leather collar

leather collar (Full Version)

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nicochan -> leather collar (9/11/2005 11:26:59 PM)
I've had a leather collar since the beginning of April, and I have had to wash/clean it more and more often because it starts to retain the smell of my sweat. Any ideas on how to remedy this? My Master is vaguely considering a new collar because of that and the rivets' silver tone coming off. Any help with this would be thoroughly apreciated.

MistressKaren51 -> RE: leather collar (9/12/2005 5:37:33 AM)
Leather is difficult to clean as once you get it wet, it becomes stiff and will crack. Also, the salt and other things excreted in body sweat play havoc on leather so it's a real problem. To get rid of the odor, you might try using an odor neutralizer such as Zorbx. It gets rid of biological odors without a perfume coverup. Once you've done this, use a good leather dressing such as Pecard's Leather Dressing to condition the collar. As for the silver coming off the rivets, I think your only option would be to replace the rivets, which is easy to do if you have the proper tools and supplies. In the end, your Master might be right.....it could be time to get a new collar though.

Elegant -> RE: leather collar (9/12/2005 6:17:36 AM)
A few comments, suggestions and questions: 1. What kind of leather is your collar made from and what style? Is it a softer garment or uphoulstery leather or a stiffer vegtan or latigo or perhaps even an oiltanned leather. How is it made? Are any rivets covered by a sewn-in or glued in lining? 2. Different leathers have different care methods. The most important aspects to remember: Thoroughly clean leather after each use. Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth. This will remove topical residue of body oils and perspiration. Let items dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area before storing or wearing again. 3. Lotions, oils and body fluids can damage leather and tooling accents 4. Do not immerse in water or wear in wet conditions. 5. While water can dry out leather and cause cracking water can be used in cleaning if proper care is taken after cleaning. Leather was once living, breathing skin and needs cleaning. Unlike your own skin oils are not naturally replenished. Not conditioning leather will lead to damage. 6. The rivets are probably nickle plated and it is the nickle that is wearing off. Not much you can do about that now except replace if possible. I hesitate to recommend specific cleaning and conditioning techniques without knowing the leather type. Regards In Leather Elegant ~Slave to Master Archer ~Southeast Bootblack 2005

nicochan -> RE: leather collar (9/12/2005 8:08:07 PM)
Thank you, MistressKaren, for your thoughts. I will see if Sir wants to try your recommendation before giving up on it altogether. Maybe it will help in the event we get another collar, as well. I will try it on my wrist and ankle cuffs as well. In response to your questions, Elegant: It is a 1/2" width dog collar made of premium latigo leather, made with pitbull terrier breeds in mind. There is stitching along the top and bottom of the collar, and the rivets are in the center and appear to be put in by hand. We assumed that they were nickel and that the plating was what was coming off. It has been conditioned twice very thoroughly, as well as after each cleaning (only cleaned twice, very carefully). I wear it 24/7. In the event of a new collar, should I look for a different type of leather? Or perhaps is there a sealant I can use?

Elegant -> RE: leather collar (9/13/2005 8:46:02 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: nicochan It is a 1/2" width dog collar made of premium latigo leather, made with pitbull terrier breeds in mind. There is stitching along the top and bottom of the collar, and the rivets are in the center and appear to be put in by hand. We assumed that they were nickel and that the plating was what was coming off. It has been conditioned twice very thoroughly, as well as after each cleaning (only cleaned twice, very carefully). I wear it 24/7. In the event of a new collar, should I look for a different type of leather? Or perhaps is there a sealant I can use? Chrome tan latigo is produced in either dry or oiltan finish with the oiltan latigo being pricier. The oiltanned latigo has tallows and/or fats incorporated in the tanning process. This makes for a superior hide often used for saddles and horse harnesses. Most latigo leather used for products such pet collars, handbags, belts etc are 'dry'. Unfortunatly 'dry' latigo absorbs sweat and moisture more so that oiltanned latigo. quote: Or perhaps is there a sealant I can use? Totally sealing leather is not advisable as leather does need to 'breath' or it will become brittle inside and could get dry-rot. Proper conditioning can add some necessary oils to dry latigo but this needs to be done before being worn and often during the life of the item. I suggest Aussie Leather Conditioner, Huberd's Boot Grease or Pecards. I do not personally recommend Lexol conditioner. It is billed as an easy to use conditioner only because it is water based..hence the water needs time to evaporate between applications. I clean and condition our personal leathers (clothing, toys, collars etc) at least 4 times a year and I try to always damp wipe leather after use...even my own collar I damp wipe and dry at least monthly. quote: I wear it 24/7. When you say that you wear it 24/7 does this mean you wear it for showers, swimming etc? If so, I advise against that. Also remember when considering a collar made for a dog:dogs don't sweat, dogs don't wear lotions, perfumes, hairsprays etc, dog collars lay on furr not skin. Don't hesitate to ask anything else.

markel -> RE: leather collar (9/13/2005 9:21:37 PM)
I personally love the way leather takes on the scent of the wearer over time. If you decide to get a new collar, send me the old one! LOL -markel

nicochan -> RE: leather collar (9/14/2005 12:31:58 AM)
Elegant: Thank you so much for the information about the leather differences, I had no idea. I thought that there was just thin suede kind of leather and very thick tooling/item-making leather. That sure helps. It does seem to more readily absorb anything but water, heh. As for sealing, I was considering sealing only the side that is directly against my skin, so the leather would not dry out... But I suppose that would still not be good for it. I definitely conditioned it very, very well before I wore it, and the subsequent 2 times as well. Since we made the cuffs from a roll of leather, as a project, I have done the same quality of conditioning on them as well, though I think it will take quite a while for them to soften up anywhere near as much. They are still quite stiff. I will have to do a damp wipe then, more often than just major conditioning. Yes, I do now wear it 24/7. Since about 2 months ago, when my Master put on a new lock that I do not have a key to like I did with the others. I don't use hair gels, sprays, etc. and I do not use lotions or perfumes on my neck, since it would bother the leather. But... dogs don't sweat?! facepalm I can't believe I didn't remember that! Oh, man. I feel pretty stupid now. LOL! But I also did not take into account that it normally sits on fur and does not contact directly with skin. markel: It's not a "scent," unfortunately... giggles It's a pungent, sweaty smell. I wouldn't mind so much if it smelled like me! But here in Louisiana, it it quite hot, if not warm, most of the time, so the back of my neck is a place that tends to sweat more. le sigh ------------------ I have told Him about the discussion on here, and how you guys have been so helpful. He joked, "Humm... I will have to teach it not to sweat then." LOL! Sir is considering a metal collar now. He told me to poke around House of Collars (www.houseofcollars.com). He said that He liked the rolled/roundish stainless steel ones, which I like as well. I gave Him my neck measurement as asked, in the event that He orders one. I'm excited.

Elegant -> RE: leather collar (9/14/2005 7:23:27 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: nicochan Thank you so much for the information about the leather differences, I had no idea. I thought that there was just thin suede kind of leather and very thick tooling/item-making leather. That sure helps. It does seem to more readily absorb anything but water, heh. Oh my...there are dozens and dozens of different tanning and processing methods. Even being a leather artisan and a bootblack I am constantly learning more. quote: ORIGINAL: nicochan Yes, I do now wear it 24/7. Since about 2 months ago, when my Master put on a new lock that I do not have a key to like I did with the others. IMO not a good idea. What would happen if you were not with him and had to go to the Emergency Room? They would cut off the collar. Ask (beg) him to let you take it off for showers perhaps? quote: I have told Him about the discussion on here, and how you guys have been so helpful. He joked, "Humm... I will have to teach it not to sweat then." LOL! Sir is considering a metal collar now. He told me to poke around House of Collars (www.houseofcollars.com). He said that He liked the rolled/roundish stainless steel ones, which I like as well. I gave Him my neck measurement as asked, in the event that He orders one. I'm excited. When measuring for any collar: determine the width of the collar you might be getting. Then cut a piece of paper that width and wrap it around your neck. Measure that piece of paper. The wider the collar the longer it will need to be, in most cases. All the best!

ProtagonistLily -> RE: leather collar (9/14/2005 7:40:21 AM)
quote: I do not personally recommend Lexol conditioner. It is billed as an easy to use conditioner only because it is water based..hence the water needs time to evaporate between applications. I couldn't agree with this statement more, Elegant. Not only for the things you say, but it's not easy to use. It's 'drippy' and becomes hard to control. If you live near a tack shop, you could ask them to show you what products they have. I would recomend either a paste or a thick cream. My ultimate gripe with Lexol is the consistancy. Lily

nicochan -> RE: leather collar (9/14/2005 9:15:37 PM)
Elegant, thanks so much, again, for your great advice. It is truly appreciated. Lily, thanks for the note about the leather conditioner. Sir's conditioner for his leatherwork is a lovely thick cream that makes my fingers smooths as I work it into the leather. Bonus! :) I assume the correct way to condition it is to put it on generously, rub it into the leather, let it sit a while, then take a cloth and do a gentle wipe to get the excess cream off but let it completely absorb the rest. Am I correct?

DarkQuin -> RE: leather collar (9/16/2005 1:01:00 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: nicochan I've had a leather collar since the beginning of April, and I have had to wash/clean it more and more often because it starts to retain the smell of my sweat. Any ideas on how to remedy this? My Master is vaguely considering a new collar because of that and the rivets' silver tone coming off. Any help with this would be thoroughly apreciated. Leather care is part science and part art, hence we are constantly learning about it and each item is different. I would suggest using a conditioner with wax in it, like Pecard's and not wearing it in the shower. The water from the shower drains all oils, and conditioner from it as the water evaporates. Every time it gets wet it needs to be cleaned and reconditioned. I've made a lot of collars that were designed for full time use and not just for scening, and they require a bit more maintenence than those that sit in a toy bag. I would give it a good conditioning with Pecard's and coat the the rivet heads with clear nail polish. The nail polish will protect the nickel of the rivet heads from wearing off and needs to touched up a occasionally. If the collar smells, you may want to wash it lightly with a mild soap non perfume soap and then condition it. Quin

plantlady64 -> RE: leather collar (9/16/2005 1:36:17 PM)
Hello There, I never take my leather collar off. When I shower I wash it with body soap just the rest of me. I've had mine on now for 6 months and maybe showering with it on is the key that keeps mine from smelling funny. Also when I put on my perfume I spray some on the inside of the collar so it actually smells like my cologne. I know vinegar removes odors so maybe try some vinegar or how about fabreeze? Sincerely,

nicochan -> RE: leather collar (9/18/2005 9:23:14 PM)
Quin: Thanks so much for your great suggestions. I did not think of the nail polish! I will polish the rivets that still look good. I suppose I could just replace the others that the nickel has come off of? They are 4-pronged. plantlady: I shower in mine as well, and it seems to help a whole lot. I'd rather shower with it and have it clean and then condition it than have it take in my oils and condition over that. I'm assuming that works well for you? -------------------------------- Additional question. In the event Sir does get a stainless steel collar that opens with a small allen wrench, are there recommendations for certain places, or negative/positive/different experiences with people that I should know about (like houseofcollars.com, eternitycollars.com, etc.)? There are significant price differences and I was wondering what contributes to that, assuming that both of them, and others are assumed to be very good quality.

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