Correct Finish for Bag?

[Robbo]

I have just finished my first shooting bag (to go with my first home built rifle which is still under construction.)

The bag is modelled after an 1815 "Old Northhampton" bag taken from a "how to" book I bought from TOTW. The book recommends I finished it off with boot polish but this seems a little "un-authentic" so was thinking of using a product called coachaline (mostly made from neatsfoot oil) which should be closer to what may have been used 200 years ago than Kiwi Dark Tan.

As I am a newbie to this sort of thing, your advice would be welcome. If it was your bag, what would you do?

Robbo

 

[LaBonte]

A period mix that can be made at home is called dubbin - there are many recipes but it is basically:

4 parts - Beef or mutton tallow (deer tallow and even hog lard can be susbstituted) - it needs to be CLEAN!
1-2 parts - Beeswax
1-2 part - Neatsfoot oil

That't the basic mix I use, just melt them altogether - more oil may be needed if the mix is too stiff. The final product should be firm but not so stiff that it can't be applied - about like a good creme shoe polish or room temp butter.

 

[Birdman]

you can use what Chuck uses or just plain tallow wax mix. Just don't be afraid of useing the bag. after a few years of rubbing grease n dirt off yer hand(s)on the bag it will take on the look ya want. Keep yer good woman away from it as she will most likely tell ya its yucky n dirty n needs washed, its a female thing I guess. The scrungyer the better, brush it off every so often but USE it as often as possable.Remember! away back when if it rained, they got wet, iffen it snowed, they got cold, when it was hot, they would sweat n stick with the best of us. them good old days sometimes were not as pretty as romance would lead us to believe.

 

[El Lobo]

If you use lard, make sure it is pure lard and does not contain salt or other ingredients.

 

[tg]

I like Hubbards shoe grease it is basicaly the same as brewers pitch, Pine tar/Beeswax

 

[MSW]

I made the same bag, and i did use bootblack, and you're right, it came out looking a bit unauthentic.
:redface:

I did (by coincidence) use the method recommended by Birdman, which took the very un PC/HC edge off of things.

Good luck with your project!

 

[Robbo]

Thanks all for the advice - mucch appreciated. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[dlpowell]

This is a general staining and aging procedure I use in most bags. Dark Antique Restoration Wax inside and out if the bag isn't lined. Buff the exterior with a soft cloth that has a coating of walnut oil based stain and black powdered paint. After all that, find a dirt pile and throw the bag in the pile and stomp on it. Brush the dirt off then beat it against a tree. If it's the middle of summer and now your all sweaty from this activity rub the bag all over ya for the body oil. This will add a few years to it every time.