a question about dyes and leather

[mete]

Many years ago I had a chemistry teacher who had a business on the side -developing and making dyes for leather. He explained that the dyes reacted [bonded] with the proteins in the leather. Is that what they do today ??

 

[Omega Leather Works]

If there is a Fleet Farm, Tractor Supply Co, etc nearby, check in the horse tack section. They have dyes, neetsfoot oil, cleaners/conditioners and so forth for taking care of saddles and bridles and whatnot.

I've been meaning to get over to TS. There are a lot of tack shops here too, but I think all I want for now is some neetsfoot. Thanks for the tip.

Many years ago I had a chemistry teacher who had a business on the side -developing and making dyes for leather. He explained that the dyes reacted [bonded] with the proteins in the leather. Is that what they do today ??

That's above *my* pay grade, anyone know?

Edit- btw, director, if you'd like to simply darken your natural leather but keep it waterproofed, I ran a simple test on the finish that I made last night for another gentleman. Here's the thread.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1168635

 

[Horsewright]

Hey Strig, was just at our brand new TS. Didn't see any dye but wasn't looking for it either. They did have the neats foot oil. They had pure neats foot and neats foot compound. Go with the pure. Picked up a quart myself. Sometimes the compound will leave a greasy feel.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Hey Strig, was just at our brand new TS. Didn't see any dye but wasn't looking for it either. They did have the neats foot oil. They had pure neats foot and neats foot compound. Go with the pure. Picked up a quart myself. Sometimes the compound will leave a greasy feel.

I've kid you not, I'm literally standing at the display at TS as I type this.

Thanks for the recommendation, I was gonna grab the compound since I can't see myself using 32oz of the pure stuff. I guess I'll hold off to see if the wax/oil compound fails at some point. (edit- found an 8oz bottle in the boot care section so I bought that) I really like the sponges they stock, but they are waaay over priced.

For anyone interested in what else they stock, I see copper rivets, brass and nickel Chicago screws, rotary hole punches, a few different types of saddle soap, mink oil, washes and conditioners.