What's The Best Way To Apply Neatsfoot Oil?

[RoosterShooter]

I'm thinking of doing a few holsters in a simple neatsfoot finish.

What's the best way to apply?

I've read where some people brush it on and wait, then apply again, and then I've read where people rub it in by hand.

Any comments are appreciated.

[abn]

I apply oils very lightly using a small piece of cotton fabric... Usually cut from a white T-shirt. I only apply a single, light coat. (Too much oil is a bad thing.) FWIW, I prefer olive oil over neatsfoot for a more rich, mellow color. You should try both on scrap to see which one you prefer.

Good luck!

[Chief31794]

X2 on light coat, I put it on with the same cotton material very lightly. I don't think I would ever use it as a finish, just me, but I use it to return natural oil to the leather to promote flexibility and suppleness.

Chief

[Treed]

I like to use a patch of sheep skin with the wool trimmed down. Gives me more control when applying, as I can control the amount of oil on the wool better.

[David8386]

I like old cotton socks

Good luck David

[shtoink]

I have not tried it yet, but have heard of using a cheap airbrush, not unlike one from Harbor Freight, to apply even coats.

[RoosterShooter]

I have not tried it yet, but have heard of using a cheap airbrush, not unlike one from Harbor Freight, to apply even coats.

Neatsfoot seems too thick for an airbrush! I have been airbrushing epoxy and acrylic paints on firearms for several years. I couldn't imagine using an airbrush to spray something so thick!

[cem]

An airbrush is likely to clog, not sure why somebody would want hassle of applying it that way when it's easy to apply with sheep skin or cloth. As long as you are putting on light coats it evens itself out anyway after a few hours.

[Horrrk]

I like old cotton socks

That's nice David and may I say very brave of you to admit to your cotton sock fetish, actually on the forum..

Regards

Phil

[Jarednem]

I have been using my wife's makeup pads. She used them one on my projects and I haven't anything else since. The round kind rubbery felling ones u can get from target

Edited December 7, 2012 by Jarednem