Conditioner for Veg Tan Leather

[JimKing]

I am looking for recommendations for a quality conditioner for veg tan leather. I will be using it on natural soft veg tan double shoulder 3-4 oz and natural veg tan double shoulder 8-9 oz tooling leather, both from Weaver. I would like to use an all-natural conditioner free of harsh chemicals. 

I am brand new to working with leather, so I am a complete novice.

Another question is, should I condition the leather before final assembly? I plan to make handbags and other such items.

[fredk]

A member posted this up; 

 

I have not used it so cannot vouch for it

[Adouthit]

I think the above recipe is a good place to start. It is easier for me to make my own  than run to the store or wait for a shipment. I think it takes plenty of reading and playing around to get what works for you.

[sbrownn]

I've tried lots of things but these days the only thing I put on leather is Skidmore's Leather Cream.

 

[TomE]

My favorite conditioners are Fiebings Aussie and Effax Leder Balsam, which are both balm type conditioners that don't darken the leather.  The Aussie conditioner is a bit more waxy than Leder Balsam, which soaks in faster.   Bick 4 and Blackrock Leather N' Rich are also good but I see some change in color. 

[SUP]

Most ready bought conditioners will have some form of chemicals, preservatives if nothing else. Below a certain percent, I heard that manufacturers are not expected to report it, but not sure if that is correct.

Conditioners with waxes and oils usually darken leather, so just check on a scrap first. Conditioners which are water based like the one by Chemical Guys, do not darken but need more frequent conditioning. 

Aussie is a conditioner that does not darken but I find that it makes my leather dull, no matter how much I buff it. But many like it so it might work for you. 

Edited March 2, 2023 by SUP