Dying a tooled saddle

[kiwibraider]

Good morning guys, 

 

Just chipping away at tooling a saddle for myself and wanting to add some dye to it to make it pop. I’ve never played around with Dye/finish on a saddle, just wondering if there are any do’s and dont’s? 
 

I usually use fiebings pro dye, and tan kote and resoline to finish. I’ve been doing this one bridles and breastplates for a few years but curious to see if this is the same approach to take to a saddle since it’s an item that sees more contact and friction from the rider? 
 

Thanks in advance!

[Northmount]

4 hours ago, kiwibraider said:

I usually use fiebings pro dye, and tan kote and resoline to finish. I’ve been doing this one bridles and breastplates for a few years but curious to see if this is the same approach to take to a saddle since it’s an item that sees more contact and friction from the rider? 

Moved your post to General Saddlery Discussion

[bland]

Is it a western saddle?  I have never dyed a tooled saddle.  I think it would be difficult to get a consistent color after forming and shaping all the parts.  Only an opinion but if I wanted to build a dark saddle I would use drum dyed skirting leather.  Many companies offer dyed leathers.  

[Goldshot Ron]

If you can get it, I would suggest using Fiebings acrylic antique dye for your first attempt.  It is more foregiving than their Pro dye, and you can lighten it easily with a damp sponge by removing some of the color before it dries.

[rktaylor]

I have used dye on a few saddles. If you want to dye the entire saddle, I agree with @bland and @Goldshot Ron to use drum dyed leather from the tannery. I have used Pro dye for the background on tooled areas. I am not familiar with the acrylic dyes. I would not use anything to seal it as you will want to oil it in the future. I hope this helps. 

Randy

Edited April 7, 2025 by rktaylor
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