Hydrophane Leather Darkening Oil

[singsingjohnny]

I'm looking to darken my U.S. Wings CE Signature Series jacket, just a shade. In my online searches, I came across a product called hydrophane leather darkening oil, used to darken horse saddles and the like.

Has anyone ever experimented with this stuff on a jacket? I mean, it's for saddles, bridles, etc., but I figure it's all leather, might be worth a try. Of coursem a jacket is WEARABLE leather and that's what makes me nervous about it.

Here is a link to a tack shop online, offering the oil:

http://www.mmtackshop.com/hyleca.html

I might get some to experiment with, as well as some brown Pecard dressing. Trying to darken a jacket is new territory for me and I want to tread carefully.

Thanks in advance!

-Mark/SSJ

[Michaelson]

Keep in mind, you're talking about oil. Pecards is not an oil, so you need to decide which way you want to do.

If you go 'oil', there's no going back. Oil will definitely darken the leather, but I MEAN darken.

Pecards will darken slightly, then even out.

I would definitely proceed cautiously, as once you go the oil route, you can't return to try anything else. You'll have to use oil from that point on. That's just the way it is.

Be absolutely sure that's the direction you go, then make up your mind you'll be happy with the results.

Regards! Michaelson

[Dragonlady Jones]

Last year I used Pecard Shoe Oil to darken my CE with fantastic results. About a month ago, I decided to experiment and tossed it in the washer for a cold water rinse. Most of the oil came out so I reapplied a couple coats and now I couldn't be happier.

[singsingjohnny]

Dragonlady Jones, you and your post about the CE is what sold me on the jacket to begin with! Chewbacca Jones' as well. After wearing it for a month or so, it's become my go to jacket...it has a real LC vibe about it that I just love. One shade darker and it'd be close to being my perfect Indy jacket (though my wife knows I'm always scheming for my next one... )

I think between between some Pecards and the sun, it should darken to just where I want it.

Thanks for the responses guys, I appreciate it!

[Dragonlady Jones]

Sweet. Good luck!