Finishing (Oils?)

[RandyJ]

Working on my first tooled motorcycle seat and grips. Had planned all along to use a water-base dye and water-based clear coat. However, I've been reading a lot and now I'm curious about using oils for (possibly) a deeper, more authentic look. I also began getting concerned regarding the durability of the dye and clearcoat on a seat exposed to the elements and being sat on.

My question: If I use an oil (Neatsfoot, Lexol NF, Fiebings, Picards, etc...) is there a separate clear coat I can use over it to prevent the oily or waxy bleed back? I want it to look cool without me wearing it later. Also, I did still plan on using black dye on some parts of the seat. If I do and use an oil over it, will the oil negatively affect the dye?

I'd appreciate any advice ~ this site has been great! Thanks!

Randy

[Spinner]

Hey Randy,

On my tank bibs, side covers and the occassional seat I use: dye > neatsfoot > tankote > Pecard's Motorcycle Leather Lotion > Pecard's motorcycle Weatherproof Dressing (natural or black depending on project colors).

Had my first gasoline test last weekend as reported by a client. He was fooling with his GPS while getting fuel and lifted the nozzle out of the tank tube shooting gas down the tank and tank bib. The above finish resisted the gas long enough for him to simply wipe off at the station, let it air out at home and re-apply/buff it with wax dressing with no ill effects. It's also a two-color fade on the bib and sun, rain and now gasoline haven't bothered it at all after 3 months on the road. Folks that bought my first bibs a little over a year ago report similar results.

Side note - should motorcycle leathers get doused in gasoline, air it out and spray the back with a 50/50 solution of vinegar. Kills the gas smell within 24 hours and it doesn't leave it's own residue or smell. I was able to test and confirm this as well.

Hope this helps,

Chris

P.S. - links to the Pecard stuff I use:

Leather Lotion (they also have smaller sizes): http://www.pecard.co...y_Code=mlotions

Black Weatherproof Dressing: http://www.pecard.co...ry_Code=mwproof

Natural Weatherproof Dressing: http://www.pecard.co...ode=mleathdress

Edited March 4, 2011 by Spinner

[terrymac]

Hey Randy,

On my tank bibs, side covers and the occassional seat I use: dye > neatsfoot > tankote > Pecard's Motorcycle Leather Lotion > Pecard's motorcycle Weatherproof Dressing (natural or black depending on project colors).

Had my first gasoline test last weekend as reported by a client. He was fooling with his GPS while getting fuel and lifted the nozzle out of the tank tube shooting gas down the tank and tank bib. The above finish resisted the gas long enough for him to simply wipe off at the station, let it air out at home and re-apply/buff it with wax dressing with no ill effects. It's also a two-color fade on the bib and sun, rain and now gasoline haven't bothered it at all after 3 months on the road. Folks that bought my first bibs a little over a year ago report similar results.

Side note - should motorcycle leathers get doused in gasoline, air it out and spray the back with a 50/50 solution of vinegar. Kills the gas smell within 24 hours and it doesn't leave it's own residue or smell. I was able to test and confirm this as well.

Hope this helps,

Chris

P.S. - links to the Pecard stuff I use:

Leather Lotion (they also have smaller sizes): http://www.pecard.co...y_Code=mlotions

Black Weatherproof Dressing: http://www.pecard.co...ry_Code=mwproof

Natural Weatherproof Dressing: http://www.pecard.co...ode=mleathdress

Spinner,

I used neatsfoot oil for a long time, but I never liked the way it darkened the leather. I tried some Bee's Natural Saddle Oil and it doesn't darken at all. If anything, it gives the leather sort of a golden hue. It is good stuff. Just an option.

Terry