Scorpio Report post Posted April 27, 2015 I made some Vinagaroon quite while ago (many months, maybe more than a year). It doesn't do anything to 2 different pieces of leather scrap I put in it for about 5 minutes, pulled out and rinsed with clean water. Does it make sense to "reactivate" this stuff (it's about 3 gallons and I would hate wasting it without good reason), or is it better to start new? And as I'm at it asking stupid questions, how long do I have to wait after putting the steel wool into the vinegar if I start with a new batch? Thanks in advance for all help! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChuckBurrows Report post Posted April 27, 2015 I reactivate old vinegar black all the time Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cgleathercraft Report post Posted April 27, 2015 Try giving it a stir. Could also be from a lack of tanins to react with in the leather. Brew some black tea (strong as possible) and add it to the roon. I get a nice dark black most of the time. Some pieces need a little longer soak or some oil before they get completely black. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wicked Welts Report post Posted April 27, 2015 (edited) And as I'm at it asking stupid questions, how long do I have to wait after putting the steel wool into the vinegar if I start with a new batch? Thanks in advance for all help! That's not stupid at all. What's stupid is buying the cheapest steel wool you can find and not noticing the ocean of oil it was packed in and then wondering why it's been over four weeks instead of one or two for your 'roon to get it's mojo going. Don't ask me how I know this......... Oh, and if you're in a hurry, definitely get the super fine 0000 wool, it seems to work the fastest (for me). Edited April 27, 2015 by Wicked Welts Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scorpio Report post Posted April 28, 2015 ChuckBurrows Posted Today, 12:37 PM I reactivate old vinegar black all the time So, how do you do it. Whatever the secret is, please give me an approximate time frame for each step. Thanks! cgleathercraft Posted Today, 01:53 PM Try giving it a stir. Could also be from a lack of tanins to react with in the leather. Brew some black tea (strong as possible) and add it to the roon. I get a nice dark black most of the time. Some pieces need a little longer soak or some oil before they get completely black. I stirred it and ran it through a rag to get all debris (scale?) out. As I said it did next to nothing to the leather. no darkening apart from the "getting wet darkening". I had read about the black tea before, but usually that you soak the leather in it and then submerge it in the 'roon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChuckBurrows Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Just add some more iron and vinegar - sometimes a shot of vinegar is all that's needed..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
