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Hi, I'm Lisa Nichols, one of the hundreds of writers here at LifeTips.com. Enjoy these 101 Leather Tips! If you’re a business, why not hire the expert writers at LifeTips? And if you’re a writer, apply for freelance writing gigs.
Removing Ink Stains From Leather
In order to remove ink stains from leather, isopropyl alcohol is suggested. Isopropyl alcohol or “rubbing alcohol” can be purchased at any drugstore or pharmacy. It is recommended that a “spot test” be completed first on a small area of the leather, before using the isopropyl alcohol on a larger area.
When it has been determined the alcohol will not damage the leather, use a cotton swab and carefully dab the area where the ink is located. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping with a dry towel. This should remove ink from your leather garment. In situations where a large amount of ink has spilled on leather, it's best to get the leather professionally cleaned. Professional leather cleaning kits are available, which will remove leather ink stains.
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Finding Affordable Motorcycle Gear
Affordable motorcycle gear can be bought for yourself or to give as a gift. Stores undergoing liquidation usually have good prices on leather goods. In this scenario, the store's main goal is to remove the motorcycle gear from their shelves or racks. Sometimes this occurs at the lowest price possible. Overstocked stores are also another place to search for discounted motorcycle gear. Many of these stores will want to make room for new motorcycle gear, so they will sell these items at reduced prices. Based on this, do not pass on the opportunity to obtain motorcycle gear at an affordable price.
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Removing Salt Stains
If you live in a cold climate, salt applied to the roads and sidewalks can potentially cause stains.
To remove salt stains, a mild solution of 75 percent vinegar to 25 percent water should be used. In the beginning, complete a “spot test.” After the vinegar solution has been found mild enough, use a cotton ball to gently wipe away the salt stains from the leather garment. Allow the leather to air dry naturally.
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Motorcycle Helmet Safety
The importance of helmets cannot be stressed enough. Safety regulated biker helmets can protect your head and neck from injury in case of an accident. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the standard regulations governing motorcycle helmets.
The United States Department Of Transportation (DOT) has established guidelines to help consumers choose a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. When the motorcycle helmet has received the DOT-approval rating, this means the helmet has been manufactured and tested to ensure compliance. DOT-approved motorcycle helmets are guaranteed to fit securely over the head, and should be made of material strong enough to withstand impact. Not only should motorcycle helmets be worn, but they should also be DOT-approved.
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Discolored Leather
If your leather has become discolored, there are a number of leather recolor kits to restore the look of the original leather. A leather recolor kit can be for almost any type of leather garment or furniture to restore discoloration.
These kits can be purchased with all the supplies needed, such as brushes or applicators. Some of the coloring kits are also available as sprays to allow you to repair discolored patches. As with any product, complete a “spot test” first before applying it to the area.
If the area is to big to be colored using a kit, or if the job seems too complicated, instead have a professional restore the leather.
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Locating Plus-Size Riding Apparel
Whether it is motorcycle riding or horse riding, locating plus size riding apparel is not as impossible as you would think. Many manufacturers of riding apparel recognize the world is made of varying body sizes. As a result, more of them have started to manufacture riding apparel in plus sizes. When locating plus-size riding apparel, you have two options of going to a store that specializes in plus-size clothing, or visiting a store selling only riding apparel. Either option will sell plus-size riding apparel, and it is only a matter of searching in the telephone directory for a store near you. Common plus-size riding apparel such as riding breeches sell for $75.
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Custom-Ordered Motorcycle Jackets
As an avid motorcyclist, having a custom-ordered leather motorcycle jacket is a great option. Not only can the jacket be purchased in the exact color or type of leather you prefer, it can also be decorated with any design imaginable.
Some people participating in motorcycle clubs prefer to have their leather motorcycle jackets made with the name of their motorcycle club. This will look impressive when a group from the motorcycle club is out riding, and wearing these matching jackets. A leather motorcycle jacket can be customized with the name of your favorite school. Motorcyclists can also add the university or college they attended, or the name or crest of the local university or college. This is a great way to show school spirit. By far, the most popular way to customize your leather motorcycle jackets is promoting your favorite sports team. Even if you favorite sports team is in the college or national league, having you leather motorcycle jacket customized with a basketball, football, or hockey team logo will be admired by other people. These customized leather motorcycle jackets are especially well received when given as gifts to sports fanatics.
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Fanny Packs For Motorcyclists
"Fanny Packs" were originally created for travelers to wear allowing their hands to be free. They are made of lightweight material with a metal zipper to open them, and a few fanny packs will also use Velcro to open and close them. Even though “fanny packs” were intended for travelers on vacation, they are ideal as a motorcycle accessory.
The “fanny pack” is readily accessible because it attaches around the waist. This is ideal for a motorcyclist going on a short ride. The fanny pack will be able a wallet and other small items. Fanny packs are highly recommended for motorcyclists because they are waterproof to withstand driving in the rain, while being able to sturdy enough to withstand a motorcycle ride, or large enough to hold a water bottle.
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Professional Living With Leather
We live in a visual society and our sense of sight is engaged long before the other senses. With this simple fact, it is advantageous for anyone working in the business world to look more professional by using a leather briefcase.
Previously, leather briefcases were manufactured in only one style and color. These older briefcases were not creative in their design, compared to the styles and colors of today's briefcase. As a businessperson, a leather briefcase will make you appear professional, but fashionable as well. Briefcases have been designed to exude professionalism, and they also are built to securely hold all of your important documents. A leather briefcase will also make a great impression when it is your first day of a new job, and a simple search on the World Wide Web can help you compare prices from different online vendors.
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Authentic vs. Faux Leather Handbags
Leather handbags are quite popular, but how can you tell if you are buying “the real thing,” and not a very convincing replica. When you first start shopping for a leather handbag, and would like to discover if its authentic, spend time examining the bag. The authentic leather handbag would be made of quality leather, compared to an imitation handbag. If you are able to do so, compare the leather handbag to one you know for sure is fake. In this way, if there are any similarities, you can ascertain if the handbag is real leather or not. Real leather has a smooth and buttery texture.
To guarantee an authentic leather handbag is purchased, buy from a reputable seller. Purchasing your leather handbag from a retailer or store that specializes in leather will reduce your chances of buying immitation or poor quality leather. Always ask questions about the handbag to help ensure your leather handbag is authentic. Finding out as much information about how the leather is prepared and its manufacturer, can prevent you giving out money for a fake leather bag.
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A "How-To" Guide To Wearing Chaps
When putting on chaps for the first time, you might be confused about how to wear them. They are not worn alone, but over other clothing such as pants or jeans.
There are two holes in the front and back, with a belt to buckle them in the front. There is also a strip of leather in the back, which can sometimes be either laced or buckled to tighten the chaps.
Start by ensuring the main side zippers on the legs are zipped open, with the waist unbuckled.
Step into the chaps making sure to rearrange them comfortably around you.
Buckle the waist, and close the side leg zippers, while arranging your jeans or pants underneath.
