Kaiser 4 Posted February 5, 2015 Hi guys, I have this croc strap which is nice enough but I would prefer it if it was less shiny and more matte. Any of you know of a method to achieve such a result without actually damaging the strap? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peteins 3 Posted February 5, 2015 you could use some really fine sand paper, like 1500 grit, you could even start with 2500 and work your way down untill you achieve what your looking for Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duzza 182 Posted February 5, 2015 youll find something called sanding cloth on ebay, its finer and more pliable than paper so you get a more even finish, id be starting with that. A few sellers do a pack of varying grits for a tenner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gazzla 23 Posted February 5, 2015 Angle grinder. But be careful. Use goggles . . . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miren7919 0 Posted February 5, 2015 I personally think it is gorgeous as it is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Genius 281 Posted February 5, 2015 Angle grinder. But be careful. Use goggles . . . and if you are going to do it with the watch on your wrist a glove would help Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeCentXion 0 Posted February 5, 2015 Looks fine to me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rodralph 0 Posted February 5, 2015 Sanding cloth or 0000 grade steel wool? I would try it with a less nicer strap first. Personally, I like it as it is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grb 1 Posted February 5, 2015 Just wear it, it will dull down Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wimpie007 108 Posted February 5, 2015 Come on guys sanding paper seriously? https://www.tandylea...-finishers.aspx Looks like the super shene is now on, you can try and apply a new layer of satin or something and rub the finish off and rebuff or something You could also contact dan, donerix or kutio or another strapmaker for advice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaiser 4 Posted February 5, 2015 Come on guys sanding paper seriously? https://www.tandylea...-finishers.aspx Looks like the super shene is now on, you can try and apply a new layer of satin or something and rub the finish off and rebuff or something You could also contact dan, donerix or kutio or another strapmaker for advice Thanks for the input, will look into this product I've had the strap for almost three years now so I don't expect to dull down further. I originally bought the strap from HK Tan, he suggested rubbing it with felt cloth, I tried this but I didn't notice any difference... Perhaps he meant steel wool? Maybe I'll try it out on an unexposed part of the strap... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Higs 73 Posted February 5, 2015 Sell it and buy something more to your taste. You'll lose a few $ but can offset that vs. the treatment product(s) that you won't have to buy and it's lower risk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adamsmith 0 Posted February 5, 2015 could you please tell me where did you get the straps? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Higs 73 Posted February 5, 2015 could you please tell me where did you get the straps? ...I originally bought the strap from HK Tan... His email is: [email protected] However, be aware that he can be VERY slow to supply. Why not try one of the strap makers here such as Migliore straps, Kain Heritage, Timebandit or Ach? http://www.rwgboard....p?showforum=187 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kcore 0 Posted February 5, 2015 could you please tell me where did you get the straps? OP said HK Tan. He's a strap maker in Hong Kong. He has a section on RWI http://www.replica-watch.info/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=44 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kcore 0 Posted February 5, 2015 could you please tell me where did you get the straps? ...I originally bought the strap from HK Tan... His email is: [email protected] However, be aware that he can be VERY slow to supply. Why not try one of the strap makers here such as Migliore straps, Kain Heritage, Timebandit or Ach? http://www.rwgboard....p?showforum=187 My understand I'd Dan isn't making custom straps these days. He's got a new strap venture going with a Swiss company and is focusing on PAM and AP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FuzzyCoyote 2 Posted February 5, 2015 Angle grinder. But be careful. Use goggles . . . Lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Left Coast Guy 24 Posted February 5, 2015 I'd say just wear it. You want a natural patina not a scuffed look. Plus I like it the way it is.., Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BentleySharp 0 Posted February 5, 2015 I can't believe so many people recommended taking sandpaper to a croc leather watch strap! Has the entire membership here gone bonky wonkers! The angle grinder will be much more efficient Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrish8 0 Posted February 5, 2015 it should wear/fade/age nice over time, but if you are in a rush I used 2000 grit sandpaper on a gloss leather strap once and it turned out fine. Just test in a small spot first. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BC1221 44 Posted February 5, 2015 acetone?? maybe put some on a cloth and wipe the strap down. may get rid of some of the shine. i think the strap looks pretty good the way it is.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N.Rico 1 Posted February 5, 2015 noooo keep it like that ,looks very nice . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cannibal 0 Posted February 6, 2015 I'm not sure there's a liquid or wax topical that can dull down a factory gloss finish. The shellac used to make a gloss finish on a gator would be damn near impossible to remove or to dull with a product. If you can't wait for time to dull it down, I would experiment on another strap with emory paper and maybe wet sand a bit as mentioned. But if you want a semi-matte or a matte finish, I'd be more inclined to sell the gloss gator and buy one with the finish you want. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
