Apply Oil Before Finishing Leather?

[La Maitresse]

Hey everyone, I was wanting to get some pointers as to what I should do before putting a finish on my leather (I have tankote, but am open to other ways). I haven't been able to find a specific answer to the whole finishing process (I know there are many). Right now I have the leather dyed, dried, and wiped off all excess that I possibly could. But I'm wanting to know if it would be a good idea to apply some type of oil to the leather for flexibility before putting the finish on. I would also love to know anyone's method of finishing their leather. Thanks!

[La Maitresse]

Meh, wow... I just found a completely different section that I somehow missed, I'm a noob on here. Any pointers are appreciated though!

[Dwight]

You didn't say what the project was, . . . which could make a huge difference in what is used for final finish.

But in answer to your main question, . . . yes, . . . apply oil before the final finish. The only thing one should ever do after the final finish is perhaps apply a wax / polish, . . . but again, . . . that is only like polishing a pair of shoes, . . . something done long after construction is finished.

My personal favorite is Resolene. It's a water based acrylic finish that is fairly hard, . . . has a good gloss, . . . and can be easily applied.

I use a cheap 1 inch bristle (pig hair) brush, . . . stay away from the nylon ones, . . . mix up the Resolend 50/50 with water, . . . wet the brush and begin applying the finish, . . . brush up / down / left / right / all different directions, . . . you use enough to work up a foamy froth on the leather, . . . hair side and flesh side.

Once you get the froth built up all over one side, . . . go to the other side, . . . (oh yeah, . . . wear a latex glove on the non-brushing hand, . . . and keep your fingerprints off the outside, . . . pretty part of the project, . . . hold it by the buckle, the inside, etc.). Froth up the second side (for holsters, . . . I always do the inside first, . . . then stick my fingers in there to hold it).

The trick is to keep brushing that froth until it literally goes away. Then hang it up to dry.

It takes a bit of practice, . . . but it gives a really nice finish, . . . and you can do more than one coat, . . . just don't get carried away with it. There is a level that gets too thick and it will crack and break.

May God bless,

Dwight