Vinegaroon tutorial

[Horseshoe]

well I've made my very first batch of the ole roon, and it is very dang cool. I also did an experiment with brass shavings that I have access to, the result is that it did nothing no breakdown of the brass at all and no coloring of the leather.

[CTS]

Question on this subject. I think I understand the process and the acid levels, etc. It looks great from what I have seen. Some of you mentioned you have used this method for years. Have you had any feedback from any clients or do you have an article that you have had for many years that was colored with this method?

I want to know (1) Does it do some long term damaging effects to the leather (like over 5-10 yrs does it break down the leather fibers or cause excessive cracking, drying)?

(2) Does the black color fade over the years - especially when exposed to light or elements?

I did not notice any products that had top coats added. Does it work well with finishes in case a client wants a Satin finish over the black?

Thanks for all input and ideas!

~CT

[rccolt45]

I mixed up a batch and it came out great. The black color is awsome and easy to work. My only question is what do you do about the Vinegar smell. I applied it on Saturday and then rinsed off with water and two days later it still has a vinegar and metal smell to it.

Also do yu seal it with anything?

[ChuckBurrows]

Question on this subject. I think I understand the process and the acid levels, etc. It looks great from what I have seen. Some of you mentioned you have used this method for years. Have you had any feedback from any clients or do you have an article that you have had for many years that was colored with this method?

I want to know (1) Does it do some long term damaging effects to the leather (like over 5-10 yrs does it break down the leather fibers or cause excessive cracking, drying)?

(2) Does the black color fade over the years - especially when exposed to light or elements?

I did not notice any products that had top coats added. Does it work well with finishes in case a client wants a Satin finish over the black?

Thanks for all input and ideas!

~CT

I've been using it for over 40 years on both my own gear as well as customers which has given me plenty of feedback.

No on both questions as long as you treat it regularly like you do any other leather - keep it clean and condition it as needed.

I almost always use a top coat - any of the regulars such as Tan Kote, Bag Kote, etc. work just fine.

[rccolt45]

I've been using it for over 40 years on both my own gear as well as customers which has given me plenty of feedback.

No on both questions as long as you treat it regularly like you do any other leather - keep it clean and condition it as needed.

I almost always use a top coat - any of the regulars such as Tan Kote, Bag Kote, etc. work just fine.

Chuck what about the smell how do you get rid of it?

[Spinner]

Any thoughts on larger projects? I don't necessarily have the space for a huge dunk tank but many of the projects I do are 24" x 18" before wet forming. Can the 'roon be brushed/padded on? if so, will it yield even results as long as I soak the whole piece as evenly as possible?

Thanks,

Chris

[Wishful]

Anyone know if you can buy the vinegaroon anywhere?

[drphil]

Any thoughts on larger projects? I don't necessarily have the space for a huge dunk tank but many of the projects I do are 24" x 18" before wet forming. Can the 'roon be brushed/padded on? if so, will it yield even results as long as I soak the whole piece as evenly as possible?

Thanks,

Chris

Hey Chris, I have used 'roon on a number of projects by brushing on liberally. You want to be sure that the entire thickness of the leather is wet with the 'roon. It will darken the piece all the way through. That way if you need to do edges later the leather will still be black under the removed corner. If you dont add it on liberally enough this might not be the case, too light and a scratch or two might show a different color. The leather will reach an even dark color when the 'roon has reacted with the tannins in the leather - this means no streaking and no uneven spots. Of course I suppose if you got a strangely tanned piece with more tannins in one place etc. perhaps you would have streaking in that case. I would think that would be a very rare thing! If the leather is just not getting dark (black) enough it may be because there are not a lot of tannins in your leather piece. Many people fix this problem by first running their leather through some water that is heavily impregnated with coffee or black tea. Like really strong coffee water, it will add more tannins which will result in blacker leather. Many people add this as a pre-step in the whole 'roon process. I haven't needed to do that though. I have always got good results without adding tannins. Sometimes I get more of a dark blue/grey color but this has always gone black after oiling.

Anyone know if you can buy the vinegaroon anywhere?

I am not sure you can buy vinegaroon anywhere. You can however buy the chemical that reacts with the leather tannins to produce the black color. Powdered 'roon if you will. The reaction is basically between the tannins and lron acetate. You can buy some Iron (II) acetate and mix with some water and you will have basically the same thing as homemade 'roon.

[markush]

I am not sure you can buy vinegaroon anywhere. You can however buy the chemical that reacts with the leather tannins to produce the black color. Powdered 'roon if you will. The reaction is basically between the tannins and lron acetate. You can buy some Iron (II) acetate and mix with some water and you will have basically the same thing as homemade 'roon.

That powder will run you about $30.00 for 5 grams. I have no idea how much vinegaroon solution that 5 grams would make but I'm thinking not all that much. A gallon of vinegar is under $2.00 and a package of steel wool is $3-4, I believe. I personally could make a lifetime supply of vinegaroon with $30.00 worth of vinegar and steel wool

[mkleathers]

Im brewing my roon as I.. type . One question for long time users who use it for knife sheaths (hope Chuck reads it ). Is there any way that vinegaroon might damage the steel? Should I take any additional precautions, (

eg. mentioned soda) or finnish it differently ?

Mat