Iron out leather scratches?

[zinninge]

Somebody told me that you could use an iron to soften leather and bring out the oils and help get rid of scratches. This anybody know if this really works and if it is safe? I have a lot of cat scratches in my leather ottoman would be thrilled actually worked

[drcollie]

Yikes! No, don't do that! What kind of leathers is on your ottoman?

[zinninge]

Yikes! No, don't do that! What kind of leathers is on your ottoman?

H&M Weston. Homeguides says to rub a small amount of oil into the scratch, cover with a slightly damp cotton cloth, and apply just the pointed tip. The heat of the iron is supposed to bring the natural oils of the leather to the surface.

[drcollie]

I'd never heard of this, let us know how it works out! There is no way that would work on a finished (painted) leather, and perhaps could on an aniline hide - but I'd try it on a swatch first. Weston has a waxy topcoat, all you really have to do to remove or make less visible less surface irregularities on that leather is to make a fist, then friction rub it hard and fast with the heel of your hand. That heat and friction will reflow the waxy topcoat on Weston and the scratch will be gone - or mostly so.

[zinninge]

I'd never heard of this, let us know how it works out! There is no way that would work on a finished (painted) leather, and perhaps could on an aniline hide - but I'd try it on a swatch first. Weston has a waxy topcoat, all you really have to do to remove or make less visible less surface irregularities on that leather is to make a fist, then friction rub it hard and fast with the heel of your hand. That heat and friction will reflow the waxy topcoat on Weston and the scratch will be gone - or mostly so.

Duane, I think I'll go with your advice. I won't be taking an iron to my beautiful H&M Somerset chair and ottoman :-)