What To Finish With ... Oiled Neetsfoot And What Else?

[RoosterShooter]

I've been finishing a lot of my natural leather with Angelus Neetsfoot Oil Compound and then following up with Angelus Lustre Cream. I have settled for this finish , but am not completely satisfied.

I use on Grade A Hermann Oak, and I know I can get the leather looking better. What would the best process be for giving that rich "saddle" appearance to the leather without oiling it to the point of losing it's form and shape ?

[NVLeatherWorx]

That rich saddle appearance is something that is obtained over time but if you are looking for that deep russet look then you could try letting your oiled leather "cure" while hanging outside in the sun. Problem is, most of us are not enjoying much sun right now. I am assuming that you are talking about the rich patina that you see on saddles when you say that rich saddle look.

[RoosterShooter]

I'm interested in the lustre or sheen of a good saddle. Not necessarily the 'weathered' appearance.

I'm going for something like this .....

[Big Sioux Saddlery]

I like Tan Kote

[Troy Burch]

I like Tan Kote

I've used tan coat on several belts and like the look but when the belts get wet they get sticky, I can't imagine useing it on saddles. I'm I doing something wrong? I lightly neatsfoot, next day antique, next day tan coat.

[NVLeatherWorx]

Tan Kote will do a little darkening as will Leather Balm with Atom Wax; Olive Oil also gives the leather a darkened look. However, most of the time when you see that type of hue to the color on a saddle it is a combination of the oils and natural weathering that help it get that patina. You can also get that type of patina by using Fiebing's Antique Paste before you apply your top finish. I always do my oil first (PURE Neetsfoot Oil), then apply my color (for those who want the "rustic" look I use Antique Paste), and then when that has all set for 24 hours it gets a final buffing then 2 to 3 applications of a water/Resolene mixture (50/50). Each application of my finish gets a 12 hour drying time to ensure that it is set.

As with everything else in this trade, you have to find what works best for what you do and what you are looking for.