Upholstery and Fabrics - leather covering questions
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dduck
07-23-07, 09:10 AM
Hi! I like to refurbish old amplifiers. I recently purchased an old 1957 Premier amplifier that needs new covering. I am considering using two different colored sections of leather. When using tolex there is this stuff called piping that one would use as a seperation, or a border where the two diffent section meet. Is there something for leather like that? Also I have some questions regarding working with leather. First, what type of leather is best for adhesion? Does certain types of leather stretch as they age? What adhesive should I use? Is it possible to create a seam with it looking like doo-doo (technical term for crap...lol)?
thanks,
don
thanks,
don
Shadeladie
07-23-07, 11:23 AM
Hi, and first I have to say I have zero experience doing what you're wanting to do but perhaps can be of some help anyway :)
In regards to the piping (also can be called cording) I buy the cord in different sizes and cover it myself in whatever fabric I want (with a sewing machine) and that's the best way, but I found one place that sells it readymade in different sizes, however it may not match good with the leather you decide on. There's probably more places but here is the link:
http://www.mjtrim.com/Catalog/Category/330.aspx (copy and paste).
"First, what type of leather is best for adhesion?" None and that brings us to the next question "What adhesive should I use?" There are only 2 adhesives that I'm aware of that work on leather and they're both cement glues. One is called "Barge" and the other is called "Duall 88". I guess you can find them at leather shops or google them for online sources.
"Does certain types of leather stretch as they age?" That I really don't know.
"Is it possible to create a seam with it looking like doo-doo". How are you going to seam it? Sewing or gluing? Sewing it will look nicest. Hiding the seam where it won't be seen or where it would be least noticible is how it should be done. If you can't hide it, use a small cording between to make it look like an added detail. Don't put a seam anywhere in the middle and if it has to be seen, put a wider piece in the middle and two smaller pieces on each end.
Hope this helps.
In regards to the piping (also can be called cording) I buy the cord in different sizes and cover it myself in whatever fabric I want (with a sewing machine) and that's the best way, but I found one place that sells it readymade in different sizes, however it may not match good with the leather you decide on. There's probably more places but here is the link:
http://www.mjtrim.com/Catalog/Category/330.aspx (copy and paste).
"First, what type of leather is best for adhesion?" None and that brings us to the next question "What adhesive should I use?" There are only 2 adhesives that I'm aware of that work on leather and they're both cement glues. One is called "Barge" and the other is called "Duall 88". I guess you can find them at leather shops or google them for online sources.
"Does certain types of leather stretch as they age?" That I really don't know.
"Is it possible to create a seam with it looking like doo-doo". How are you going to seam it? Sewing or gluing? Sewing it will look nicest. Hiding the seam where it won't be seen or where it would be least noticible is how it should be done. If you can't hide it, use a small cording between to make it look like an added detail. Don't put a seam anywhere in the middle and if it has to be seen, put a wider piece in the middle and two smaller pieces on each end.
Hope this helps.