15oz skirting leather

[antipaladin]

I just purchased some 15oz skirting leather...some nice brand marks on it.

I wet it with a spray bottle once on the flesh side and twice on the grain

side with a sponge. I stopped before it got "water logged"...when it stopped

easily absorbing the water. After that it cut relatively easily on a scrap marble

tombstone I picked up for free from a local monument maker. Once it's dried

prior to sewing, what's the best way to get it supple and looking "golden" like

a good saddle...like the OLD Mulholland Brothers Lariat leather before they

started making it in China. I love the way that leather "scuffs" and ages so

well. I read the basics about Neatsfoot oil...but is there more too it?

I've heard reference to treating such leather with "waxy tannins"...OK,

I'll bite...what exactly are "waxy tannins"? Tannin is defined as a preservative

from grapes...how is that waxy?

Edited December 6, 2007 by antipaladin

[Peter Ellis]

Defining tannin as "a preservative from grapes" is way too limited. That reads like a definition used in the specific context of wine.

Tannins are found in many kinds of plant, including oak trees. Oak is a source very commonly used for leather tanning.

As to the "waxy" part - dunno, I haven't run across "waxy tannins" as a term.

I'm sure some of the more experienced members will be able to help with both the definitions and the coloring/finishing question.