When Neutralizing?

[Aulus]

Is there a difference when using baking soda to neutralize acid from vingaroon if the leather ist whet or dry? I ever used it immediately after the blackening process when the leather is always wet from the Vingaoon.

But can I do the neutralizing later, with a drying period between?

[TwinOaks]

You might get some neutralization that way, but I've found that the process tends to push the tallow and waxes to the surface which makes wetting it again a real PITA.

Most of the time I neutralize immediately after the dip. After it's dry, I have to pretty much submerge the piece to get it wet. And presuming the next question, yes I mold while it's still damp from the 'roon process.

[Aulus]

Ok, thanks.

[SooperJake]

You might get some neutralization that way, but I've found that the process tends to push the tallow and waxes to the surface which makes wetting it again a real PITA.

Most of the time I neutralize immediately after the dip. After it's dry, I have to pretty much submerge the piece to get it wet. And presuming the next question, yes I mold while it's still damp from the 'roon process.

How much Baking Soda to water for the neutralization?

[Jax]

good question Shtoink

[ChuckBurrows]

I use an 1/8 of a cup of baking soda to a half gallon of water or thereabouts - just dunk the piece (if two big just wipe it down with a wet sponge) in the mix for a count of 5-7 seconds (DO NOT wait until it stops bubbling that will alkali burn the leather and can cause brittleness), rinse with clear cool water, apply you're favored oil/conditioner, and go from there......and yes I do not wait until after it's dry.

[Jax]

Thanks Chuck