Caring/Reforming Indian Dhal Shields?

kahnjar1 · 14th April 2016, 09:02 PM

Hi Akaali,
Firstly I should say that I have never tried to flatten a leather shield. The normal way to reshape leather is to wet it and then dry in some sort of jig to keep the shape you want, but I would not be too keen to do this here in case the decoration that is left is removed altogether. Perhaps a better way might be to use a source of steam on the under side, and some sort of adjustable "clamp" to GENTLY flatten the shield as it softens. It would be a pity to crack the surface in the process.....
Just an idea anyway.
Stu

14th April 2016, 09:02 PM	#2
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,786	Hi Akaali, Firstly I should say that I have never tried to flatten a leather shield. The normal way to reshape leather is to wet it and then dry in some sort of jig to keep the shape you want, but I would not be too keen to do this here in case the decoration that is left is removed altogether. Perhaps a better way might be to use a source of steam on the under side, and some sort of adjustable "clamp" to GENTLY flatten the shield as it softens. It would be a pity to crack the surface in the process..... Just an idea anyway. Stu