Embarrassing Hardpack Question.

[mnreb]

Like a fool (some of us are like this once in a whlie) I purchased a hardpack at a lower price than top of the line. I knew better, but. How does one get the excess dye off of the staps. I have rubbed until I am blue in the face and it just keeps coming. I am ready to throw it away and call it a lesson learned before I go marking up an expensive jacket with the straps of a cheap hardpack. Any suggestions besides the junk pile or fire?
I hated to post this question, but if I am crazy enough to buy what I did, then I am crazy enough to post this.
Thanks,
Bill Feuchtenberger

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Embarrassing Hardpack Question.

Bill,

Short of skiving the excess dye off (would would require the removal of the straps - and that's dependant on the thickness of the straps), you're not going to be able to remove the dye. The dye is permanent.

If you're considering throwing the pack away, let me know: paulboulden[at]hotmail.com

Paul B.

[packrat]

Re: Embarrassing Hardpack Question.

Just a thought..... if the builder used quite a bit of oil prior to staining the leather then used a Non Oil based dye then the excess oil acts as an thinner and causes the dye to bleed out...... are all the leather components doing this or just the shoulder straps? If you spent more than $100.00 on said item and you basically like what you have then I would suggest changing the straps...... Good luck YHS Paul Lopes

[fahnenschmied]

Re: Embarrassing Hardpack Question.

Try scrubbing it with a rag soaked in denatured alcohol. If not, try ammonia - it is not supposed to harm much leather but it will help with removing an overabundance of oil stains. You may also try paint remover - I have used it to remove paint and stain on leather - at least partially - but it will do nothing to oily or greasy leather. Good luck.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Embarrassing Hardpack Question.

Try scrubbing it with a rag soaked in denatured alcohol. If not, try ammonia - it is not supposed to harm much leather but it will help with removing an overabundance of oil stains. You may also try paint remover - I have used it to remove paint and stain on leather - at least partially - but it will do nothing to oily or greasy leather. Good luck.

DO NOT USE SOLVENTS!!! Using solvents (i.e. denatured alcohol, ammonia, paint thinner, mineral spirits...etc.) WILL HAVE A NEGATIVE AFFECT on the longevity of the leather. Solvents more than likely not have the affect you desire on reducing the overage, and will rob the leather of the natural oils that are necessary for the leather to remain flexible. By removing these oils, you will advance the brittleness of the leather.

Of course, you could decide to live with the overage...

Paul B.

[fahnenschmied]

Re: Embarrassing Hardpack Question.

Good advice, generally - but leather dye has a solvent in it already, if it is alcohol based. One can always add some oil to replace what might be removed off the surface. I have some 1930 era leather ammo pouches that were painted that have been stripped with paint remover, washed, then oiled that are still serviceable.