Does Harness Leather Need Waterproofing?

[redsquid2]

I bought some 9 oz harness leather from Springfield. It seems to have a waxy feel to it before applying any finish. I took a small piece and put Sno Seal on it. I warmed it up to about 100 deg. F. to help the Sno Seal soak in. It didn't soak in much. It sits on the surface.

I made a sheath with the leather, and it looks pretty good the way it is -- no dye or finish. Can I leave it unfinished?

Thanks for feedback.

Andy

 

[redsquid2]

This is it, and it says it is heavily waxed. I think I will just leave it as is.

https://www.springfieldleather.com/Harness-Double-Shoulder-Natural

 

[duramax]

This is it, and it says it is heavily waxed. I think I will just leave it as is.

https://www.springfieldleather.com/Harness-Double-Shoulder-Natural

I’m actually making a few sheaths with this now. So far I think it’s good to go as-is. I’ll give an update.

 

[Horsewright]

The only thing I do with harness leather is oil it. I've never used it for a sheath though. I've made several pack saddles, lots of reins and hobbles from harness leather.

Dog collars and leashes too:

It's designed and tanned to resist horse sweat and moisture and stay flexible and usable.

 

[Alberta Ed]

I use a hair dryer* to melt in SnowSeal. Works great. (*An old one my wife had and was about to throw away -- DO NOT use a hair dryer belonging to your SO without clearing it first.) Harness leather makes great sheathes.

 

[duramax]

I ended up putting some Hubert’s boot grease on mine when finished.

One piece did darken more. But it’s starting to even out. I placed it out in the sun after I conditioned it. Seemed to work very well.