Dyeing Older Light Oil Saddle... Black

[gothcowboy]

I'm toying with what is probably a bad idea, which is dyeing an older light-medium oil saddle black. I'm sure there are a million horror stories about such an endeavor gone horribly wrong. Has anyone done this successfully, and if so what type of dye(s) did you use, and what works best to prep? I read it's best to go with a blue-based dye first, then black, to cut the green color.

I've done a lot of repair and restoration, but I have never tried completely dyeing seasoned saddle leather black. But I want to. I'm itching to.

[steadybrook]

I have dyed alot of old saddles over the years,I always clean the saddle with saddle soap, let it dry , then give it a good coat of Fiebings oil dye,let it dry overnite, the give it another coat of dye,,let it dry another day, then put a clear finish on.

[bison]

I'm not a big fan of black dye, but I'd suggest you look at some of the biker seat threads for advice on dying a saddle black. The big issues seem to be sealing it so it won't come off on your britches and making it as weather resistant as possible.

Dave

[gothcowboy]

I have dyed alot of old saddles over the years,I always clean the saddle with saddle soap, let it dry , then give it a good coat of Fiebings oil dye,let it dry overnite, the give it another coat of dye,,let it dry another day, then put a clear finish on.

You don't use any kind of deglazer before you dye the leather? I would think saddle soap would prevent the dye from penetrating. Have you dyed any black with oil dye?

I'm not a big fan of black dye, but I'd suggest you look at some of the biker seat threads for advice on dying a saddle black. The big issues seem to be sealing it so it won't come off on your britches and making it as weather resistant as possible.

Dave

Oh, good idea. I hadn't even thought about motorcycle seats.

[Luke Hatley]

If you do happen to dye the oiled saddle black, dont wear white chaps in your lifetime.

I M H O..........

[TroyWest]

Many of the old parade saddles were dyed black with vinegaroon. There is no other dye that won't come out on you pants, eventually.

[Saddlebag]

After the leather is completely dry I give it a good wipe down with turpentine, until the rags stop turning black. When it's dry I will then saddlesoap. And yes, a deglazer needs to be used before applying dye or it will appear patchy. I'll have to try to locate vinegaroon and give it a try.

[ChuckBurrows]

I'll have to try to locate vinegaroon and give it a try.

You make it yourself - do a search it's been discussed several times. It's a very old method of blacking leather and it is NOT a dye per se so won't ruboff since it blackens via a chemical reaction between the tannic acid in the leather and the iron in the mix. I' been using it for 40+ years and have posted the "fomula" and how to use it.

[Saddlebag]

Thanks Chuck Barrows. My vinegaroon is now percolating on the counter. I started it just this morning as I have a black saddle in that needs some touchups. When it's ready I'll play around with it in an inconspicuous spot.

[Saddlebag]

What's wrong with my vinegaroon? It sat since the 16th and I tried it today. It looks black in the jar but when I brush it on leather it just looks grubby, as do my fingers. It's not blackening the leather so any degree. My steel wool was almost completely dissolved.

[Saddlebag]

Head in sand .. laughing. I tried it on the wrong leather. Works great on the right leather.