Applying Vaseline/Lanolin to the flesh side of leather

[simo289]

I am experimenting with different way of softening veg tan leather, hopefully to a nice floppiness, mainly using vaseline and lanolin (seperately and in mixtures).

 

Having read around about various different leather conditoners, commercial and homemade, I'm having a really hard time knowing whether I should try applying it to the flesh side of the leather. It soaks quite nicely into the top grain, espcially with a little heat persuasion, but would it do the same on the flesh side? WIll it make any difference? Will it ruin the leather?

 

I'll probably try on one of the scrap pieces I'm already working with, but wondered if anyone had any words of wisdon to share...

Edited February 6, 2023 by simo289
Typo

[tsunkasapa]

Vaseline is a petroleum product, I wouldn't use it on leather.

[Tugadude]

If it absorbs into the outer surface, then it should penetrate the flesh side and probably even more easily.  Veg Tan leather is like a sponge.  Some companies tumble leather in order to soften it.  The way I understand it, it is like a huge clothes dryer.  The heat can change the surface of the leather from what I understand, giving it a little pebbly texture at times.

What is this leather going to be for?  The lanolin or Vaseline will make the flesh side different and depending on how much you use, it might get gooey or tacky.  I wouldn't use Vaseline at all personally.  

Is ordering a different veg tan leather a possibility or are you wanting to use up what you have?  

There's a limit to what you can make it do.

 

 

[TomE]

“Hot oiling” is apparently a thing with some folks who restore western saddles. Neatsfoot oil will turn good tack to sticky mush if you apply too much, like dunking in oil for an extended period. The effect is permanent from what I’ve seen. 

[Tugadude]

2 minutes ago, TomE said:

“Hot oiling” is apparently a thing with some folks who restore western saddles. Neatsfoot oil will turn good tack to sticky mush if you apply too much, like dunking in oil for an extended period. The effect is permanent from what I’ve seen. 

To what degree does it dry out?  And what will the flesh side be like?  Would you want to put it against your skin?  I don't know what this person wants it for but he lists reenactment under his username, so it might be for wearables.

[TomE]

18 minutes ago, Tugadude said:

To what degree does it dry out?  And what will the flesh side be like?  Would you want to put it against your skin?  I don't know what this person wants it for but he lists reenactment under his username, so it might be for wearables.

Over-oiled tack develops a sticky/gummy feel on the surface, and the temper is mushy - it loses shape.  The only thing it solves is providing an excuse to buy new tack.  The "nice floppiness" that @simo289 is looking for would likely be achieved by using high quality veg tan that is appropriately oiled and conditioned then allowed to break in.

[Tugadude]

11 minutes ago, TomE said:

Over-oiled tack develops a sticky/gummy feel on the surface, and the temper is mushy - it loses shape.  The only thing it solves is providing an excuse to buy new tack.  The "nice floppiness" that @simo289 is looking for would likely be achieved by using high quality veg tan that is appropriately oiled and conditioned then allowed to break in.

Thanks!  I think the OP needs to find some available leather which meets his needs.

[simo289]

Thanks for all your input folks!

For context, I am making fantasty style maps and I want them to be nice and supple so they can easily be rolled up etc. I'm using 2mm (5-6 oz) veg tan.

 

I tried rubbing both the lanolin and vaseline into the flesh side of my test pieces and it made a huge difference! The lanolin definitely made for a better surface texture and suppleness than the straight vaseline or the mixtures I've tried.

 

@Tugadude that's interesting! I'm now wondering if I can jury rig something similar, maybe without the heat... It may well come to having to buy more leather (oh no...) specifically for this project

@TomE I've read/heard a lot about oiling for tack etc, but I'm trying to avoid too much colour change or darkening that seems to come with those techniques and products

Edited February 7, 2023 by simo289
Typos

[Tugadude]

1 hour ago, simo289 said:

Thanks for all your input folks!

For context, I am making fantasty style maps and I want them to be nice and supple so they can easily be rolled up etc. I'm using 2mm (5-6 oz) veg tan.

 

I tried rubbing both the lanolin and vaseline into the flesh side of my test pieces and it made a huge difference! The lanolin definitely made for a better surface texture and suppleness than the straight vaseline or the mixtures I've tried.

 

@Tugadude that's interesting! I'm now wondering if I can jury rig something similar, maybe without the heat... It may well come to having to buy more leather (oh no...) specifically for this project

@TomE I've read/heard a lot about oiling for tack etc, but I'm trying to avoid too much colour change or darkening that seems to come with those techniques and products

Contact a leather supplier that offers splitting services.  They can split veg tan leather down to a very thin condition.  I have some .75 to 1 ounce veg that I think would be perfect for what you want.  Then it is a matter of coloring it to look like old parchment or whatever.  You can crinkle it and flatten it out to put some character marks into the leather.  I'm sure someone in England would be happy to help you.  Maybe Abbey?  Other local will know.

[chuck123wapati]

1 hour ago, simo289 said:

Thanks for all your input folks!

For context, I am making fantasty style maps and I want them to be nice and supple so they can easily be rolled up etc. I'm using 2mm (5-6 oz) veg tan.

 

I tried rubbing both the lanolin and vaseline into the flesh side of my test pieces and it made a huge difference! The lanolin definitely made for a better surface texture and suppleness than the straight vaseline or the mixtures I've tried.

 

@Tugadude that's interesting! I'm now wondering if I can jury rig something similar, maybe without the heat... It may well come to having to buy more leather (oh no...) specifically for this project

@TomE I've read/heard a lot about oiling for tack etc, but I'm trying to avoid too much colour change or darkening that seems to come with those techniques and products

you should consider some of the thinner hides that were traditionally used for writing and maps and such. sheepskin , goat skin, calf skin. Deer is another good supple leather that could be used.