Truth about Veg tan patina, I think

[josephinemills203]

Everyone loves how natural veg tan turns dark and shiny over time but mine always seems to just get dirty. I realized I was not sealing it enough and the oils from my hands were just trapping dust in the grain. Now I use a light coat of beeswax and it seems to age much more gracefully. Do you leave your leather completely naked to age or do you apply a finish to help the process along? Love high quality looking patinas.

 

[li'lpowh]

I think the "dirty" look happens when people use too much oil too fast. If you soak a brand new wallet in neatsfoot oil it is going to act like a magnet for every piece of lint and dirt in your pocket. I prefer to let the sun do the work and just give it a very light coat of conditioner once a month. So it's a matter of testing.

 

[gagahun73r$]

I always apply a coat of Resolene or a similar acrylic finish if I want to keep the leather looking clean. It puts a plastic-like barrier over the grain so the oils from your hands do not soak in immediately. You still get a patina over time but it looks much more intentional and even. Being intentional is the key.

 

[midNight]

The best way to get a good patina is to actually use the item every single day. I see people babying their leather goods but the friction of being pulled in and out of a pocket is what polishes the surface. The natural wear and tear is what gives the leather its unique character. Daily use gives it more character but it comes with higher maintenance.

 

[silasrobinson]

Everyone loves how natural veg tan turns dark and shiny over time but mine always seems to just get dirty. I realized I was not sealing it enough and the oils from my hands were just trapping dust in the grain. Now I use a light coat of beeswax and it seems to age much more gracefully. Do you leave your leather completely naked to age or do you apply a finish to help the process along? Love high quality looking patinas.

I like to leave my projects in a sunny window for a few days before I even start using them. The UV rays start the oxidation process and give the leather a nice golden base color. It makes the transition from "vibrant white" to "caramel brown" happen much faster. Got that technique from a master leatherworker when I was young. I miss that man.

 

[cold scream]

Does anyone else use mink oil for their patina? I find it darkens the leather significantly right away which some people hate but I love the rich chocolate color it gives. It also makes the leather very water resistant which is great for boots and outdoor gear.