Oiling, I'm So Confused

[stef73433]

I am so confused on getting the oiling into the finishing process.dye, oil, them seal? How do I avoid oil changing color/darkening?

And if I apply a good sealer, how does one oil in the future to maintain good moisture (making horse tack so it gets icky and gritty)

[Chief31794]

On Veg Tan Leather, I go in this order, Case, Carve, Dye, buff, Oil, Buff, Seal, Buff. Other people have other ways I think, not sure. What you want to do is replace the natural oils in the leather that are removed in the dying process. As for darkening, I can't tell that much difference after you let it dry, there may be a slight darkening but to me it's not objectionable. I have seen posts out here where people use different oils, I use Neets Foot oil, always have, don't have a problem with it so I've had no desire to look for alternatives. Maybe someone will have an oil that doesn't darken as much. But the bottom line, the final color is dependent on every thing you do to the leather. As for conditioning after the sealant, I don't keep much of the leather I make, I do include a letter with my items that suggests that if the item ever needs cleaning, use a high quality leather balm or conditioner and follow manufacturer directions for using that product. I keep leather balm in the shop for cleaning and conditioning old items that people bring in for repair. I also use it to condition lace when I'm lacing a project.

Chief

[AlexLeather]

I case the leather, tool it, mold it (if it needs molding depending on the job), let dry completely, light layer of prime neatsfoot oil with a clean white t-shirt scrap, dry completely, buff, professional oil dye (my dye of choice), let dye dry completely then buff, apply my resist liquid, let dry, apply antique paste, dry overnight or so and buff that really well, then add a layer of finish, something like tan kote or sprayable saddle lac, or shoe polish, depends on the project. I like the Montana Pitch blend stuff, hydrates the leather pretty well and I like the smell. I add a layer of that once or twice a year as needed.

Some things you can oil the back of, like belts, if you don't want to oil the top to prevent darkening. I just oil the front because I like the dark look on all my stuff. Alex