I have a leather bound notebook I purchased for an effect, but I need it to look worn and old. What's the best method? The pages are attached at the spine, but the front and back are loose and flexible so I can bend and crinkle them.

What's the best way to make this look like an antique notebook?

P

Are you wanting to just age the cover or the whole thing?

Leather ages differently depending on how it is stored. In dry areas it will dry out and crack. In humid areas it will grow mold/mildew. You can use some very fine grit wet/dry sandpaper and sand the areas that would have the most wear for a worn look. I have used this technique on leather.

For the pages, I recommend wetting tea bags and rubbing them on the pages.

Also, here are some good source for ideas:

http://www.miskatonic.net/pickman/mythos/whisper.htm
http://www.miskatonic.net/pickman/mythos/tome.htm

You might also dirty it up. If you think about it, the oils from your hands constantly handling leather would discolor it in certain areas. Mink oil or something like it would darken areas that it was applied to. You could also scuff it up. Look at your shoes and wallet for examples of how leather is effect by wear.

There is a technique I use for years, the problem is I don't have the foggiest idea of the english name of this chemical: NaOH , "soude caustique" in french: you soak the leather with a 20% solution, wait 5 minutes and rince thoroughly; the leather looks 100 years old! Oh, yes: WEAR GLOVES and kick the kids out, this thing is really nasty!!!

Hi Gilles,

NaOH - caustic soda or "sodium hydroxide". I agree, it's very nasty stuff. You would need to wear goggles also with this - any in the eye = trip to A & E and probable loss of vision at 20%.

Nice links Pauly! Thanks.

Cheers,
Matt

Sodium hydroxide, also called lye, is a strong base. I would advise that you discuss the dilution, use and disposal with a chemist. It is important that the proper procedures and protective clothing be used in handling this chemical.

Any concentrated acid or base can produce serious reactions, even when mixing it with water or other chemicals.

Bill Fienning is right. Even mixing those strong chemicals with water can be dangerous if done improperly. I have seen a bottle of acid explode when a student added water. Splashing sulphuric acid and flying glass are not to be taken lightly. Lye is just as dangerous.

Bill

You can use both Tung or Teak oil.. and or Oil Paint to discolor and age leather..

I've done it for Tons of costuming and theater..

Thanks for the advice guys. A little tung oil, black and brown shoe polish and some 800 grit sandpaper did the trick. It looks good as ancient!

Easy way:
Acetone on soft cloth, apply to leather and repeatedly wear away the color, leaving a streaked, aged look
that can't be beat. Take it further with a slight application of "Antique Black" solution.