KADOYA MAGAZINE Vol.09 "Artisan" Leather jacket maintenance taught by riff leather craftsmen-02 ~Complementary colors and storage~

``Craftsman'' Leather jacket maintenance taught by a reflex leather craftsman-02

~ Complementary colors and storage ~

Last time, I introduced ~Dirt Removal Edition~. This time, I would like to introduce complementary colors and storage.

Next, I asked Mr. Takaguchi of Refresher.

Me: ``When it comes to leather jackets, you can enjoy how they change over time and make them your own, but there are bound to be some riders who just can't stand the fading of color and peeling of the leather over time.''

Editing cooperation (Moto NAVI) Photography (Takaaki Miura)

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(This is what I say.)

Mr. Takaguchi: ``Certainly, there are some people like that. To be honest, there are countermeasures such as recoloring to prevent fading, but since the leather surface is treated with pigment and top coat, the texture may change depending on the quality of the leather. This can also be mentioned.

Therefore, we will hold careful discussions and explain that there are some points to keep in mind when it comes to recoloring. ”

Mr. Takaguchi looked straight into my eyes and told me this without turning away.

(As a leather professional, I don't just do everything. It's also my job as a professional to say no. The pride I've built up and my persuasive ability go hand in hand.)

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What about peeling leather?

It depends on each person whether they enjoy aging as a flavor or see it as deterioration. It is also possible to treat areas where the color has faded due to wear as deterioration and apply a complementary color.

In the photo, the surface is rubbed and you can see the grayish background color, but the photo on the right after the complementary color is completely black. Which one do you prefer?

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How to apply wax

Prepare a dye-containing oil that matches the color of the jacket and apply a small amount to the tip of a sponge.

Then, just like regular oil, apply a thin layer to the problem area, adjusting the amount with the back of your hand. This is the point! By adjusting it with the back of your hand, your body temperature will melt the wax and make it easier to blend into the leather!

Finally, apply carefully to cover the peeled areas, being careful not to apply too much.

In some cases, complementary colors can make your aging look look bad, so you should consider your own preferences and how you want to wear clothes in the future before taking on the challenge.

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maintenance items

Before you start maintaining your leather jacket, maintenance items are absolutely necessary.

However, many users may wonder , "What is actually good about it?" Here, Mr. Takaguchi introduces the maintenance items he always uses.

1. Sponge to spread the oil. If you use your fingers, it tends to be uneven, so it's best to use a sponge or cloth.

2. Tanned leather has a beautiful natural texture, but it is easily scratched and stained, and is difficult to maintain. The oil for tanned leather is made by Columbus.

3. Columbus' AMeDAS, a waterproof spray with a name reminiscent of a weather forecast.

4. Toyo Kagaku Shokai silicone spray used as a lubricant and rust preventive. Direct injection is prohibited.

5. This is also a classic leather protection cream from Columbus.

6. Maintenance oil with Columbus dye that can be used as a complementary color when the color fades due to rubbing.

⚠︎"I don't normally use it for recoloring, which is done with refurbishing, but if it's in the category of self-maintenance, I recommend using dye-containing oil as it's easy to use."

7.Brushes with different hardness of bristles. Those for suede and nubuck use soft metal (brass) bristles.

It's not that it's better to have all these items, but it's important to find the one that matches your leather jacket.

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Storage method

Of course, there are points to keep in mind when storing. Just when you think it's over, be careful. !

Once the jacket has been properly maintained, store it in a well-ventilated place in the shade. When doing so, choose thick hangers and use hangers that match the width of the jacket's shoulders to avoid creating odd shapes on your shoulders or upper arms.

This way, you'll feel more comfortable wearing it next time.

Non-woven fabric, which is sometimes seen on clothes taken to the cleaners or as simple bags to put CD-ROMs in, is a sheet made by intertwining fibers without folding them, as the name suggests.

Protects your leather jacket from dust and mold in the air without blocking the air.

After maintenance has been completed, it is best to cover the items with non-woven cloth and store them in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Do not use plastic bags as they tend to trap moisture.

Why plastic bags are no good

① The ingredients in the plastic bag may react with the leather surface and stick to it.

②Moisture tends to accumulate, increasing the possibility of mold growth.

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The process described above is the know-how on how to make your leather jacket last longer, ``Leather jacket maintenance taught by Refleather craftsmen.''

Finally, I asked Mr. Takaguchi a question.

Me: "Is it okay to reveal this much know-how to the public? If everyone learns how to do maintenance, wouldn't they stop coming to the cleaners?"

Finally, Mr. Takaguchi declared:

In those words, there was an image of a craftsman who was just working on his leather jacket, regardless of profit or loss.

“When I heard his words, I, as a planner, decided to follow his example.”

---Next time: "Laundry choices."