Redieing old leather

[dangerranger]

I have an old saddle I'm repairing for my granddaughter, its still in good shape for its age but needs a little freshening up. Especially the stirrup leathers. They are not cracked and are plenty sound but they have faded from black  to a dark walnut color. What should I do to prepare the leather to take the die? Ill also be making a new bridle to match the saddle. I have not had good luck in the past with black die, is there any trick to applying black die and getting it even the first time? Or will I just have to go over it a few times to get it even? Ive tried a couple brands in the past but Feeblings UMC Black is what I have now. Thanks in advance,  DR

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

I  personally would stay away from dye at this late of time, it would only dry your leather more, and you do not want that, a little difference in color tone is normal, I would use Skidmores Leather Cream, it's hard to do better than than that, about three coats with drying in between should bring that saddle back to life, give it a try, it will put life back into the leather by putting all the good nutrients back in the leather, I use it as my finish a lot of the time and it looks great, IMHO.  www.skidmores.com

                    tENN wOLVES 

[dangerranger]

I  personally would stay away from dye at this late of time, it would only dry your leather more, and you do not want that, a little difference in color tone is normal, I would use Skidmores Leather Cream, it's hard to do better than than that, about three coats with drying in between should bring that saddle back to life, give it a try, it will put life back into the leather by putting all the good nutrients back in the leather, I use it as my finish a lot of the time and it looks great, IMHO.  www.skidmores.com

                    tENN wOLVES 

In that case I may make new stirup leathers too. This is a show saddle and would look out of place with faded parts next to a new looking saddle seat. thanks DR