Author Topic: Removing patches from a leather jacket (Read 10320 times)

GroovieGhoulie · « **on:** January 31, 2007, 04:03:21 AM »

I'm thinking of treating myself to a new riding jacket when I get back and I'm liking some of the "Classic" designs from Vanson leather. However, a couple of the ones I like have big VANSON patches on them. I don't wanna be a rolling billboard for one make or another, so what is a good way to remove the "Vanson" patches without damaging the jacket? Just get a stitch-cutter and go at it carefully? Or are they glued on as well, precluding removal?

Advice?

medic09 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2007, 06:31:00 AM »

I'll be looking to do the same, though on a far less expensive jacket. I just bought a close-out TourMaster/Cortech Coaster jacket. I will definately have to get that front patch off! I figure on taking it to our local boot maker (the real thing) if need be.

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2007, 06:37:54 AM »

In both cases, I would recommend contacting the manufacturer for advice. One thing to remember- skin heals, but leather doesn't. You're going to have littles holes in the shape of your patch to look at.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2007, 06:41:13 AM »

If you contact them, might be worth asking if they produce any 'minus' the patches on request.

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2007, 07:05:23 AM »

I've taken Bob's advice and contacted Vanson to see if they offer a "Patch Delete" option. We'll see how it goes. Will keep everyone advised.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2007, 08:18:33 AM »

I'm with you, I hate having to pay for some item of clothing, whether it's a jacket or T-shirt, just to be their walking advertising. Now, if they offered it free..

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2007, 08:24:44 AM »

Just talked to one of my soldiers who knows a little bit about everything. Here's what he said:

After removing the patch and string, clean the area real good with Saddle Soap, then after letting it set and dry out for a while, take some Mink Oil and rub it in real good. Do this a few times and the holes will swell up and "close". He said worst comes to worst, you could take black Kiwi shoe polish and "polish" the area and the Kiwi will fill the holes.

Now the Kiwi seems a bit extreme for a $550 jacket, but would the Saddle Soap and Mink Oil trick work?

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2007, 08:33:32 AM »

You know- you got me thinking. I haven't used it in many years, but Lexol will practically make suede smooth out. I'd give that stuff a try right off. Any leather/boot, camping etc store should have it.

Also- Nikwax is great for general conditioning and making leather more water reisitant.

heffay · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2007, 08:36:49 AM »

whatchyoo gonna do with the patches you don't want.

oh... i'm sorrry, there must be something in my eye

medic09 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2007, 09:54:56 AM »

Quote from: Bob Wessner on January 31, 2007, 08:18:33 AM

I'm with you, I hate having to pay for some item of clothing, whether it's a jacket or T-shirt, just to be their walking advertising. Now, if they offered it free..

That's commercially prostituting yourself! Shame on you!

(Where can I get one?)

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2007, 09:20:43 PM »

Well I contacted Vanson, and they DO have a "Patch Delete" option, but it's 10% of the jacket's cost, which in this case is about $50. Expensive, but I'm not gonna be some whore that saves a dime at the expense of my self-respect.

I'm probably gonna shill out the money.

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2007, 02:15:22 AM »

That makes me really mad, and it's not even my jacket !

burmashave · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2007, 09:04:29 AM »

Quote from: Uncle Ernie on February 03, 2007, 02:15:22 AM

That makes me really mad, and it's not even my jacket !

Me too: dealious rawious maximus

TwoTired · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2007, 12:41:22 PM »

It's hard for me to believe you are willing to pay someone for NOT doing something.

By rights, you should get a discount for saving them the cost of patch materials and extra time spent poking extra holes adding it to the jacket. I'd vote with my feet on that one. Maybe they'll replace the Vanson patch with another in the shape of a child's sucker, for free?

You mean to tell me you can't find a competitors leather jacket to meet your needs? I'm just not that style concious.

How about if you send me $50 for not sewing a patch on your clothes?

Well, I know *I* will never buy a Vanson jacket, or bother to look at one for purchase, for that matter. Thanks for the info GG.

Cheers,

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2007, 07:51:18 PM »

Quote from: TwoTired on February 03, 2007, 12:41:22 PM

I'm just not that style concious.

The trouble is, I am.

I guess I could contact a custom maker to do one for me. I mean, you're right, it is a load of BS that I would be paying them to NOT do something, ya know?

Jinxracing · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2007, 08:20:45 PM »

Quote from: GroovieGhoulie on February 03, 2007, 07:51:18 PM

I guess I could contact a custom maker to do one for me. I mean, you're right, it is a load of BS that I would be paying them to NOT do something, ya know?

I dunno, it seems to me that an item that's mass-produced (probably overseas) is gonna be exactly what it is. Any changes at all, even slight ones, could be a pain in the ass for them. The sales rep would have to communicate the special request to the production manager, who then makes sure the person who sews on the patch (or presses the button on the machine that sews on the patch) knows to let one jacket in the correct size and color pass through sans patch. Then they have to notify quality control that the jacket isn't supposed to have a patch, then track that specific jacket and make sure it gets to the right place. I can see them adding 20% to the price to cover the hassle, if for no other reason to dissuade people from ordering custom stuff.

I've been eyeballing Bates jackets...totally custom to fit my freakishly long arms and torso and cool-looking to boot. $600 is the price of custom I guess, but I'd probably have them put a Bates patch on the should just 'cause I like 'em.

Jinx

TwoTired · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2007, 11:43:25 PM »

Quote

I dunno, it seems to me that an item that's mass-produced (probably overseas) is gonna be exactly what it is. Any changes at all, even slight ones, could be a pain in the ass for them.

If it's made overseas and they are still charging $500 for a jacket, then they are making about $400 profit per jacket.
For $400 they can type an few extra characters on a keyboard and stop whining about it.

But, if you have the means and are willing to pay that price for style, I'm sure you're not the only one to do so.

I think they should, at least, buy you dinner before you agree to bend over and spre... Well, you get the idea.

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #17 on:** February 04, 2007, 12:57:51 AM »

Quote from: TwoTired on February 03, 2007, 11:43:25 PM

Quote
I dunno, it seems to me that an item that's mass-produced (probably overseas) is gonna be exactly what it is. Any changes at all, even slight ones, could be a pain in the ass for them.

If it's made overseas and they are still charging $500 for a jacket, then they are making about $400 profit per jacket.
For $400 they can type an few extra characters on a keyboard and stop whining about it.

But, if you have the means and are willing to pay that price for style, I'm sure you're not the only one to do so.

I think they should, at least, buy you dinner before you agree to bend over and spre... Well, you get the idea.

I will admit that I like that Vanson is (reportedly) still Made in the USA, so that was part of my decision, style aside.

However, I found a place that does totally custom leather jackets. You tell them what you want and they make it from scratch. Cheaper than Vanson too. The quality looks good. I'm gonna e-mail them to see if they can set me up.

tsflstb · « **Reply #18 on:** February 04, 2007, 05:17:37 AM »

You may have already looked here, but Barnicle Bill's is a pretty reasonable custom shop.

Any design, color and logo you want...http://www.racingleather.com/

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Author Topic: Removing patches from a leather jacket (Read 10320 times)