Page 1 of 1
Darkening a Whip?
Posted: Wed May 10, 2023 6:37 pm
by Herr Doktor
Just wanting to run some ideas around in my head...
I've got one of the Equinelibrium/WhipsCraftier 10 foot natural tan roo-hide whips from Etsy, and I'd like to darken it to closer to a Last Crusade color. Other than tanning it in the sun, is there a "quicker" way to do it that won't damage the whip?
I have a new-to-me Gio raiders 8 foot that is my favorite, and I'll let that age naturally.
Cheers!
Re: Darkening a Whip?
Posted: Wed May 10, 2023 8:34 pm
by fifthchamber
Honestly, it'll darken rather quickly in the sun and with the sweat from your hands after a month or so of reasonably decent usage...I wouldn't rush the thing, since all that effort and the patterns it'll take, will show YOUR usage of the whip, and tell it's history!
That said, Pecards will darken it while wet, and then fade to the natural colour, but I did find that Pecards and the sun was a rather good combination....That wouldn't damage the whip too much (depending on the sunlight you get there perhaps) and would look natural too...A couple of goes at that, and regular usage should help darken it nicely!
You could also try a natural water based dye, like the Eco-flow series? Those work nicely on jackets, and would dye the leather the colour of the dye in no time, but as I said, personally, I'd stick with the usage and sun, and let it tell it's own story!
Re: Darkening a Whip?
Posted: Wed May 10, 2023 10:18 pm
by Indiana Jeff
Word of caution with using Pecards. Using too much can over saturate the leather. This can lead to swelling, stretching, and loosing of the plaiting.
Regards,
Indiana Jeff
Re: Darkening a Whip?
Posted: Thu May 11, 2023 12:16 pm
by BossThreads
Re: Darkening a Whip?
Posted: Thu May 11, 2023 3:25 pm
by makeitjones
Neatsfoot oil (pure or compound) is a quick way to condition and darken leather by a couple of shades. Absorbs well and a little goes a long way. Made from rendered cow shin bones so expect an 'interesting' smell for a couple of days after.