Is conditioning necessary

[Cattledude]

I have used olive oil instead of NFO for about 3 years. I really like the color I get and it holds up pretty good on tack from saddles to breast collars, both see a lot of abuse in my country. I also melt beeswax in it for tack and holsters, just like everyone else, I don't know what the ratio is. 

[MikeF]

So I got confused looking over this and would appreciate more insight if avaiailable...I just finished a project using 50/50 resolene for the first time and first question out of the customer was about care and conditioning...fortunately, it was an email question so I can dance a little, 'cause I don't know and Mr. Wizard ain't around...I usually use TanKote and would unhesitatingly recommend saddle soap and NFO or virgin Olive or lexol or motor oil (just kidding), pretty much whatever conditioner was lying around without much fear ...but I don't know what I'd use  6 months or a year from now on a resolene finished product...I would have like to tell the guys " clean it with some saddle soap and light coat with some Lexol or NFO...but I don't know if that would be a waste of time or not with a resolene finish.  Also thinking maybe just one-step it with some Farnam Glycerin Saddle Soap.

Can anyone help me out?

P.S.  I did pre-condition with NFO, sitting overnight, before applying 50/50 Resolene (3 light coats)

Edited May 16, 2020 by MikeF
Forgot something

[fredk]

Normally, just an application of a shop bought leather conditioner. On the rare occasion the customer has asked me for some of what I use; ie the beeswax/nfo mix. Applied as and when needed, or before, not years later. eg, a shoulder bag used regularly, in dry or wet conditions, should be seen to at least once a month, a saddle, about once a week

If the item gets used in a dirty environment a wash down with soapy water and a rag then an application of a conditioner would be sufficient, if done on a regular basis, before it gets too dirty and/or dried out.

As I said earlier I've had no problem with an item sealed with resolene accepting and benefiting from my beeswax/nfo mix. at any time, even years after