Oils In Leather (Chemistry)

[Aventurine]

What a completely fascinating  thread.  If any of you folks who posted here are still active I'd love to learn what more you've learned on the subject.

For what it's worth, I've treated leather with linseed oil and Prussian blue and turpentine (traditional artists' blue oil paint in other words).  That was 5 years ago.  It hasn't developed a rancid flaxseed oil smell.  I suspect the metal has a preservative effect.  Also the turpentine may promote some kind of polymerization that resists decomposition of the oil?

Edited July 13 by Aventurine

[spectre6000]

I did an experiment with carbon black and shellac. It was mostly for woodworking, but I threw a spit coat on some leather because it was there too. Cracked badly and predictably, but messing around with patent leather type finishes is a thought in the back of my brain. I have all the materials, just not the time, space, or really a use case (what would I use patent leather for?).

[rustyred]

Just want to make sure I'm following -- the final mixture you're referring to was the 15-25% beeswax/flax oil? Thanks for the update. I hope your housing repairs get sorted and you're able to show the world those samples! It's really cool that you've kept them after all those years. Thank  you.

[spectre6000]

The beeswax percentage is pretty constant, I just kinda mix and match the oils as needed. If I want more of a sheen, I go for one of the shorter chain oils like flax that will polymerize (lately I've been using walnut, because I have a can of it in my fridge I want to use up). Canola turns out to be good for a dark color for some reason I honestly don't understand, but scroll up for the evidence. Olive oil is a good middle ground for general lubricity with lots of historical precedent and success.

So, for instance, I've been doing a lot of really dark treatments with lots of sun, and I'll give it a straight wipe down with canola only, no wax (it's always thirsty up front). Then, depending on whether I'm after something like a belt that is meant to be seen, or a tool roll that's more about utility, I'll do an olive/flax blend or just olive oil with the beeswax. Lubricity between the fibers is important, and that's why we oil leather in the first place, so I always use probably at least half olive oil. Mix only as much as you need, but don't worry too much about it. It's not like paint or something in terms of color matching. You just don't want a giant jar that'll turn on you if it takes years to get through it.

I usually make about 1-2oz at a time, and just melt it all down in the microwave. The end result is kinda like Burt's Bees lip balm in consistency. You want sort of a paste that you can rub in. The heat from your hands melts the wax enough that it'll work into the pores. If you get too much, it'll leave a waxy buildup behind. Just brush it off, or hit it with a hair dryer for a little more heat to melt in in a bit deeper.

Edited July 14 by spectre6000