marked leather

[baggins]

Hi guys,
just a question for you leather buffs out there. I've made a couple of pozi bags recently and i find that when i clamp the leather after wetting it and moulding it, the clamps leave a very dark impression on the leather that is very difficult to remove. is it because i'm using metal clamps, clamping too tight or is it just the type of leather (4mm cow).
Any ideas to remedy this or to remove the marks without sanding away half the leather.
Much obliged.
(i did post i picture or my latest a few months back but i can't remember where )

 

[Bardster]

Hi guys,
just a question for you leather buffs out there. I've made a couple of pozi bags recently and i find that when i clamp the leather after wetting it and moulding it, the clamps leave a very dark impression on the leather that is very difficult to remove. is it because i'm using metal clamps, clamping too tight or is it just the type of leather (4mm cow).
Any ideas to remedy this or to remove the marks without sanding away half the leather.
Much obliged.
(i did post i picture or my latest a few months back but i can't remember where )

Sounds like the claps are tight - any pressure on wet leather will leave a mark... I wouldnt suggest sanding it out - the top layer is a different surface and if you remove it it will not be as smooth. Unfortunately I dont thin there is any way to remove them.
next time try putting thin slats of wood to spread the clamping pressure

 

[Wayland]

Are the clamps iron or steel? If so they will react with the tannin in veg tanned leather and leave a bluish black stain.

Try covering the clamps with tape to stop contact.

 

[match]

I've used a piece of thick dry veg-tan offcut in the past as a clamp liner - the offcut catches any dirt/oxidation from the clamps, and protects the real leather project inside.

Having said that, make sure you don't clamp too tightly, especially when wet, or you might permanently imprint the clamp shape

 

[baggins]

Superb guys,
Thanks alot guys, i have no idea that the steel clamps would react with the leather.
Problem solved!
Cheers