Water Stains On Barrel Saddle

[5050ranch]

Howdy,

Just bought a lovely used Nathan Lamb Barrel saddle with outstanding tooling, just beautiful. Only problem is the previous owner got caught out in the rain in it and now there are large water stains on it. Is there ANY way to remove/clean/lessen these water stains ? Here's a pic of the stain. Any input would be appreciated and thanks.

David

Edited April 21, 2010 by 5050ranch

[Saddlebag]

I found this technique on the internet altho I haven't tried it. I may stain a similar piece to see how well this works.

Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove water spots from Leather or Suede:

• Test denatured alcohol in an inconspicuous area.
• If safe to use, rub the stain with a cloth dampened with a few drops of alcohol.
• On leather, follow with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap to condition the leather.

[Harfindel]

If the alcohol dooesn't work, you might try acetone. I would be particularly careful of what the acetone might do the the pre-existing dyes, though. I agree that the leather should be reconditioned afterward to ensure that it ends up with a sufficient amount of moisture and oil in it

[oldtimer]

I would use warm water . Wet the leather - and I mean really wet , which would even out the differences in color. ( I dare not suggest an hour in the water trough)

/ Knut

[horsewreck]

I would use warm water . Wet the leather - and I mean really wet , which would even out the differences in color. ( I dare not suggest an hour in the water trough)

/ Knut

Knut, thanks for staying away from the water trough issue!!! Jeff

[Bob]

To remove water stains, most saddle makers use oxalic acid. I use it to bleach out stains of various types.

In this case you will want to use it everywhere, on the whole saddle and use a good sponge to apply it outside where it can drip onto the ground. Get the leather good and wet EVENLY.

Maybe the drug store will sell it. Mix a table spoon or two into one quart of water. Warm water works good for quick penetration.

If in dought, ask a saddle maker to do the work for you. It shouldn't cost you much more than 50 dollars to bleach out that saddle. It will remove the stains, at least most of the stains, depending on the degree. It will lighten the color up and bring no harm to the saddle.

Hope this helps you out.