Any tips for darkening leather?

[FigJam]

Good afternoon all,

I have just bought a nice new saddle (an as good as new Ideal International Event) on a very good deal. However... the reason I got a good deal is the colour! It's rather, um, tangoed!

Think Newmarket tan but a little brighter! According to Ideal it's "Ranch" colour.

My horse is a very dark bay and so it's a big contrast! However, the saddle fitted her very well and was comfy, so I'm trying not to be vain about it!

I was hoping that someone on here would have a magic trick that they could share that would help me darken the leather without ruining it?

Thanks!

 

[burtie]

Really dark olive oil is brilliant for darkening leather. It should take it down to a nice Havana if you can get it to soak in. Bear in mind though it will rub off on your jods for a while so no cream ones until a few uses while after applying.

 

[FigJam]

Ooooh... will definitely be trying that on the under flap for starters! Will that be fairly straight forward to get nice and even colouring?

Bad enough having a tangoed saddle without a tye-died one...!!!

 

[burtie]

Yes definately start under the flap!! Once in it will permenantly change the colour so beware! Getting an even colour will take time and a lot of careful rubbing in on a whole saddle seat. You need a really nice soft cloth. I think I used a duster last time and that worked well and just gently rubbed it in in small circles.

Disclaimer - Burite takes no responsibilty for the colour the saddle goes

!! As TBH you can't really tell until you try

 

[FigJam]

Hmmmm.... I could maybe just keep going and going until it's all so dark you don't notice?!

Will try under the flap and see how rubbish/ok I am at it and go from there!

Wish I could have afforded to buy new and get a proper colour! (apologies to all those who like orange saddles!)

 

[ColleenIsh]

I personally wouldnt darken it if its the colour im thinking it is , I cant see it looking even and looking right , although if you do decide to go ahead , make sure you post piccies

 

[chriscrogul]

Just good old fashioned neatsfoot oil warmed up should darken it!