CharlieR Report post Posted January 25, 2009 OK guys--I have recently acquired two old saddles that are close to junkers, so thought this would be the perfect opportunity to learn how to clean and restore saddles. I know there is a ton of info here regarding how to do this, but it gets a little confusing--so, here are my questions. 1) When I used saddle soap to clean a piece of the leather, I soaked the leather well, built up a good lather with the soap, then rinsed with clear water. After several applications of this, the leather was clean, but when it dried, the color of the leather was washed out---NOW, what do I use to restore the color and make the leather appear to have a finish on it. 2) I have used all the following on various pieces of older leather, but never felt any of them gave a good final finsh--Pecard's, Lexol, Black Rock. I usually apply these, then rub them down with a soft cloth. Any suggestions or commments would be greatly appreciated. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted January 25, 2009 Charlie, If the color change is from washing all the grunge off and some of the oil came too, all I can say is good job on that part. That is what I look for and it takes some effort to get there. From that stage I apply something to help restore. I kind of wing it depending on how the leather feels and looks. A kind of routine is a light coat of neatsfoot oil or olive oil and let it even out for a day or so. Maybe some more then depending on how it looks and feels. I like to use a paste over that too. One of my favorites is Hide Rejuvenater from TLF. I also like Williams Australian Saddle Dressing (not Feibing's Aussie). Light coats and keep in a warm room for a day between applications. The Williams buffs up pretty nice as is. If you want a finish, I like a light application of TanKote. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CharlieR Report post Posted January 25, 2009 Bruce--thanks for the info. I have tried neatsfoot oil before, but was afraid it was turning the leather too dark--have also tried olive oil, which didn't give me darkness but had heard that it was not good for leather. Also, should I apply TanKote over the paste? Boy, this is what makes this forum so great--I appreciate all you experts do and say to help us newbies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blake Report post Posted January 25, 2009 Hi Charlie Bruce's suggestion means PURE Neatsfoot oil and not the compound.. The compound will overly darken the leather. Blake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CharlieR Report post Posted January 25, 2009 Blake--thanks for the heads up. I may have used the compound before, will go and look at the bottle. By the way, i have lived in Texas for a long time, but have never been to North Zulch-lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blake Report post Posted January 25, 2009 Hi Charlie Hardly anyone comes to North Zulch on purpose and if they do they usually won't admit it. I sure do love the Hill Country and get over to that part of Texas whenever I can. Where are you located exactly? Blake Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CharlieR Report post Posted January 25, 2009 Blake--I'm north of San Antonio and just a tad south of Blanco off 281. Holler if you ever get over this way---and thanks for the info. Charlie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BondoBobCustomSaddles Report post Posted January 31, 2009 One last word. I only use PURE neatsfoot oil, and over the years it has served me well. If you use too much it WILL soak through to the other side. You have to experiment to see how much is too much. So, use it as Bruce says in steps. If it is PURE it will not darken the leather very much at all. Once it dries it will com back to the natural color. For saddles that are "old and dry". Once I have them clean, I take a small iron pot, put about 4oz. of PURE neatsfoot oil in, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil to it, and take it out to my grill, (my wife would shoot me if I heated it on the stove! Doesn't smell bad to me but!!!) anyways, I heat the mixture till it is coming to a boil. Then I use a piece of sheepskin and apply it to the leather. The heat really drives the oil into the fibers of the leather, and usually rejuvenates the leather. If that dosn't get it done, then the leather is beyond use. Again, use only PURE Neatsfoot oil. Happy Trails Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CharlieR Report post Posted February 1, 2009 I have never heard of adding olive oil to the neatsfoot--thanks for the tip. charlie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pella Report post Posted February 7, 2009 I use lexol conditioner to restore color after washing, it do not turn leather much darker, just put it as original.Couple of application needed. It is what i did for the first saddle shown on the post "before and after restoration"Saddle soap solid form (bar) for the final touch ( i like the belvoir), it give a soft and shinny finish, help to reatore suppleness, or tan kote if you really want a shinny look but i find that tricky to apply.Better to put the lexol (or oil as needed) when leather is still a little moist Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
