Cracked my first attempt at a leather spine today

I was trying a new technique on a 1920s novel restoration last night and the leather split right down the middle after I applied the glue. The whole piece was ruined because I pressed too hard on the turn-ins without letting the adhesive set first. Any tips for getting the pressure right on thick leather hinges without ruining the finish?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_sam8d ago

Press the leather like you're tucking in a newborn and you'll just have a mess on your hands. Give the glue at least ten minutes to tack up before you even think about touching the turn-ins. Your mileage may vary but rushing the set time has cost me more leather than I care to admit.

jennifer2048d ago

Wait you actually cracked the leather? No way.

carter.casey8d ago

Nah I feel you, I thought the same thing at first. What ended up working for me was hitting it with a little bit of coconut oil and letting it soak in overnight, then gently rubbing the crack area with my fingers to soften it back up. Did you try anything on it yet?