Gluing Vinegaroon Colored Leather

[1961MJS]

Hi

Like it says in the title, I need to clue two pieces of leather together that have been colored with Vinegaroon.  I'm using the cartridge belt on page 137 of Packin' Iron as an example, but in black.  My question comes from the need to glue a strip of leather down and sew the cartridge loops on top of that.  I've Vinegarooned the belt and the strip, and treated both with EVOO.  I've also marked lines to put the glue on the main part of the belt.  What do I need to do to keep the leather in good shape?  Do I completely finish the leather before I glue it together?  Somehow I doubt it. 

Thanks

[Marshal Will Wingam]

When I make a belt, holster or other item, the last thing I do is put Skidmore's leather cream on it. I never give any consideration to the color or whether it's glued or not. I used to put EVOO on but prefer Skidmore's now.

[1961MJS]

Hi
I wrote that pretty late last night.  I put EVOO on the belt, and Skidmore's on the back so it will be smooth when I put the gouges in for the stiches.  Will the second layer of leather stick to Skidmores?  Should I cover the belt with BagKote, TanKote or Resolene?

Thanks

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I don't apply anything to the leather until the project is complete. It will be interesting to hear your findings on that.

[Cliff Fendley]

I'd build the whole belt then color it, then recondition it. Good old pure neatsfoot oil and/or skidmores are my go to for conditioning.

[Coffinmaker]

  Ahem 

I'm not a Leather Crafter/Maker person but I am a rather well retired Master Woodworker/Cabinet maker and Gunplumber.  I have to admit I am a might confused by the use of EVOO for leather conditioning??   Especially PRIOR to glueing.  Most adhesives won't bond to something that has been oiled.  Additionally, EVOO, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, will in time go rancid and become very aromatic.

Or:  Is there some aspect of using EVOO I may be unaware of??  A week and feeble mind is confused??

People are Still Hazardous to Yer Health

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Cold pressed EVOO used sparingly works fine on leather. It doesn't go rancid like heat processed olive oil will. It was used for years, before there were commercial leather conditioners. I have used to use it myself until I started using Skidmore's. I can't attest to using it prior to gluing since I always apply glue to clean leather.

[Coffinmaker]

Ah So 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Should I cover the belt with BagKote, TanKote or Resolene?

I never use these products. I like the subtle sheen Skidmore's gives the leather. After the project is completed and Skidmore's is on has had time to soak in, to get a few more highlights I'll sometimes burnish it with clean typing paper.

These were burnished with paper.



This one was not.

[1961MJS]

Hi
I've used all three with decent results.  I'll put in a picture of a guy's belt that was worn daily for 3 years.  It doesn't look good at all.  Brass leaves a black stain on leather, but it won't matter over the Vinegaroon so I'll try it this time.
Later