Leather finishing question

[Johnny McCrae]

Just started to do my own leather working a few months ago and have a question on finishing leather.

I started out using Tandy's All-In-One finish and then switched to Fiebing's Oil base leather dye along with Fiebing's Top-Coat. Sometimes I do not achieve the consistency I would like to have. I do use Fiebing's De-glazer before dyeing. Any suggestions?

I have been experimenting with hand rubbing in a mixture of Neatsfoot Oil and a small amount of Fiebing's Oil base dye for color. This looks OK. I've also tried hand rubbing in leather dressing composed of pine pitch. mink oil and beeswax. This also looks OK but is a little too light in color.

I've read that in the old days leather was just oiled and the elements and use gave it the weathered, old appearance. Any suggestions as to how to achieve a weathered, hand rubbed appearance will be greatly appreciated.

Attached are pictures of holsters I've recently done, mainly for Ruger Vaquero's. The "Leather Shop" forum is an otstanding source for idea's and techniques. Many thanks to everyone.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Nothing looks nicer than old leather. The nicest weathered finsih I've managed is to dye the piece then rub Fiebings Antique finish on it, covering it as quickly as possible then rubbing as much off as you can. It leaves a slightly uneven coloration that gives the impression of years of stains and such. A coat of neatsfoot oil afterwards will soften the leather a bit.

[Johnny McCrae]

Hi Marshall,

Thanks for the advice. I will try this.

Vinny