Tan-Kote And Bag-Kote As Finishes

[BHPshooter]

Has anyone ever used these? I know virtually nothing about them, and the descriptions on the Fiebing's website are a lot of marketing BS instead of useful information about the difference between the two.

I should point out that I'm very happy with Resolene as my main finish, but there are some things I don't want to use Resolene on. For example, I don't use it on the concealment panel of my pocket holsters.

Currently I give the concealment panel a couple of moderate applications of neatsfoot oil... But no matter how I try, I can't convince myself that neatsfoot oil is a "finish." Preservative, sure... but not finish.

Would Tan-Kote or Bag-Kote work for something like this? I've never used either product. I would like something that provides a little bit more protection, but that won't make the leather stiff (and potentially squeaky) like Resolene does.

And, to broaden the question, are there any other holster-related uses for Tan-Kote or Bag-Kote? I'm a total newbie when it comes to these, so feel free to educate me.

[Art]

I used to use Bag Kote for holsters and sheaths before I found Montana Pitchblend, and prior to that Pecard's. Bag Kote is easy to apply, spray bottle or just rub on, you can put multiple coats on. It does not give a real glossy finish, some shine on buffing, but if you want more, use Tan Kote. Tan Kote is also good for thinning antique that has dried-up a bit.

Art

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

I use Tan-Kote as the final finish on my saddles, unless the customer requests something different. It give a nice soft feel, with some gloss if buffed.

Bob

[dbusarow]

I use Bag-Kote for all of my holsters. I've never liked the plastic feel of the acrylic finishes.

Bag-Kote give a nice soft look and a natural feel.

I use Tan-Kote when I want a higher, but still soft, gloss.

Dan

[BHPshooter]

Thanks, fellas! I think I'm going to order both and experiment a bit.

[cleanview]

On this note......How does tan kote compare to the acrylic resolene as far as wearing off.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

While I do not use any of the finishes with acrylic (plastic) in them for that very reason, they give a sealed gloss finish, that has a "plastic" feel to them. Now there are those that swear by them and that is their choice. My customers like that real leather feel soft with a little gloss. It wears well, however; you do need to reapply once and a while. On the up side it does not seal the leather so it can be oiled or saddle soaped if you are of a mind.

Bob

[Art]

Acrylics make nice shiny painted surfaces. However as a "top" finish, they seal-up the leather and don't allow it to "breathe". To that end, if water gets in, it stays in. Also as Bob says, it has a very "plastic" hand. Now artistically, it is your and your client's call. I used Bag-Kote for decades, later switching to Pecard's and Montana Pitchblend. You find something you like and you stick with it, in other words, keep your mind open, and buy small bottles of stuff 'till you find what you like.

Art

[keplerts]

I really like the bag kote. I tried Tan kote and It seem to glossy for me and also it seem to streck really bad. Bag kote is really nice in MHO.

Edited May 24, 2015 by keplerts

[cleanview]

but, to be clear........is it a correct statement, that anything other that the acrylic has to be maintained?

[dbusarow]

Probably depends on use. I added a saddle horn to my wife's saddle 3 or 4 years ago. Finished with tan-kote.

She rides pretty much every day, rain, shine, snow.

The horn cap and wrap still look great. All it gets is exposure to the elements. The most is is ever used for is hanging a pair of reins while walking out to the arena.

Harder use would probably wear it off.

Dan

[Art]

Even the acrylics don't last forever, however, when an acrylic finish starts to go, there is nothing you can do to repair it easily. Any of the "breathable" finishes will only require another coat to brighten them up.

Art