best all around 'tan' color

[cybertracy]

What is the best dye to get that "natural" aged leather color? I'm very new and I'm sure there's a more technical term for the color, but I always think of it as the horse tack you leave hanging on the stall door or the old utility saddle that's not seen as much tlc as it should. I've used the Saddle Tan (which I had great hopes for) and it seems a bit too golden, others have been too brown or reddish. Tandy's Leather Glow doesn't add enough color once dry and the 'Hi-liter' is too antiquey. I will be using this on tooled and smooth leather. PS: I'm in California and I think we're down to crayola crayons and easter egg dye (only water soluble) for supplies, but I'm willing to travel if needed .

PS: I love this site and thank you all for sharing your experience & knowledge . .

[Luke Hatley]

CYBERTRACY, EXPERMENTION.... I-PART SADDLE TAN DYE,

3-PART NEETSFOOT OIL

A LOT OF DIRECT SUN SHINE...

Edited January 13, 2008 by Luke Hatley

[TwinOaks]

Have you tried burnishing the leather yet?

[cybertracy]

Hi Mike, I burnish the edges, is there a way to get that color over the entire piece, including the tooling? I also do a bit of braiding as well. . .

[ryan]

I now what you mean about the old tack look! What are you making? If you are making tack, I would recommend harness leather which is usually "hot stuffed" and will usually have that nice rich color you're looking for. The only downfall is that it doesn't tool well. If you are going to stick with Veg Tanned leather then I agree with experimentation. I have had good results with Fiebings (sp) Pro Oil Dye thinned with Tan Kote. I believe I've been using Light Brown. I'm not a measuring cup kind of guy but I would quess it's something like 3 parts Pro Dye to 1 Tan Kote? Speaking from experience, use the items and before long they will have that look you want. Horse sweat, horse manure, dirt, mud, and sunshine sure seem to make leather look good with time!!

hope this helps

Ryan