What finish on exotic leather inlays?

R

R.H.Clark

Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Messages
771
I'm about to do a sheath with Ostrich skin inlay.Can I use Tan Kote on it? What exotic leathers do you not want to put any finish on? I would assume that any slick finished leather would do ok with a Tan Kote finish.

Also what is the best way to apply the Tan Kote? So far I have ben using a paper towl to wipe it on smooth leather.
 
As with everything that I haven't tried before, apply it on a scrap piece of the material first to see how it reacts. A lot of finishes will severely darken some leathers.

I apply most finishes like Tan Kote with a brush. A good 1/4"-1/2" wide flat medium bristle brush will work well. Tan Kote is thick so a stiff or too soft brush will likely leave marks.

I dont usually use coatings as I don't like to seal the leather up, but Tan Kote leaves a nice rich finish that doesn't look like plastic, well chosen. :)
 
leatherman said:
As with everything that I haven't tried before, apply it on a scrap piece of the material first to see how it reacts. A lot of finishes will severely darken some leathers.

I apply most finishes like Tan Kote with a brush. A good 1/4"-1/2" wide flat medium bristle brush will work well. Tan Kote is thick so a stiff or too soft brush will likely leave marks.

I dont usually use coatings as I don't like to seal the leather up, but Tan Kote leaves a nice rich finish that doesn't look like plastic, well chosen. :)
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Thanks,but I can't take credit for being smart enough to use Tan Kote.Paul Long advised me to use it.I was however smart enough to ask.:D
 
Ah hah! :)

I am a naturalist when it comes to leather and use "Leather Balm With Atom Wax" by Feibings almost exclusively. It lets the leather breathe, and after extensive dunkings and abrasion "tests" it comes out with flying colors. Easily fixed from scrubs with shoe wax and conditioners makes it a favorite among the outdoorspersons that use my sheaths.

But,

Tan Kote doesnt crack like Super Shene does when exposed to similar environments. As long as the leather is prepped well, ie, a good rub down with a good conditioner or oil, you should be good to go,
 
RH, as you know I use many different exotics and they all get the same procedure as the leather that surrounds them. I TanKote everything that doesn't out run me. I do apply it with a small square of sheep skin (scraps from the shearling hides used to line saddle skirts) trimmed to relatively short wool. You might also try those foam throw away brushes. I apply in a circular motion. Same technique for the NeatLac when I follow the TanKote with it.

Paul
 
Gotta question for you, does the Tan Kote darken soft leathers like ostrich? I havent tried it on anything like that yet so I'm curious. I've got some tan stuff that I'd love to use.
 
leatherman said:
Gotta question for you, does the Tan Kote darken soft leathers like ostrich? I havent tried it on anything like that yet so I'm curious. I've got some tan stuff that I'd love to use.
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It reacts differently with each leather. Yes it will darken some to a lot but usually dries out lighter. Test it first to be sure.

Paul
 
Good to know! Thanks! :D
 
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