antipaladin Report post Posted December 6, 2007 (edited) I just purchased some 15oz skirting leather...some nice brand marks on it. I wet it with a spray bottle once on the flesh side and twice on the grain side with a sponge. I stopped before it got "water logged"...when it stopped easily absorbing the water. After that it cut relatively easily on a scrap marble tombstone I picked up for free from a local monument maker. Once it's dried prior to sewing, what's the best way to get it supple and looking "golden" like a good saddle...like the OLD Mulholland Brothers Lariat leather before they started making it in China. I love the way that leather "scuffs" and ages so well. I read the basics about Neatsfoot oil...but is there more too it? I've heard reference to treating such leather with "waxy tannins"...OK, I'll bite...what exactly are "waxy tannins"? Tannin is defined as a preservative from grapes...how is that waxy? Edited December 6, 2007 by antipaladin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Ellis Report post Posted December 6, 2007 Defining tannin as "a preservative from grapes" is way too limited. That reads like a definition used in the specific context of wine. Tannins are found in many kinds of plant, including oak trees. Oak is a source very commonly used for leather tanning. As to the "waxy" part - dunno, I haven't run across "waxy tannins" as a term. I'm sure some of the more experienced members will be able to help with both the definitions and the coloring/finishing question. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
