Tucker Saddle hazy film

[KathySemi]

March 13, 2025

Hello,

I am hoping that someone can help me with this.

I bought a used Tucker Saddle in May 2024. It was in pretty good condition. It had a few scratches, some deep but not too bad, and some marks like the color wore off but all in all it looked good.  

After I ride I normally wipe-off the dust and dirt on my saddle. After a several more trail rides, and a trail ride where it got muddy I wanted to clean it and condition it to keep it looking good and keeping the leather supple. I used Lexol Leather Tack 3-in-1 quick care formula from Tractor Supply.  I thought it was good. But after several more times my saddle began to have this hazy film on it and I cant get rid of it. I have rubbed, wiped, rubbed again, washed off with damp rag, let it dry then used very diluted dish soap on a damp/wet rag and wiped it real good then wiped it again with a clean damp rag then used the leather tack lotion again.... still has that horrible hazy film.. What am i doing wrong. What can i do to get the shine back?

do you need a pic to see it?

Thanks

Kathy Seminatore

[Goldshot Ron]

Kathy,

It sounds like you removed the oil from the leather by cleaning it the way you discribed.  I would recommend using Neetsfoot oil to condition the leather.  Start in an obscure area first to see what it does.  If you do not have Neetsfoot oil, a virgin olive oil will work also.  I am not familiar enough with Lexol products to comment on them; I haven't used Lexol in over 40 years.  My basic procedures is to brush off dirt and dust, wash with saddle soap, and when dry, oil with Neetsfoot oil.  Once the oil has penetrated the leather and is dry to the touch, buff the saddle with a cotton cloth.

Ron

[KathySemi]

On 3/15/2025 at 2:54 PM, Goldshot Ron said:

Kathy,

It sounds like you removed the oil from the leather by cleaning it the way you discribed.  I would recommend using Neetsfoot oil to condition the leather.  Start in an obscure area first to see what it does.  If you do not have Neetsfoot oil, a virgin olive oil will work also.  I am not familiar enough with Lexol products to comment on them; I haven't used Lexol in over 40 years.  My basic procedures is to brush off dirt and dust, wash with saddle soap, and when dry, oil with Neetsfoot oil.  Once the oil has penetrated the leather and is dry to the touch, buff the saddle with a cotton cloth.

Ron

Hello Ron

Thank you so much for responding to me.  I attached a couple of pics for your to look at if you can. I'm just a little worried that i will be adding to the problem by using more oil. 

thanks you so much for your time and assistance.

Kathy

[Goldshot Ron]

Kathy,

Your pictures suggest that it had a factory finish on the saddle, and you washed some of it off.  The seat jockeys do not appear to be dry, and the type of leather they used looks like burgandy latigo.  Latigo does not shine naturally, but has a dull finish.  What I use on latigos and strings is Rudy's Leather conditioner.  I use it on saddle seats where you do not want oil wicking into your jeans.  Springfield Leather carries this product, which is made in Vancouver, Washington.  It is a non-oil product, but it does not shine up.  It works to prevent mold and mildew on leather.  So, you are correct, I agree that you need to oil the saddle.  When I have a really dirty saddle, I will use a formula of water, a few drops of Ivory dish soap, and amonia (enough to keep the amonia smell) to cut the grim and gease.  Your saddle would not need this treatment.

Good luck, Ron

[KathySemi]

Thank you so much for your assistance! 

~Kathy

[AlZilla]

1 hour ago, KathySemi said:

Thank you so much for your assistance! 

~Kathy

@KathySemi, I'd be interested in how this turns/turned out, if you don't mind. I couldn't decide if it had some kind of finish stripped away or if it needed oil or what.

If you solve it, the solution might help someone in the future.