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Posted

Hi!

I've read a few posts here about using a 50-50 mix of beeswax and neetsfoot oil to finish leathergoods.

Some people would also add other components (e.g. parafin).

I only have olive oil, so my first question is whether olive oil will work as well as neetsfoot?

Secondly, can somebody please explain the purposes of additives and what to add to the mix?

Thank you!

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Posted (edited)

A couple of years ago I got a recipe, . . . 50/50 beeswax and neetsfoot oil, . . . by weight, . . . heat em up slowly in a double cooker. I use a glass jar in a crock pot about half full of water.

Remember the old saying: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That recipe works super well, . . . don't have any idea why anyone would want to add something to it.

You could try olive oil, . . . I cannot speak good or bad about it, as I don't know.

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited by Dwight

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Posted (edited)

How well would this mixture hold up to rain etc?? Or is it strictly a "looks great with a natural lustre" finish? And I take it that it gets brushed on then buffed? Very interested in something like this as I really hate chemical sprays etc.

Edited by McJeep

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Posted

Back in the '80s I used to do that for knife sheaths. I had a electric roaster full of the stuff. It worked very well but gave a very noticeable coat, you could brush and buff it and it looked like you polyurethaned it. Anyway, I've given-up the DYI ethic, if someone else is making it and doing a good job, I'll buy it.

Montana Pitchblend oil has Pine pitch and mink oil, and works very well. They make a paste that has Pine Pitch, Mink Oil, and Beeswax, and it is a lot like my old concoction, but a little easier to apply. You don't have to heat it like I did my old stuff.

Montana Pitchblend Here.

Art

Hi!

I've read a few posts here about using a 50-50 mix of beeswax and neetsfoot oil to finish leathergoods.

Some people would also add other components (e.g. parafin).

I only have olive oil, so my first question is whether olive oil will work as well as neetsfoot?

Secondly, can somebody please explain the purposes of additives and what to add to the mix?

Thank you!

For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!

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Posted (edited)

Well, I've got some mink oil too, but would prefer to use evoo as it doesn't go through my leatherwork budget but just gets pinched from the kitchen :)

I'll stick to carnauba+kiwi for now, but I always get excited about home-brewed stuff =)

One of the older posts suggested applying this paste to leather, then using a hair dryer to heat it up and then giving it a buff.

By the way, are there any suggestions on the amount of pine pitch that goes into the mix?

Edited by Chavez
  • Moderator
Posted

No real need for the EVOO, we're too short on virgins as it is around here. Regular olive oil should suffice. Don't make up a whole lot of it, the olive oil is susceptible to oxidation.

I have no idea of the ratios they use.

Art

Well, I've got some mink oil too, but would prefer to use evoo as it doesn't go through my leatherwork budget but just gets pinched from the kitchen :)

I'll stick to carnauba+kiwi for now, but I always get excited about home-brewed stuff =)

One of the older posts suggested applying this paste to leather, then using a hair dryer to heat it up and then giving it a buff.

By the way, are there any suggestions on the amount of pine pitch that goes into the mix?

For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!

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Posted

Thanks, Art!

What would oxidisation do to the mix?

I can use Fiebing's Mink oil instead, but I believe its got Lanolin, silicone and neatsfoot oil mixed into it...

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Posted

I have often questioned the use of olive oil since it does oxidize. I dont want my leather to smell like raunchy olives. Anyone with experience in its use care to comment?

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Posted

Like I said, I'm not really DIY anymore, olive oil will get rancid if around too long, the beeswax may help some. If you are near Abbey Saddlery, go pick their brains, and check on the price of neatsfoot oil.

If not, just bite the bullet and order something from Montana Pitchblend or one of their suppliers. Call them, they might have someone in the UK selling their products.

Art

Thanks, Art!

What would oxidisation do to the mix?

I can use Fiebing's Mink oil instead, but I believe its got Lanolin, silicone and neatsfoot oil mixed into it...

For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!

  • Members
Posted (edited)

I have often questioned the use of olive oil since it does oxidize. I dont want my leather to smell like raunchy olives. Anyone with experience in its use care to comment?

Actually ALL oils will oxidize over time, even the best uch as whale oil, based on temp and other conditions. AS for using EVOO - it;s been used onleather since the Egyptians at least. My own use has been for over 40 years and I have NEVeR once had a piece of my own gear go rancid (and I use my gear hard) or any of my customers complain of rancidity.

No real need for the EVOO, we're too short on virgins as it is around here. Regular olive oil should suffice. Don't make up a whole lot of it, the olive oil is susceptible to oxidation.

Actually - no regular olive oils are heated which increase the chace of oxidation and eventual rancidity - Cold Pressed Olive oil on the other hand is as I described above.

Edited by ChuckBurrows

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