Questions About Chap Leather Finish

[thenrie]

I looked around and couldn't decide which would be the best forum to post this question in, but I figure most saddlemakers have, at one time or another, made chaps.

Do you apply a finish to chap leather, like you would for tooling leather? I just completed my first pair of chaps, and suddenly I'm faced with this question that had never occurred to be before. If so, what is the best finish for chaps?

The chaps in question are batwings, made of 5/6 chrome-tanned. The leather is somewhat stiff, which is what I wanted, with a pebbled-finish. I rubbed on a light coat of neatsfoot oil when I oiled the yokes and pocket flaps, to remove the marks I made during the process of making the chaps. These chaps are intended for pack trips and work use, so I am looking for toughness and weather resistance.

This was my first venture into decorative stamping and any leatherwork that wasn't simply making some utilitarian sheath or cover for something. I learned a lot. You'll see some pretty glaring rookie mistakes, but I'm pleased with them.

Second question, has nothing to do with chaps.

I over-oiled a knife sheath with neatsfoot oil. I dipped it to make sure the inside was oiled as well as the outside, but left it under too long. Is there a way to leach out some of the oil before I apply a finish, so it won't stain clothing?

[Dwight]

Good looking first attempt, Tony, . . .

Like you, . . . i'd be interested to know too, as the ones I build are pretty much only for show, . . . personal wear, . . . etc. They don't get much bush time.

I also really like that old saddle picture you have on there, . . . is that an old Jumbo? My Jumbo looks a lot like it.

May God bless,

Dwight

[thenrie]

That saddle is actually one that was up for auction out of Albuquerque, NM in 2009, during the recession. There wasn't much information posted about it. I wish I had bought it, because it went for under $500 and it was in very good condition for its age. I thought it would go higher, so I quit watching it and was surprised after the auction ended. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. I keep it there on my signature to remind me how much I want to build a saddle something like it. I have an old Visalia tree that I'm restoring and duplicating, that I hope to eventually cover with some leatherwork that will be presentable.

[thenrie]

Hey, Admins. I just found the chaps forum. Could somebody move this to that forum, please?

Okay, Moved.

Edited June 19, 2014 by northmount

[Northmount]

Second question, has nothing to do with chaps.

I over-oiled a knife sheath with neatsfoot oil. I dipped it to make sure the inside was oiled as well as the outside, but left it under too long. Is there a way to leach out some of the oil before I apply a finish, so it won't stain clothing?

Bury it in some cornstarch for a few days to absorb the excess oil. Cat litter and floor dry are supposed to work too.

Tom

[thenrie]

Thanks for that suggestion, Tom. I had thought about cat litter and floor-dry, but don't have any at hand. I think we'll give the corn starch a try. Hadn't thought of that one.