Stain in Leather

[ashlyngr]

   I'm new to CAS, and bought a major maker rig for my Vaqueros. I then bought a SASS badge holder from SASS. I placed the badge holder behind my right strong side holster. Not bothering with it for about a month, I noticed staining on each side and under the badge holder.
   So, thinking it was oil, I blotted the stain with alcohol. It helped to lighten it, but it changed the color of the leather.
   Looks like S@*T so I've resigned to buying a new Holster Belt.
   My question is, was there some sort of leaching or reaction of dyes or tanning chemicals? Since I'm probably buying a new belt, I might try moving the badge holder to another spot to see if it happens again.
   I'm totally new to this Leather care etc. Except for my time in the Military 30 years ago.
   So any help and advice will be greatly apprieciated.

Old Overholt Rye

[RollingThunder]

I'm not real experienced, but I'd say the stain was likely from the oil on the one leaching onto the other. Unless it is sealed, you can transfer oils easily. The alcohol would have thinned it, and it sounds like it might have thinned a dye on holster your leather.

The thing about oils on the leather is that they will almost always leach a little bit from one to another, especially if you put two different maker's gear in close proximity like that, because the finishes are different, and in many cases, the ingredients in those finishes could be drastically different.

But here's the interesting part to me. Irregularities in the staining/leaching of oil, etc., just tend to make the gear look more authentic. Out in the old west, oils and waxes were the only ways the working cowboy had to keep his gear waterproofed. And those cowboys who actually did give a dern about their gear were never likely to be in the same place for all too long, so when they ran out of one type of oil, they might use another, and they might try a different mix of beeswax as opposed to a different polish.

The point is, even though you might think your maker's belt is ruined, a stiff coat of oil and a good polishing and you could have a rig that looks far more "authentic" at that point.

Of course, all that provides that you wanted the real McCoy vs. wanting the Roy Rogers Saturday Afternoon Matinee Cowboy look (and I ain't knocking it, so please don't take it that way). If you wanted the Saturday afternoon look where everything looked brand-spankin' new and there wasn't a spec of dust or grime to be found, I would recommend you find a reputable saddler, take the rig there, and ask if he can re-dye the leather to get rid of the alcohol fade.

I'm sure someone else will be along shortly to help who has more experience and wisdom at this than I do, but until then, I supoose those are my recommendations.

[ashlyngr]

Thanks Rolling Thunder,

   I do want my rig to eventually show authentic wear. I deem this wear to be from shooting and handling. However, I disturbed the course of nature when I tried to fix it. If I only have to send it off and hope it looks good when I get it back, I'd rather get the new holster bellt. The remaining two holsters, and shotgun cartridge belt are fine.
   I guess I'm prepared to buy a new one and chock it up to lack of experience. However, I don't want to make the same mistake.
   My first match I used a borrowed rig. I commented to the shooter how nice his holster was, and comfortable to. I ask what he did to his holster? He told me nothing. Just wipe it down with a soft cloth.

Old Overholt Rye

[RollingThunder]

Shoot, Overholt. I disturb the course of nature every time I take a piece of leather and say "hmm ... I wonder if I did this ..." lol.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

Howdy Pards 

     Talking about stains, I guess I look at things a little different than some, but I think a stain here and there just gives a holster rig CHARACTER, I really like the look of used leather, the stains and scars all have a story, I have rigs that date back to 19 and 56, of course I was just a young kid at that time, but I started making holsters then and I still have them and several others along the way and each ond every one of them have a story to tell, and scratches and stains that they got along the way, I wouldn't change this for nothing, don't get me wrong new is great, but with leather the longer you own it, things will happen to it, and this is what I call Character, at least it is for me, I try to maintain my leather things and keep them in good shape, and maybe someday when I'm gone a family member will appreciate all this, at least I hope so. 


                                                    Take care RT and ashlyngr 


                                                          tEN wOLVES 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I agree that a little use and ageing makes a rig look better. The irregularities give it character that can't be easily made into it. Have you tried oiling the whole thing with a very light coat of a good oil? Remember that oil will migrate through the leather in time and spots will spread out and eventually disappear.

[Wiley Desperado]

I agree with Ten Wolves stains and scars and nicks happen now and then and give the leather character.  If you have made up your mind to get a new holster belt keep in mind the possibility of the maker not being able to match the color exactly to the holsters that you are going to keep.  Even though it is the same maker he might be using another side of leather and leather does not always dye exactly the same color shade every time.  At least that has been my experience.

[ashlyngr]

   Well, as I suspected the badge holder and Holster Belt are leaching oils and staining. Thanks for the opinions for the side of aging. I would love my rigs to have a mature worn look. However, the staining that has occured is down right ugly and doesn't look like aging at all.
   I placed my badge holder on the other side of the belt overnight. Next morning the staining started. I migrates from the edges of the holster belt.
   I'll call the maker and discuss my options.

Old Overholt Rye

[RollingThunder]

Keep us posted!

[santee]

Maybe they forgot to put a sealer/finisher on it.