antique

[tonyc1]

I add some Raven oil (spirit based dye) to the antique mix in a bowl . depending on how strong the colour is that i want will determine how much dye I put in the mix . Stir well . Paint it on with a brush nice and thick , backwards and forwards , backwards and forwards till you notice its starting to thicken or get sticky. Then mottle , dab the brush staight up and down till there are no streaks , just a nice even coating . The antique is a carrier for the dye and the longer its on the more dye will leach out and into the leather . If the antique has been applied unevenly , the dye will leach out accordingly and look uneven when the antique is rubbed off . As soon as the antique is dry I rubb it off evenly with methylated spirits and a soft cloth . Experiment !

Any experiences I had in the past with Raven oil were lousy as it rubbed off on things, Dave. I guess you must have mastered the way to apply it.

Tony.

[Davy]

Theres only one way to use raven oil . Carefully . Raven oil by itself leaves a bloom , which is similar to an oxide and must be rubbed off .

[wolvenstien]

I have had issues in applying antique paste as well.

Finally Johanna clued me in on a way that DOES work for me. Apply in small areas with fur. I cant find wool, so I use the Rabbits fur tandy sells as wool... apply in small areas, and when I reapply from the jar to the fur, I start back on an area I have already covered. go over the whole area that i want covered and then buff it and clean off anything that was left behind (on the smooth areas) and then cover with my finish. I have not had the opportunity to use this on a carved piece. But it works great with smooth leathers.