help it much.

Also, if you think it is mold, I would try using slightly damp clean soft towel to wipe it off. Then once the jacket is dry, get it in the sun. Repeat as needed, but don't put a damp or wet jacket in the direct sun. I have added a spray of lysol to my damp towel for persistent offenders, and that has only been as a last resort.

Thanks for the info on the white powder. You may be correct as it was really hard to wipe off, like it was embedded in the leather.

BTW are you going to have a booth at the Expo in 2 weeks?? If so I'll see you there.

Fedoralover

 

[Dr H]

It could be mould of course, but I'm more inclined to think that this might be some waxy, crystalline solid. Both the waxes and petroleum-based distillates are made up of chemicals with long carbon backbones, these chains entangle and become more ordered and crystallise (and precipitate from the oil/jelly) over time.

 

[dmar836]

Seems an appropriate thread to ask what the convention is on petroleum and leather. I thought I read that it has had devastating effects on leather. What chemicals, commonly found in treatments today, are no-nos on leather?

 

[ButteMT61]

The Leatherique page talks about this problem. It's in "Step 3".
Lots of folks (including Aero) recommend this stuff - never used it but I remember this blurb:

http://www.leatherique.com/do_it_your_self_instruction/rejuvinator_pc_directions.html

"... the surface may be tacky, sticky, gritty, or have a white haze. This is simply the dirt, grime, air pollution, perspiration, salts and other toxins that have floated out of the leather to the surface."

I suppose it could be crud from wearing it. But I have never seen this on my leather so I don't know. The closest I got to this was from road salt on gloves/boots/shoes when I lived in PA and Chicago...

 

[Andreart]

try bed liner.