rpfkov Report post Posted March 18, 2014 (edited) Hello, I am a newbie at leather work and I would really appreciate some advice. I am working with raw veggie tanned leather. I want it to age naturally, but I am trying to help it along a little with sun and oil. I am trying to achieve a specific colour and I think I am headed in the right direction with the "sun tanning" but need advice on the oil. As seen in the photo attached, there are three swatches. I am hoping to achieve the finish of the third swatch over time (Sun, Oil and Heavy Use). My own swatch shows my leather with the natural colour on the right and about 3 hours sun exposure on the left. I have not applied any oil yet. I would like to know what oil would be recommended to add what appears to be the slightly reddish tint seen in the "Sun, Oil and Heavy Use" swatch? Do different oils affect the immediate colour effect and the final patina of the leather? Thanks Edited March 18, 2014 by rpfkov Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted March 18, 2014 The two oils that are most commonly used are extra virgin olive oil, or pure Neatsfoot oil (not compound). The difference between the two tends to be personal preference. Do not use peteroleum products. The problem with trying to shoot for a specific color is the leather itself. No two pieces are going to color exactly the same. Some veg tan is russet it already has a little amber reddish hue to it and in most cases will tan darker then some thing that is so light that it almost looks white. etc. Don't expect the exact same result each time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rpfkov Report post Posted March 18, 2014 The two oils that are most commonly used are extra virgin olive oil, or pure Neatsfoot oil (not compound). The difference between the two tends to be personal preference. Do not use peteroleum products. The problem with trying to shoot for a specific color is the leather itself. No two pieces are going to color exactly the same. Some veg tan is russet it already has a little amber reddish hue to it and in most cases will tan darker then some thing that is so light that it almost looks white. etc. Don't expect the exact same result each time. Thank you very much for your reply. I will experiment with the different oils and see how my leather reacts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camano ridge Report post Posted March 18, 2014 Also you can do multiple tannings, oiling tanning, then next day oil and tan again etc to try to get your desired darkness. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toolingaround Report post Posted March 18, 2014 Hi There I know I posted this picture yesterday in another discussion but it seemed kind of relevant. This is my personal cell phone case I have worn on my hip for at least two years and shows what time alone can do. It has turned into that reddish color. My t shirt is usually over my phone so she has not really had that much sun exposure. I oiled it with Lexol NF which is non darkening and you can see that in her face which is the original leather color but over the years she has gone from a pale red head to a lovely African American color. I hope that doesn't sound racist. I used to do figure painting and truly appreciate all the beautiful skin tones we as humans come in. I will be curious to see how your tests go :-) On an opposite note what finishes do others use to reduce the darkening if they don't want that to happen. I have heard resolene mentioned. Any others? Cheers, Toolingaround Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rpfkov Report post Posted March 18, 2014 Hi There I know I posted this picture yesterday in another discussion but it seemed kind of relevant. This is my personal cell phone case I have worn on my hip for at least two years and shows what time alone can do. It has turned into that reddish color. My t shirt is usually over my phone so she has not really had that much sun exposure. I oiled it with Lexol NF which is non darkening and you can see that in her face which is the original leather color but over the years she has gone from a pale red head to a lovely African American color. I hope that doesn't sound racist. I used to do figure painting and truly appreciate all the beautiful skin tones we as humans come in. I will be curious to see how your tests go :-) On an opposite note what finishes do others use to reduce the darkening if they don't want that to happen. I have heard resolene mentioned. Any others? Cheers, Toolingaround Hi, Thanks very much for posting your photos, they are indeed very relavent indeed to what I am asking. It's clear I can get the colour I want, it will just take time and patience. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toolingaround Report post Posted March 18, 2014 Hi rpfkov Hey no problem. Welcome to leatherworker.net it is an awesome place :-) Cheers, Toolingaround Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
