How do saddle shops get a shine on a used saddle?

[GrampaJoel]

I went from the dirty saddle to the shiny saddle using this method.

1. saddle soap wash and toothbrush scrub..

2. let completely dry

3.Add neatsfoot oil

4.let dry completely

5.wipe in Bee natural real well.

6.buff to shine.

7. Kiwi paste wax neutral color on high spots

8. buff with soft cloth. ( old sweat shirt)

I also re-made the saddle horn, re-padded the seat, added some tie strings, shined the silver a little and eventually made and added an offside billet, re-soldered a concho on the near side, and removed the seat stain.

Yes the saddle did darken a little.

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Joel, looks like you have been a busy beaver! Nice job! I am sure the saddle's owner will be pleased.

Bob

[Saddlebag]

Some of the topicals add a nice high shine as long as they are applied only to areas that don't bend, the forks and maybe the cheyenne roll. If the leather moves, the topicals crack leaving a fine spider web appearance. I have cleaned hundreds of saddles and pretty much stick with elbow grease.