Help: Neatlac, Clearlac & Saddlelac

[Sluggo001]

Whats the difference between these three?

Also, I'm graduating (only took a month) to dyes from Eco flow.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I think the steps are: oil, dye (Fiebing), and one of the three.

I think I,ve read that some use Neatlac after oiling for more blended dyeing results

Can I get a recommendation on which one I should be using for something that may be out in weather.

As always, thanks for your support!

[Chief31794]

There is no difference between Neat Lac and Clear Lac, they are the same thing. I would throw the saddle lac in the trash personally, others may like it, I don't. Neat Lac is no longer available, that's the old name, clear lac is available from Springfield Leather Company and a few others. It is the best finish I've found. It can be used as a resist to enhance carvings when used along with antiquing paste. The steps I use are Dye, let dry at least 12 hours, Oil, let dry at least 4 hours, then apply Clear Lac, let dry 12 hours, buff with sheep's wool. It is an excellent finish. If an item is going to be out in the weather a lot, then you might consider using Fiebing's Aussie, it is a beeswax based finish that provides a lot of protection against the elements. With Aussie, I put it on fairly thick, heat it with a hair dryer till it liquefies and then wipe off the excess, this lets the beeswax get into the leather to protect it.

If you wan to antique an item then the steps use are:

1. Dye (can be skipped as well)/ dry for at least 12 hours

2. Oil / dry for at least 4 hours

3. Apply Clear Lac / let dry at least 12 hours

4. Apply Antiquing Paste / wipe off excess (get the paste down In the depressions good. Let dry at least 8 hours

5 Apply another coat of Clear Lac / Let dry at least 12 hours

6. Buff project with sheep's wool.

There are other ways, these are the ones I use.

Chief

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