Restoring color on a faded black saddle

[CanteringCarrot]

I've Google'd around a bit and looked at previous threads, but wanted to see if anyone else has done this lately.

I've got an Albion (and seems common with them) that almost 4 years old that has a decent amount of fading on the cantle, flaps, and thigh block.
I am not sure why it is this way already as it isn't that old, stored correctly, and it doesn't live in Sunny Florida.

What is the best way to go about getting it to be black again? Essentially stripping it and a re-dye?

 

[Goldenstar]

Olive oil .

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Hm. I thought oil was a "no" for tack nowadays.

Occasionally I see cheap or free non functional leather saddles pop up on classifieds, I am thinking of grabbing one for experimentation purposes. Lockdown boredom, perhaps?

I just don't think I can live with it. I also dont think I can pay 500+ for somone to re-dye it. What a first world pickle I am in

 

[Goldenstar]

I used oil for years I got thirty plus year old tack still in use .

I had a black dressage it faded to last green shade a quick wipe down with room temperature made it look pretty good I had to repeat it now and again .
I did it just before it went to be sold and made a profit on it .
It was a saddler that told me the tip.

 

[Surbie]

My saddler uses this:

https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/l...DecolmHIvcAKm37EW0dxw7McmYD7h7yhoCyGkQAvD_BwE

My (old) Albion saddle has also gone greenish. I use the leather balm very sparingly every other clean & it works a treat.

 

[Callieann]

Recommend Balmoral equestrian worcestershire. They can make an old faded saddle look like new.

 

[poiuytrewq]

The saddle doctors do a colour restorer. I haven’t tried it but keep meaning to.
I think I’ve seen it on the Littlefields farm website.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

My saddler uses this:

https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/l...DecolmHIvcAKm37EW0dxw7McmYD7h7yhoCyGkQAvD_BwE

My (old) Albion saddle has also gone greenish. I use the leather balm very sparingly every other clean & it works a treat.

I was just watching a YouTube video about this product. I also saw that Rapide (what I use on my Fairfax) makes a product for black leather as well.

I want to start with the simplest, easiest, and least invasive method. Idk why this saddle faded but I've seen others on this model a few years old that look the same.

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone!

 

[poiuytrewq]

Recommend Balmoral equestrian worcestershire. They can make an old faded saddle look like new.

I had a look at this and the comparison photos are great. I think I may be contacting these people about mine now!

 

[claret09]

i can also recommend. it also won't stain your clothes either. great products

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Hmm. Not sure that I'd send the saddle back to the UK, but I can certainly look at/or try their products and advice. Seems like there are a fair amount of options out there which is nice to hear.

 

[cremedemonthe]

Whatever you use chemical wise, make sure you know what the ingredients are and if they are harmful.
Lots of nasties out there, Oz