without seeing the specific piece in person, I can only issue the following warning.


Be greatly careful with "sanding" the surface. You're more than likely to sand off the outer stitching as well as the offensive finish.

If I was FORCED to make a recommendation, I'd do the main areas with a detail sander, and the areas w/stitching by hand, first with a wire brush and then with a sanding block, possibly masking off the stitches with tape for later "detail sanding" in a more careful fashion.

Best 'o luck. I don't envy you your project.

ith: