color matching for non leather workers

[totallycustom]

I have a hunter brand double loop holster for a ruger bearcat and i ordered a 2 1/2" hunter co. blank pistol belt for it, they are both very nice but the color is not consistent between the two, although they are labeled the same, the holster is much darker brown (looks to be died) and the belt appears just oiled?

 Is there an easyily obtainable solution like some sort of shoe polish or something that will even them out/ just darken or match the belt to the holster?

Please help a less experienced leather worker (I am not helpless just havent done much.)
Thanks -TC-

[totallycustom]

Somebody has got to have an idea or somehting?

Maybe I will call Hunter Co and ask them about the belt not matching.

-TC-

[sgtt]

I would probably just live with it.  You might try some Fieblings leather die.  It can be had in dark brown.  Due to the fact that the leather looks oiled it may come out splotchy (is that a word?).  I would suggest rubbing it on with a cotton cloth.  Let us know what Hunter has to say.

[Rancher]

Its hard to tell you what to do without seeing it or knowing what kind of finish has been previously applied.  That being said, I would try either the feibing's leather dyes or you can get some stuff called oil darkening liquid.  You add it to ordinary neetsfoot oil to make the leather its applied to darker.  Try to simulate the belt finish on a scrap piece of leather first, then start using whatever product you choose to get it pretty close to right before you apply it to your belt.

Please let me know if I've confused you a little so I can try to explain it some more and then you'll be thoroughly confused.   :wink:

[Rickk]

time and wear will darken leather. Unless the color difference is tremendous you may find they age together.

Neatsfoot oil preserves and darkens it a bit as well.

Re-dying after leather is sealed with a sealer is a bit tricky... the sealer keeps the leather from penetrating (which is what it is supposed to do from the inside out, but it works both ways).

Neatsfoot oil will penetrate sealer, especially from the back side (which is rougher). Even applied from the back it will eventually affect the front. However, a liberal coat applied on the front left all night will penetrate the front side and darken it a bit.


If you do try to use dye to darken it,firts rub with mineral spirits to remove the sealer. Mix the dye with a bit of mineral spirits 50%-50%. That will thin it so that it does not overdye it. If the leather is dry after all this, neatsfoot oil will soften it again. You will have to re-seal it again afterword. Sealer can be applied after softening a bit with neatsfoot oil, as long as the oil is not overdone before sealing.