devonmaid

Hi, yes I used leather prep - it's an acetone deglazer

Hello, thank you for your reply! To answer some questions, this is a saddle that has been in use by me, fully checked out by my saddler and perfectly safe and functional! I didn't realise that there was such a difference in English leather compared to that used in western saddles - I have no idea what's been put on mine but I would imagine it has been very well oiled which would explain why the tan kote hasn't stuck. So I'll be in a quandary now as it has dye on it which might leech out!!

I'm quite new here so hi - I need some advice on a saddle I have been restoring. I'll start by saying I'm in the UK and the saddle is made from English leather, if that makes any difference. I have a saddle that fits me and my horse well but is looking quite tired and worn. It's not worth a huge amount so I thought I'd have a go at restoring it myself. What I have done so far is: Clean it Strip off the existing top finish Apply fiebings pro oil dye, allow to dry for 24 hours and buff well Apply two coats 24 hours apart, of fiebings tan kote, watered down 50/50 as I read this was the best way to get it non streaky. Buffed well between coats. It's been left to dry for another day, I thought I'd see if any of the dye would transfer through the tan kote so wiped a bit of it with a wet cloth, and the tan kote just came straight back off! If anybody has any pearls of wisdom to help me out here I'd be very grateful! I think I've pretty much gone off advice I've read on here so don't know how I've gone wrong...