Vinegaroon Turns Gray?

[Jimbob]

Been experimenting with second and third batch of Vinegaroon.....came out great, test piece of 2-3 veg tan leather turned instantly black...after second soak it was jet black!!!!!!!!

Great!!!

Now, when it is dried out it suddenly shows grey blotches...oiled second piece, first jet black....then when dry sort of gray...what do I do wrong...

James

[Catchndreams]

Been experimenting with second and third batch of Vinegaroon.....came out great, test piece of 2-3 veg tan leather turned instantly black...after second soak it was jet black!!!!!!!!

Great!!!

Now, when it is dried out it suddenly shows grey blotches...oiled second piece, first jet black....then when dry sort of gray...what do I do wrong...

James

I have had the same problem. It's the leather. I oiled lightly again truned out OK.

Dennis

[BearMan]

Good Morning James,

It sounds like the leather was not oiled enough. The process works best when the leather is oiled after the Vinegaroon,,,, but,, I should also mention, that after the Vinegaroon has been applied & dried, the surface should be neutralized. I usually use a very dilute mixture of baking soda, that I "wash" the surface with to help neutralize with. This is an important step. Here is a link to a tutorial: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=14946

I hope this help,,, Ed the"BearMan"

[Wishful]

I had same issue so oiled several times before it stayed black. It seems some leather may have more or less oils to begin with so may need to be refreshed more with the oil.

Edited July 14, 2011 by Wishful

[ChuckBurrows]

Whenever you get gray before oiling it generally means that there is a lack of tannins to react with the iron - to darken it prior to oiling (sometimes the oil will darken it enough but not always) use a brew of cold, strong black tea (ie. Liptons or what I use is the el cheapo Wally World brand). The tea can be applied either before or after the vinegar black is applied.

Let dry and if need be re-apply both then oil.........

[Jimbob]

Whenever you get gray before oiling it generally means that there is a lack of tannins to react with the iron - to darken it prior to oiling (sometimes the oil will darken it enough but not always) use a brew of cold, strong black tea (ie. Liptons or what I use is the el cheapo Wally World brand). The tea can be applied either before or after the vinegar black is applied.

Let dry and if need be re-apply both then oil.........

Ahhhhhhh, tannins....in tea...hmmmm, need to try that....thanks a bushell!!

James