suede

[qtrhrs7]

For a gift this past Christmas I received a bag. I really like it, but it is suede. Is there a way or three that I can use to tone the suede look down? Thank you for your help.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Using the bag will mellow out the suede look over time.

 

[Crewdawg445]

Most leather care products advise against the use on suede. I don't mess with suede due to it being a more delicate leather. However, you might want to try real mink oil (not the fake stuff) in a small spot.

 

[Grumpa]

The application of a weather protectant such as Sno- seal, or other beeswax concoction, mink oil, nikwax etc should diminish the newness of the suede, and may give it a darker appearance as well. Be aware that some of these may not be suitable for suede leather.

You may want to google about waterproofing leather, for more insight into the matter.

As always, try it on a piece of the suede that is not visible, to see if you like the effect.

Good luck.

 

[crockett]

I guess I'm not too observant on fine detail but to me suede looks a lot like brain tan. I don't think there is anything wrong with it. After it gets beat up and worn it will look all the better.
If waterproofing is the problem, maybe put in a cloth liner of pillow ticking- the rubber cement will sort of act as a waterproof barrier.

 

[BrownBear]

The application of a weather protectant such as Sno- seal, or other beeswax concoction, mink oil, nikwax etc should diminish the newness of the suede, and may give it a darker appearance as well. Be aware that some of these may not be suitable for suede leather.

Yup on the precautions. But I like the effect of greasing up suede. Kinda lays down the "nap" of the leather, and I like the look. Also helps the suede from getting so darned soft when it gets wet.

If you don't like the looks of grease on suede, you're kinda scrawed using it around muzzleloaders anyway, if you use a grease lube like I do. I get it all over everything.

I'm using TOW's mink oil tallow, and it's been dandy all around- both on the leather and on shooting patches.

 

[tenngun]

Yes indeed. The reason products should not be used on suead is that it will ruin the nap, it will make it look old and worn, the opposite of what suade should look like. Shoes like those made by fugawe are suade but smoothed by the wax treatment and could even be polished if needed.
You can also smoke it. I do have to say letting things age naturally looks nice. Black powder is nasty and greasy, patch lines get on your fingers then the bag, cleaning in the fields black nasty hands greasy and smudged turns the bag dark in a hurry.

 

[paulab]

Smoking suede? Sounds a lot like smoking fish. Isn't it hard to light? :rotf: