Members badger Posted November 16, 2008 Members Report Posted November 16, 2008 What is the difference between 100% pure neatsfoot oil and 'blended' oil? Should I use either for specific purposes? What do I need to watch out for? I use the 100% Tandy stuff right now. Thanks, Karl Quote
Members Elegant Posted November 17, 2008 Members Report Posted November 17, 2008 A "neat" is a beef animal, and this oil used to be made out of the oil from boiled cow shins, hence the name. Now it is made from a variety of animal fats. It is heavy oil that has a residue that can attract dust. It does oxidize and can embrittle the leather. If mixed with mineral oils it can break down stitching or adhesive materials. It can stain lighter leather and has been know to become rancid quickly. Some cheaper neatsfoot oil is made with added lard and still called Pure Neatsfoot Oil. If mineral oil or other petroleum product is added then it is called a Compound Neatsfoot Oil or Prime Neatsfoot Oil. As a professional bootblack, leather care specialist and leather crafter I do not use Neatsfoot oil for anything. Quote Regards In Leather, Elegant Fantasies In Leather - Leather & Toys For Bad Girls & Boys Etsy Shop - A Bit More 'Nilla
MADMAX22 Posted November 17, 2008 Report Posted November 17, 2008 What do you use elegant, just wondering. Quote
Members badger Posted November 17, 2008 Author Members Report Posted November 17, 2008 Many thanks for the explanation. I'd also be interested to know what you use. Many thanks, Karl Quote
Ambassador abn Posted November 17, 2008 Ambassador Report Posted November 17, 2008 Elegant's explanation is a good one, but seems to overly emphasize the negatives of neatsfoot oil. Many folks who want a leather conditioner that share Elegant's concerns use Lexol. Lexol used to be my preference as well, until I started using Tandy's Eco-Flo dyes and discovered that Lexol lifts the color. I've gone back to using 100% pure neatsfoot. Lightly used, you won't experience any problems. Best, -Alex Quote
Members badger Posted November 17, 2008 Author Members Report Posted November 17, 2008 Thanks a lot guys. Karl Quote
Members bustedlifter Posted November 17, 2008 Members Report Posted November 17, 2008 I like to use a good quality motor oil, preferably racing or motorcycle, but that's just my preference. Quote
Members Elegant Posted November 18, 2008 Members Report Posted November 18, 2008 What do I use? That depends on the tanning method of the leather, the finish, what the article is, use etc. General Examples: Oiltanned Leather (harness boots, some heavy leather coats): Huberd's Boot Grease Chrometanned leather (garments, uphoulstery etc): Aussie Leather Conditioner, Huberd's, Pecard's VegTan: Aussie, Huberds or Pecards Exotics: Pecard's Exotic Leather Dressing I prefer non-animal based products, not for the stereotypical reasons (I am a carnivore..we hunt....vegetarian is an ancient native american word meaning 'bad hunter') but because animal fats are not as stable as other products, tend to go rancid quicker and are a good medium for bacteria growth. The only animal based product I personally use for some leathers is a dubbins but the fats are rendered in dubbins which makes them more stable and less likely to be a medium for bacteria. Bee's do not qualify as animals in this case as beeswax is very stable. It's difficut to suggest a particular conditioning product without knowing what it is being used on. Quote Regards In Leather, Elegant Fantasies In Leather - Leather & Toys For Bad Girls & Boys Etsy Shop - A Bit More 'Nilla
Members Elegant Posted November 18, 2008 Members Report Posted November 18, 2008 Other Comments LEXOL I do not use Lexol products. These products have been emulsified and the company will not provide information as to how they do this. Until I know what emulsification process is used I will stick to other brand products. MOTOR OIL Most engine oils contain anti-acid ingredients, stabalizers and detergent agents. In addition, some contain metallic addatives. Why put all those extra damaging things into your leather? ECO-FLO DYE This is a low VOC (Volatile organic compound) product. It contains glycol ethers which do not evaporate and volitalize like other dyes. The glycol ethers don’t allow the carbon black to penetrate the leather fully before the dye dries so the carbon black remains somewhat suspended. Quote Regards In Leather, Elegant Fantasies In Leather - Leather & Toys For Bad Girls & Boys Etsy Shop - A Bit More 'Nilla
Members CitizenKate Posted November 18, 2008 Members Report Posted November 18, 2008 LEXOLI do not use Lexol products. These products have been emulsified and the company will not provide information as to how they do this. Until I know what emulsification process is used I will stick to other brand products. Have you tried it to see what results you get? Kate Quote
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