Members paintpony7417 Posted 20 hours ago Members Report Posted 20 hours ago Hi all, I have a few beginner questions regarding leather type and dying.... I want to make another headstall for my horse, but I am stuck on a few things. 1. What is the best type of leather for a headstall? I was thinking veg tan as that's what I used last time and I want to add basic stamps and tooling, but I don't like how stiff it is. Is there a way to soften veg tan leather to make it softer and more pliable? 2. I want to try and match the color to my saddle (pictured). I know this is kind of a loaded question, but what would be the best way to achieve a similar color? I have used tandy dyes (on veg tan leather) in the past but no matter how many finishes I apply the dye still rubs off on surfaces from time to time. Any help would be greatly appreciated! This is the saddle I'm hoping to color match my project to. Quote
CFM chuck123wapati Posted 19 hours ago CFM Report Posted 19 hours ago Neet's foot oil will soften and darken your leather. You can apply some, let it set for a day, and see if it needs more. Take a piece of the leather, make a strap, and test it, then match your color. The sun will also darken it somewhat with time. Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
Members BlackDragon Posted 15 hours ago Members Report Posted 15 hours ago Like Chuck said neatsfoot oil will soften and darken. Adding to much oil can turn your leather into oily mush, so take it slow. Do a few test pieces from the same leather you'll be making the headstall. The dye looks to be Fiebings Pro dye in dark brown When I do a vegtan headstall I tool it then add pure neatsfoot oil, you dont need a lot just enough to dampen the leather. I let it set in for a few hours then apply dye. The neatsfoot oil will act as a carrier for the dye and help it spread evenly. Let that set for a day. If its still stiff I work the leather a little. I roll it up with the skin side up and again flesh side up, I do this a few times. If it's still stiff add a little more neatsfoot oil. If it's not dark enough add another coat of dye. After dying it a second time it may be stiff. Just work the leather and it should soften. If not add a little more oil. Quote
CFM chuck123wapati Posted 7 hours ago CFM Report Posted 7 hours ago or maybe Bison Brown in eco flo. Quote Worked in a prison for 30 years if I aint shiny every time I comment its no big deal, I just don't wave pompoms. “I won’t be wronged, I won’t be insulted, and I won’t be laid a hand on. I don’t do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.” THE DUKE!
Members Mulesaw Posted 6 hours ago Members Report Posted 6 hours ago @paintpony7417 Neatsfoot oil and sunlight. Daily "wear and tear" will in my experinece quickly darken a piece. Brgds Jonas Quote
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