Dying a used holster

[olered]

Just obtained a half flap holster for my 1861 BP revolver and it looks new, not dyed but oiled. I would like to darken it somewhat to a medium brown. Is there anything I can do once the leather has been treated with something like neatsfoot oil?
Thanks

[Camano Ridge]

Neatsfoot oil will not stop the dye.There are makers that oil their leather before dying. However if there is any sealer that could be a problem also any dirt. If I were going to try to darken it I would first use a deglazer to remove any sealer. Then you have options you could oil it and put it in the sun to darken or you could use a dye. Any dye you use should be thinned and then applied in light coats. Most of the time using dye right out of the bottle gives you a much darker color then expected. You can try a little dye on the back of the holster out of site to test it first.

[Bruce W Sims]

Good Stuff, Scott!

This was a little bit like what I was trying to get across in our emails. When you were asking about
what color I was interested in, I think my mind was moving in a little different direction. I was not
thinking so much of a color as I was of an effect. I'm guessing that producing a weathered look
of a given color range would be done about the same way?  Thoughts?

Best Wishes,

Bruce

[olered]

Neatsfoot oil will not stop the dye.There are makers that oil their leather before dying. However if there is any sealer that could be a problem also any dirt. If I were going to try to darken it I would first use a deglazer to remove any sealer. Then you have options you could oil it and put it in the sun to darken or you could use a dye. Any dye you use should be thinned and then applied in light coats. Most of the time using dye right out of the bottle gives you a much darker color then expected. You can try a little dye on the back of the holster out of site to test it first.

Not sure if any sealer was applied after oiling. Should I use a deglazer just to be sure? After deglazing if I were to oil then set in the sun if it does not darken enough re-oil and in sun again? Sounds easy enough.

[Camano Ridge]

Olered, yes sometimes there does not seem to be a sealer yet there is. Using deglazer will not hurt it. Depending on the leather oiling and suntanning will darken it. Different leathers darken differently. I will see if I can find a piece of Herman Oak that I did just oil and sun tan came out with a nice rich brown after 3 or 4 hours in the sun for a couple of days. When you apply the oil just apply finger tip applications to give a light coating no need to saturate it,  you are not trying to soften the holster.

Bruce on my way out the door to the airport I will send you an email later today.Want to discuss some strap attachment options as well as the color I will give you some cluesas to how I will give you that somewhat weathered and worn look. 

[Bruce W Sims]

Sounds good!

Best Wishes,

Bruce

[Good Troy]

I'll qualify my comments by saying that my experience is only with Tandy's Eco-Flo Antique Gels and Pro Water Stains and finish... 

I have used fingernail polish (acetone) to successfully remove a finish.  I use it sparingly, as it dries the leather.  This was recommended to me by the local Tandy Leather Factory store manager, when I needed some deglazer and he had none available.  I used it the morning to remove a finish coat on a holster that I've been messing with, so I could get a darker finish. 

Also, I've dyed oiled leather without issues.  I typically oil my holsters, and do so indiscrimately before or after applying the dye/finish.

As a side note, I've found that the Antique Gel tan with a neatsfoot oil treatment gives that deep tan look of aged tanned leather...at least it meets my taste...

Good Troy