Starman

Interesting. Thanks for the heads up on that. What about using Black? A seriously, seriously diluted back...think that might work towards the goal?

Hi folks, you're a fantastic resource so I turn to your sage advice: I have some deerskin (possibly elk) that's the natural/common orangish color. I'm trying to get rid of the orangish color, and give it more of a tan color (http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss215/austin569/Tan_Color_Block-721x591.png), but I'm having some trouble. I've already stretched it out and in the process of sitting in the sun it's faded a bit, which is a great start. I've tried a couple of things: 1) diluted a brown dye in water and soaked the leather,. It darkens it a bit (good) but also brings the orangish tint back (bad). I've also tried neetsfoot oil, but it turns it too dark a brown. Any ideas for how to 'thin' or dilute the neetsfoot out ? a very, very light amount of neetsfoot colors it OK, but how to do a whole skin with a very light yet even coating? Any other suggestions for getting it more of the light brown or tan color without bringing back the orangish tint? Thanks, guys!

Hmmm.....there's gotta be a way!! (Gears start turning!)

Rickybobby, Thanks for the insight--i'll try it. I think pretty much anyone who wants to actually wear/distress leather would know to do that...drag it, wear it, bend and fold it, and beat it up. I *honestly* didn't think the question could be misconstrued from asking about creating something ("...create a belt..." ) to be understood as asking how to destroy or damage (show wear) something. And my response was in jest: hence the winky icon. However, your point, Spinner, is made; I have to be very precise with my lanuguage. Thanks everyone taking the time to respond.

Is there a way or method to work the fleshy side of the leather so its as smooth and shiny as the skin side of the leather? Thanks!

Smart alecks! I thought perhaps there was perhaps a way in the initial dying process to give it that 'worn/faded' look without having to actually to to wear the leather down. Just thought I'd ask.

What would be the best way to create a belt that looks well worn, something similar to the attached pic? Thanks!

I have been given quite a lot of advice from people I know, but often they can't provide the reasons behind the decisions. I too have heard that vegetable oil will eventually go rancid, but at the same time, some here have shared that they've used it, and have never had that happen...(apparently Olive Oil doesn't go bad, though) Thanks for the link to Springfield; i'll try them out.

Excellent advice, Thank you! Also, when dying the leather, does it make a difference whether it's dyed before or after coating it in olive oil?

I was looking at a working a couple of different thicknesses, actually: 3/4 oz as well as 5/6 oz. It's either the shoulder or belly, not sure. I tried using neatsfoots oil, but it didn't seem to make a noticeable difference to me. Why do you say not to saturate the oil? I've been experimenting with small pieces of the leather, and aside from a lot of excess oil, saturating it seems to work better than just coating it and reapplying it. When I really fold and squeeze the saturated leather, it responds well, without 'cracking' or 'marking' the leather at all. Is there something else I'm missing?

Hello all, I'm brand spanking new to the site, and only very recently began trying to do some leather work, so go easy on me! I hope this is in the right place. I was advised that I could use a readily available vegetable oil to saturate and soak a belt made of shoulder leather in order to make it extremely soft and flexible. It would take a while to get all the excess oil out, but once that's done, you're left with an extremely flexible leather that will not dry out. I was hoping to get some feedback from the pros here on whether or not this was a good idea, before I committed to it! Thanks for your feedback!