How to Fix Suede Nap?

[Cliff Wilson]

Ok, I know I read this in a post somewhere, but there is so much written about suede, I can't seem to sort throught the archives ...

I have a suede board that was in my rack with a smaller board in front of it. The edge of the smaller board has created a "crease" through the nap of the suede. I know I read suggestions on fixing this! I can and will experiment, but was hoping for some tried and true methods from my friends! :D

As always, THANKS,
Cliff Wilson, CPF

[Cliff Wilson]

P.S. Is it Nap or Knap?

[Ron Eggers]

Cliff I use an inexpensive travel steamer to steam out little booboos in the nap in suede mats. A steam iron might work, too, but don't actually iron the mat - just steam it. A soft brush might be needed in extreme cases following steaming. Be sure and let it dry thoroughly before you put it behind glass.

When I'm done, I usually take a nap.

[Framerguy]

Cliff,

I use the opposite type of brush. I use one of these stiff knuckle brushes that Walley World sells for cleaning your nails and knuckles. A stiff toothbrush can also be used. I brush out "lines" and flat spots in a circular motion and I also remove lint from suede mats with the same brush.

If you brush in a circular pattern, you will not put any "tracks" or lines in the suede material.

If you want to minimize those "lines" in your suede pieces, try stacking them from the front to the back, larger up front getting smaller as the stack goes towards the back. That way the edges of each board will be against the back of the next board instead of the suede side. It may be a bit different from what you are accustomed to doing but it will stop those edges of the smaller boards from leaving an imprint on the suede facings of the larger boards.

Framerguy

[Meghan MacMillan]

I use yet a different sort of brush; a suede brush (usually found near the shoe polish).

[ERIC]

I often just give 'em the brush. tongue.gif

I also find that dabbing and smudging with clear shipping tape can take out some marks.

[ 07-16-2003, 06:08 PM: Message edited by: ERIC ]

[Ron Eggers]

It would be very nice if at least ONE other person could say they steam their suede mats.

Otherwise Cliff is going to start thinking of me as "that wacko from Wisconsin." It could really affect my credibility here.

I do this almost routinely. Steam suede, that is.

[Emibub]

I have had amazing results by using a cloth just made slightly damp with water. You don't want to soak it or put enough water on it to leave a mark. I just get a slightly damp cloth and lightly run it against the nap. It has worked almost always.(had to leave room for error)

[JPete]

You can also take a strip of suede about 1" wide by what ever length (same color) bend it in 2 or three places and then use the suede on suede in circular motions. A clean soap eraser also works.

Stack them as FG stated above and just count on so much of it being wasted. The scraps work great to build up around mounted photos being matted.

Raise your prices to cover the losses!

It is nap.

[ 07-16-2003, 06:59 PM: Message edited by: JPete ]

[Reynard]

What is it they use for these mats/mounts.I have never used them at all.Is it alcantara material that is used on these boards?

I have it on my car seats if it is.It looks just like real suede and feels like it too.

I would steam them Ronnie. :D

[Ron Eggers]

Thank you, Reynard. The one person who would steam suede doesn't use it.

At one time, I think suede mats were used primarily for western and "sporting" art. Lots of us use them routinely now for all kinds of art, but especially for textiles and object boxes.

You get the richness of velvet, but without the mess.

[PurplePerson]

I use a very soft toothbrush in a circular motion first. If that doesn't work, I get out the old iron and steam it. It just about always works.

I am afraid to use tape to dab on it. I think it would leave a tape residue. That really bothers me. I feel the same way about putting tape on a long piece of matboard to reach into the picture to remove a speck.

[Jerry Ervin]

Originally posted by Ron Eggers:
Otherwise Cliff is going to start thinking of me as "that wacko from Wisconsin." It could really affect my credibility here.

OK Ron, I steam also if my firm toothbrush don't work.

Your credibility on WallBuddies more than make up for steaming suede.

Jerry

[keiki]

I steam...

[Ron Eggers]

I steam, you steam, we all steam our suede seams.

Thank you, Keiki. You have restored my faith in Floridians.

[Cliff Wilson]

Ok, tried a brush, etc. Then Steam. Steam works! Used a piece of scrap suede board in circular motions afterward and it looks great!

So Ron, I use steam too! :D

Thanks!
Cliff Wilson, CPF

[Ron Eggers]

I'm having some bumper stickers made. I'll send you one.

[Susan May]

I'm sorry I didn't get here earlier, but I use steam the suede also. (I also use a damp Q-Tip for small marks.)

(Do I get the bumper sticker also?)

[Ron Eggers]

Of course, though I strongly suspect you started steaming suede AFTER you heard about the bumper stickers.

Do NOT steam the bumper stickers, BTW. Ironically, they are water soluble.

[PurplePerson]

I want a bumper sticker!

[Jack Cee]

We moisten the suede board with a damp cloth and then brush with a fine brush i.e toothbrush, metal brush etc. Moistening the entire board will prevent color blotches were the displacement of the suede board is located.

Jack Cee