dye and neatsfoot oil ???

[carljc72]

I apologize in advance if this has been covered...but...

What I have read so far in different posts is that neatsfoot oil is great to use for the natural "look". Does anyone use neatsfoot oil along with dyes? And if so, in what order do you apply? (dye, oil, then finish, etc...). Thanks for the help in advance.

[hidepounder]

Yes...dye, oil, then finish. You don't hve to use Neatsfoot oil....olive oil works great also. Be sure to let your oiled piece sit for a day before applying the finish.

Bob

[carljc72]

thank you very much

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

What are you using the oil on? It works well on cowboy rigs or knife sheaths, but it is not a great idea to use on more modern holster designs (those that rely on tight boning and material stiffness for retention). The oil can soften the leather in the long run, affecting the holster's retention, as well as the ability to stay open and allow easy re-holstering. 'Just something to be aware of.

If you are using the oil on another project, by all means carry on (and show us some pictures when you're done).

[ABC3]

The biggest problem I find with neatsfoot oil is that it darkens the lighters leathers. I used some on a tan holster & ended up with a dark brown. Is there anyway around this.

[pete]

sure is. Bick's #4 won't darken the leather, will protect it, and mixes with dye wonderfully. Almost everything that I make is Bick's and chocolate or walnut dye.

I have an 8 oz bottle and pour in the Fiebing's directly until I get the color I want. Sponge it on and rub in until it gets smooth. About 20 seconds. It's like putting on a leather balm- soaks in and leaves it smooth and flexible.

I don't even use neats anymore as the Bick's seems to fully restore the moisture after I tool and dry.

pete

[ABC3]

Pete,

I buy Fiebing's Oil Pro by the Gal & I would want to mix the entire Gal. How much of the 8oz Bicks #4 do you feel it would take. I'm trying to get to a Saddle Tan color but even with Atom Wax & finish coat it all turns darker.

[pete]

haven't figured that one out yet. I don't do projects larger than say an album (12X24"). I do mix 1-2 "niquil" size caps full of chocolate to a bottle and it lasts me quite a while.

Wish I could help more.

Call Kevin Hopkins at Springfield leather(800.668.8518) in MO. Bo Riddel, the in house bootmaker, was the one who turned me onto Bick's years ago. It's all that he uses too.

pete

Edited April 20, 2009 by pete

[ABC3]

Pete,

Will do & many thanks....

[carljc72]

What are you using the oil on? It works well on cowboy rigs or knife sheaths, but it is not a great idea to use on more modern holster designs (those that rely on tight boning and material stiffness for retention). The oil can soften the leather in the long run, affecting the holster's retention, as well as the ability to stay open and allow easy re-holstering. 'Just something to be aware of.

If you are using the oil on another project, by all means carry on (and show us some pictures when you're done).

I was thinking of using it on holster straps to keep them flexible and keep them from getting brittle.