Dyeing Saddle

[luckyclover]

I am looking to buy a high-end used saddle for myself. I want a dark oil, but a lot that I find that I like are light oil. How easy/hard would it be to dye it dark? I know it is a big undertaking, but is it relatively easy to get an even dye job? I know there has been a shift to black tack in the western pleasure ring and people are dyeing things black, is dark brown harder to get even? What type of dye would be best to use? What kind of applicator? What kind of finishing product? I've included a picture of a saddle that I am looking at. It is a Jim Taylor reining saddle.

Edited April 21, 2014 by luckyclover

[oltoot]

Unless you are prepared to and capable of complete disassemblywhich would include all trim, think again. Yes brown would be less likely to come out perfectly even but that would be acceptable as long as the variation wasn't too great. Thorough cleaning and deglazing for starters, then Feibings leather dye in circular motion with sheepskin patches. Then lexol Nf or Neteslene Light to restore oils, then Tankote. That's how I'd do it if someone was determined to have it done.