Neetsfoot Before Or After Dying

[NewYorkerInSydney]

Hi folks,

I have some raw and undyed horse butt leather that I am about to dye. I have not done anything to the leather yet and am making a belt strap. Should I put neetsfoot on it to soften it up (as it is very very stiff) BEFORE I dye it or AFTER? I really appreciate your help.

Jade

Edited March 9, 2010 by NewYorkerInSydney

[jbird]

Howdy

I would say after for sure in this case.

Josh

[Denster]

In my experience you will not have much luck with dyeing horse hide. One of the reasons that holster makers that use it only offer it in brown, black or sometimes burgundy. I've had my best luck with vinegaroon for black followed by neetsfoot oil. For brown neetsfoot by itself will give a deep rich brown with burgundy I've never personaly had any luck.

If you figure out some way to do it I would sure like to know.