How to remove a leather embossment?

[S.Kenton]

Is there anyway to do this? Wife bought me a game bag for Christmas from fleabay, I love the bag, however I have been thinking of reworking it for a more period correct look. Starting with the dog embossment on the flap if I can remove it.. so how can I safely do this? I’ve tried to steam it out.. no luck. I’ll then remove the current stain that’s on it and restain the leather. I’d also like to rub some bluing on the rings… these are plans I have when I get time.. any thoughts on these ideas?? BESIDES to not do it.. tap the photo for a better view.

 

[JeffG]

That's a hard one. I have passed on many a leather item because I didn't like the embossing. The best or closest I have come is soaking the leather with water, and ironing it with a medium hot clothes iron, much like getting a dent out of a gunstock. Depending on how it was embossed, you may improve it, but it probably won't be perfect. You will likely have to repair the finish also.

 

[S.Kenton]

That's a hard one. I have passed on many a leather item because I didn't like the embossing. The best or closest I have come is soaking the leather with water, and ironing it with a medium hot clothes iron, much like getting a dent out of a gunstock. Depending on how it was embossed, you may improve it, but it probably won't be perfect. You will likely have to repair the finish also.

I even thought of trying to sand it off… I mean it’s not terrible.. but if I can get it removed I certainly will

 

[Flintandsteel]

Cover the flap with a piece of hair on hide. Deer, elk, wolf, etc., you choose.

 

[S.Kenton]

Cover the flap with a piece of hair on hide. Deer, elk, wolf, etc., you choose.

I had thought of that, I may try it

 

[andy52]

Wet the area where the embossing is, dripping wet. Let soak in well and use a burnishing tool to rub it. Some slight indentation might remain but it won't be as noticeable.

 

[DiMarco_Mercantile]

Wet the area where the embossing is, dripping wet. Let soak in well and use a burnishing tool to rub it. Some slight indentation might remain but it won't be as noticeable.

To expand on that, you could go one step further and beat the soaked area with a wooden mallet. Although if it works, you may be left with a bunch of marks from where you hit it.

 

[Two Feathers]

My $0.02:
I think a lot of your chance for success lies in what kind of top coat or finish was applied OVER the leather after it was embossed? Some sealers will seal the leather so well that you'll NEVER get that dog's head off? Experimenting is your best bet.
For my own choice I'd try laying a damp tea towel over the area and iron it with a medium high heat iron, as was previously stated, it's like taking a dent out of a gun stock or knife handle.
Good luck.
God bless:
Two Feathers

 

[andy52]

Be gentle with any heat source you use leather tends to get really hard if subjected to high heat.

 

[Two Feathers]

Be gentle with any heat source you use leather tends to get really hard if subjected to high heat.

Agreed!!
Two Feathers

 

[Robby]

Doggone if I know!
Robby

 

[longcruise]

You could create something that you like the looks of and stitch it over.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Depends on the type of leather its made of as to how much you can eliminate the impression. You won't be able to get rid of all of it most likely so a patch of some other type of leather is recommended. Cut out a shape like pictured, bevel anf burnish the edges then sew it on.

 

[DanL]

Dogs are period correct for hunting

 

[Ames]

You could identify the breed and go get you one!

 

[flashpoint]

You will never be able to re-stain the leather and have it match so there will be a noticeable edge where one stain meets the other. Plus, the leather may have been waxed or water proofed. If you try to "beat" it out, you will only weaken and mat the integrity of the leather fibers which will make that area look liked a stretched out T-shirt. Like above, putting a patch over it with leather contact cement and then sewing it might be the best way. You could have your initials embossed on the patch or affix a Native American medicine wheel or some other decoration you might find from Crazy Crow.

 

[Pete G]

Add some horns and call it a deer.

 

[S.Kenton]

I thought about cutting out the embossment, and putting a design in it, then stitching a colored piece of fabric on the backside of the flap.. that would show the design.