Preserving the natural figuring on horse hide

[Trailblazer87]

Hello all, new here, but have been lurking for a few months,  learning from the vast repository of knowledge here. 

 

One thing I haven't been able to find is how you get the natural pattern the shows up in some horse hides. I ordered a few Horween Russet straps and when I opened the package one of them has a very nice fine zebra pattern that I'm tempted to make into a belt. 

 

So how do I get that to show without covering it up with dye or having it change with light exposure? I have enough to just make a belt and holster for my S&W 686, so I don't want to ruin any.

 

Thanks in advance. 

[TonyV]

some people ask how to be certain those patterns don't show up in the finished product.  Take some samples of the pattern and experiment a little bit with different finishes.  Neatsfoot oil should still allow it to still be visible.  I would expect that sunlight would affect the leather equally wherever it's exposed, so the stripes should still remain, light patches getting a bit darker and the dark patches getting a bit darker still.  Sunlight darkening is a natural contributor to the patina of leather that people find beautiful.   Light-colored dyes would be your best bet in keeping the patterns visible.  You won't see the pattern under a black or dark blue dye   Try light brown etc. and apply it lightly.

[Trailblazer87]

I had a feeling it would work like that. I will definitely try different finishes on bits of scrap. Thanks!

[akguy59]

Besides just using neatsfoot oil, you could also try tanning it. Oil a scrap piece and put it in a sunny window or on the dash of your car. I have found that a few hours to a day or two will give you a beautiful honey tan color.  I personally love the color that comes from this process.