How To AGE Leather

[CharlieR]

OK, I just saw a holster and gun belt rig that I thought had ridden across the plains with a crusty old cowboy only to discover that it was a recently made project made to look that way. How do you age leather to make it appear as an antique or older, well used leather piece??

[Hilly]

OK, I just saw a holster and gun belt rig that I thought had ridden across the plains with a crusty old cowboy only to discover that it was a recently made project made to look that way. How do you age leather to make it appear as an antique or older, well used leather piece??

I just put some neatsfoot oil (a light coat) on it, then lay it out in full sun for a few days till I get the color I want. Just make sure that it isn't a "target" for birds I take it in at night so it doesn't get dewy or wet. Veg tan leather sun tans just like your own skin does. "Beat it up" a bit to distress it. You can also apply a resist, then antiquing gels/pastes to add a bit of patina. Afterwards you might want to put a small scuff or two on it to make it look very well used?

[JohnD]

I found this online when I had the same questions a few weeks ago.

It's an article from the Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal by Wayne Zurl, that should answer it for you. Hope this helps.

John