Seeking advice for Applying Finish to Gel Stains

[BrianMissouri]

General Question - Anyone have any non-traditional tricks/advice on the application of the various finishes out there - Beeswax, Tan-Kote, Aussie Conditioner  to share? Especially for weather-proofing? Also, I usually apply oil BEFORE staining but most videos I see don't start with oil. Pro/Con?

This Link is an awesome weatherproofing comparison of various products and Fiebing's Resolene wins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyTg_hfpNUM  But of course there are many other products out there so I'm seeking your experience as well as cheaper solutions.

Specific Question - My process has been - Veggie Tan Leather, Mink Oil, Antique Gel and then some sort of finish (Fiebling's Leather Balm with Atom Wax but... I haven't found my favorite finish) - This process has done okay but whatever finish I use always strips half my gel stain off with even the lightest rubbing. How long do I have to wait?! I assume dye works better and is more even, but I like the way Gel Stain rubs into my stamps and gives them definition. So... solutions/tips for applying a weatherproofing finish to gel stain? 

[NVLeatherWorx]

1 hour ago, BrianMissouri said:

General Question - Anyone have any non-traditional tricks/advice on the application of the various finishes out there - Beeswax, Tan-Kote, Aussie Conditioner  to share? Especially for weather-proofing? Also, I usually apply oil BEFORE staining but most videos I see don't start with oil. Pro/Con?

This Link is an awesome weatherproofing comparison of various products and Fiebing's Resolene wins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyTg_hfpNUM  But of course there are many other products out there so I'm seeking your experience as well as cheaper solutions.

Specific Question - My process has been - Veggie Tan Leather, Mink Oil, Antique Gel and then some sort of finish (Fiebling's Leather Balm with Atom Wax but... I haven't found my favorite finish) - This process has done okay but whatever finish I use always strips half my gel stain off with even the lightest rubbing. How long do I have to wait?! I assume dye works better and is more even, but I like the way Gel Stain rubs into my stamps and gives them definition. So... solutions/tips for applying a weatherproofing finish to gel stain? 

First of all, replace your Mink Oil with Pure Neatsfoot Oil as it is a conditioner and Mink Oil is a waterproofing agent only.  Second, anytime you apply any coloring agent (dye, stain, antique, etc.) you should let it set for at least 24 hours to ensure a full cure and set.  Third, ditch the gel stuff and get some more permanent stuff (Fiebing's for example) as the gel stuff is water based and is going to rub off well after you even apply your final finish; it is not good quality stuff and there are hundreds of threads within this community that cover that and many other issues with water based products.  Once you have finished a project if you want it to be water resistant (you won't every get it truly waterproof as that is a commonly misused term within the leather industry) then you need to look at using a final finish that includes beeswax as it will get into all of the pores and other areas of the leather and provide a good solid seal.  I personally use Leather Balm with Atom Wax and then apply a final finish of my own blend of Pure Neatsfoot Oil and Beeswax to give it that extra water resistance that it needs.  No matter what, the user will always have to take care of their leather items and give them a little love every now and then.

[BrianMissouri]

2 hours ago, NVLeatherWorx said:

First of all, replace your Mink Oil with Pure Neatsfoot Oil as it is a conditioner and Mink Oil is a waterproofing agent only.  Second, anytime you apply any coloring agent (dye, stain, antique, etc.) you should let it set for at least 24 hours to ensure a full cure and set.  Third, ditch the gel stuff and get some more permanent stuff (Fiebing's for example) as the gel stuff is water based and is going to rub off well after you even apply your final finish; it is not good quality stuff and there are hundreds of threads within this community that cover that and many other issues with water based products.  Once you have finished a project if you want it to be water resistant (you won't every get it truly waterproof as that is a commonly misused term within the leather industry) then you need to look at using a final finish that includes beeswax as it will get into all of the pores and other areas of the leather and provide a good solid seal.  I personally use Leather Balm with Atom Wax and then apply a final finish of my own blend of Pure Neatsfoot Oil and Beeswax to give it that extra water resistance that it needs.  No matter what, the user will always have to take care of their leather items and give them a little love every now and then.

THANK YOU! No one has ever explained that to me! I look forward to vastly improving the quality of my leather crafts.