How to Oil and Antique Tooled Leather Projects

This is a Bonus Video to our Tooling Series videos that we created. In the tooling series, we walked you through my tooling process step by step showing the tools and techniques to accomplish this floral pattern.
If you haven't seen those videos, here is a link to a post we created on our blog with all four of those videos all in one location. (You can also find all the videos in one playlist here on the channel.)
dgsaddlery.com...
If you want to tool this pattern along with us, then here is a direct link so that you can get your copy of the Free Pattern to print and use. There is also a link in the above mentioned blog post.
dgsaddlery.com...
In this video, I show you my oiling and antiquing process. The finish that I did on this piece is what we call a "Light Oil Antique" and it is one of our most popular finishes in the shop.
We have created previous videos on antiquing and oiling, but this video dives in a little deeper. Here are links to those two previous videos if you want to check those out.
Antiquing video: • antique video
Oiling leather: • Q & A Episode #1
Thank you so much and be sure to hit that subscribe button!

[@deangrieger5241]

I would like to say that I watch and rewatch most of your videos...In my view you are a true leather craftsman. Just sayin....

[@axe609]

Thank you, your experience is very valuable to me. We loose so much of our traditional knowledge, saddlery and leather work has shrunk and changed a lot over the past 100 years. Your clear teaching and sharing of your knowledge and experience has helped me and I am sure countless others. I would love to see some of your restoration work, as far as cleaning, conditioning and repairing leather tack or goods. Again thank you for your effort and sharing.

[@ed-mh7zl]

I second this comment!

[@GottliebGoltz]

Ditto.

[@chematta2745]

Yup

[@MrCheeto7]

A wealth of good information and tips. Really like that piece-- the style and balance and details. All highlighted and brought to life with the light and dark of that final coat and buff. Thanks a lot. Subbed.

[@Lillian.M.]

Don you are by far an amazing man, you give so much of yourself in your teaching, skills and knowledge and for this I personally Thank You ! I am learning so much from each video you do.

[@azhighpockets8226]

The series of 4 videos topped off with this finishing video were just terrific! It takes extra time and patience to verbally walk through each step/process plus equally as important - the why behind it, including the good/bad outcomes - so we end up with a really good understanding. Thank you so much for making the time to create these videos for us!

[@tjbelcher3144]

Great advice and knowledge passed to us mere mortals lol. Very much appreciated.

[@kevincohn5862]

Hey this is Kevin from Pittsburgh and I enjoyed y I ur video and your straight forward this on your videos. I'm in my 70s now and had wish some of what you have been showing was out when I got started? Again thanks you and God bless....kpc.

[@patticampbellhardy4059]

Excellent instructor! Great detail explanations! Not trying to become a "you-tube star" - just trying to explain the subject and does a superb job. Thanks for all the information.

[@hhhhhhhhh61]

I love how you go into great detail about the why of things, and different reasons for all of the processes. Giving examples and variations based on the look you might want to achive. Such a wealth of information. Thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge.

[@annwaters9484]

Thank you! That's the Best explanation of oiling and antiquing that I have seen/heard!

[@joshuapoche5137]

Well now i know what ive been doing wrong with antique. I missed the resist step before the antique. Thanks for the info

[@danturley8809]

Seriously my favorite tutorial in the leather craft. You are the best.

[@HikeColorado]

Don is so awesome to happily share his vast knowledge and love for this craft. What a wonderful gift for all of us to enjoy and learn. I’ve been tooling leather for 40 years and always learn something new 👍

[@rJadyw]

Hello Cliff. I am very new to leather craft and just beginning my tooling. I am making a wallet for my grandson with some tooling only on the front. Do I use this entire process on the entire wallet, or only on the tooled area?

[@garyjones215]

Thanks Don, i appreciate your sharing so many "secrets of the master" with us, Brotha.

[@johntyson9102]

Thanks for the oil and and the antique lesson

[@Packinheat1175]

Excellent video. Thanks from 🇨🇦.

[@mikerobertson4041]

Incredible artistry! That final coat of Tan-Kote really makes a huge difference!

[@teeeff5179]

a superb tutorial! many thanks for this. 👍✌🖖

[@timsanders4621]

Man, the information and techniques you share are just awesome. Thank you so very much.

[@MrRenoman2011]

Best Video that i have seen thanks so much

[@herbertwedermanjr239]

Don, I gotta take the time to say what an excellent video you put together. You really know how to explain things completely without wasting any words or over explaining. I like how you also explain your evolution through experience to perfect your technique. Aa a newbie I have been frustrated with what various products to buy and people not really being able to explain why one is better than the other. I just liked and subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning more. Thanks :)

[@Glennoutdoors]

Thanks for your time, your the Best !!

[@donmoore9605]

Thanks for another top notch video Don. For those that don't have an unlimited supply of sheep skin pads, you can wash them in warm water with a little Dawn dish soap and it removes all the oil, Neat Lac or antique. I have pads that I have used for several years actually that I have been careful to wash immediately after use.

[@craigdraper2890]

Tandy carries the rounds already cut and has the bulk available as well Chief. I am former Navy as well so its nice to see another Navy guy posting.

[@donmoore9605]

@@craigdraper2890 Ahoy sailor. :) The nearest Tandy to me is 55 miles so don't go there. I mail order most stuff I need from Springfield Leather. Years ago I used Tandy when they had a store about 30 miles away and weren't selling junk from China.

[@craigdraper2890]

@@donmoore9605 Yes, mine is over 40 miles away and I almost never go there or order online but there sheep skin liners are pretty decent and work well, very consistent so i still buy those. however since i too buy alot from springfield, I imagine you can get this from them too, and probably better. when i run out of what i have i will look at that but i bought my current batch a couple of years ago and i havent run out of them yet. I tend to use paper towels for antiquing and cloth rags for oiling, sheep skin for buffing.

[@markcowan3366]

I think there are probably plenty of us Navy folks lurking around leather working, its in our blood lol.

[@l.wolfm.7006]

Your tooling style is freaking incredible!!!

[@aussiepete67]

Thanks so much for this great video... exactly what I needed.. G'day from Brisbane Australia 👋

[@matthewhensley6680]

When you apply the last step I said oh no the stitches it’s ruined but it actually turned out better than I thought great work

[@TheMNBlackBear]

Nice! My work is pretty now! Thank you!

[@Floyd7200]

Beautiful work. Thank you.

[@fitzy0008]

Wow!!! Looks amazing!

[@notwrkn2mch]

This video helped this newcomer more than you can imagine. Now i know why i was having such a hard time working with the antiquing. ......current subscriber

[@dhaynes713]

Definitely the best antiquing video there is. I’m newer to this and you answered all the questions I had about it. Thanks so much and keep up the awesome work!

[@barbaradvojatzki2852]

Great technique and rich in details tutorial!!

[@richardlee6886]

Awesome, I appreciate your content. Looks great!

[@charlessullivan8861]

WOW! Excellent information, thanks for sharing!

[@1800ls]

Thank You so much. Your video is very informative.

[@jwk181965]

Great information. I now know the steps, that Ive been missing.

[@RayofNay]

Your tutorials are THE BEST! Thank you so much! The how and why of it is so helpful. Very grateful for you Don.

[@KnifemakerMike]

I’ve been antiquing the wrong way. Thanks for the good information

[@SquirrelsForAll]

Don, your work is incredible and I dearly enjoy your videos. Thanks for your wonderful lessons.

[@lexi8105]

Love it thank you!

[@missk2876]

Always fantastic

[@ericeasom5788]

Thank you so much for this video. Now I see what I have been doing wrong with my antiquing.

[@rondumontier1187]

This is a really nice video. I useually don,t antique anything. I make mostly holsters, law inforcement & archery equip. But I mite try antiquing and the olive oil, even thou my old german boss/teacher mite flip. I also use tan-coat. I use neat-lac inside holsters, it make the "draw" cleaner and constant. Even tho I,v been at this for many yrs and learned from true pros, I wont stop learning. I need to watch more of your very good vids.

[@jimgallagher5785]

Just tried your technique on a holster, and it worked like a charm! Thanks

[@tahomyjo]

Thank you so much! Very helpful !!!!

[@rogervelazquez194]

What a great video, I learned so much and can't wait to get started on finishing my work. Thank you so much.

[@lynyang4282]

THANK YOU! Your knowledge and experience is valued and helpful. Love your videos.

[@Helmie-pl8ir]

Thanks Don sharing.👍👍👍

[@godofm3tal1]

If you're in Wyoming id love to come pick your brain. I'm getting into leather working and would relish the opportunity to learn anything I could from a master. That work is incredible.

[@billmccaffrey1977]

Great close to this series.

[@mikelancaster5345]

Don - what a great series - thank you for sharing - I learnt so much from them. Keep up the great work and again thank you for always being so willing to share.

[@wulfschlueter2112]

Great video I always learn something new watching them

[@stoneylundin]

Thanks for the tutorial, piece looks great.

[@Auntyweehaa]

Stunning work!~ Great video! Helpful to a newly!

[@LizDavis2009]

Beautiful piece and great instructional video!! Thanks Don!!!

[@joejoelesh1197]

Your work show here is beautiful! I don’t know what the final use of this plaque will be, but it could be mounted on a nice piece of wood and presented as an award.

[@craigdraper8325]

Ok so I was wrong, this is positive but it doesn’t say anything about the video but instead talks about the previous ones in the series in my opinion. The thing is the carving is meant to teach carving techniques, what you use it for is your business. I do carvings similar just to practice my technique. I mostly do basket weave work but I practice the Sheridan carving and other styles of floral carving to gain experience and skill for my own use. I hope to be a saddle maker one day and would love to be able to build the $4k - 6K saddles that the saddle makers I know build regularly.

[@joejoelesh1197]

@@craigdraper8325 he mentions it has a final use, but not what that use is.

[@craigdraper8325]

That is up to you, otherwise it is a practice piece. If you tool it on 4-6 oz. leather maybe a wallet back? Who knows as I didn’t do that one. I’m a belt maker and a basket weave specialist.

[@katherinecox]

Thanks for being so thorough! You answered a lot of my questions 👍🏻

[@markashlock8058]

Wow...Just Wow!! Thanks Don!

[@irislarocque3932]

gorgeous

[@blueshirtmonday]

This is so helpful! Thank you!!

[@randygarcia4831]

Beautiful!!!

[@isportsphotousa9065]

Don, I liked the video session, very informative.. 2 thumbs up!!

[@danbaker96]

I’ve been wondering how to antique leather and this video is a perfect learning tool ! Thank you !

[@scotthaney50]

Thank you so much for this video. It helped me so much. I didn't understand why to use oil That has helped me a lot.

[@Nikos1074]

Thank you, I have enjoyed watching your videos very much. I do appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@YoutubeCensorsYou]

Thank you Don for sharing your experience with us without charging a dime! You are a great guy!

[@fordfan3179]

Great info, thanks!

[@njneer]

Awesome video! Thanks, I have always struggled with this sort of thing but I will definitely try this process on my current project.

[@kimwilliams5165]

Thank you for this information. olive oil 1st then 12:44 finish coating info.

[@obxsouth12]

Thank you for these tutorials. These have been informative and enjoyable. Very much appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@mikeboone4425]

Out standing Don as always . Happy Trails

[@danr5798]

18:10 of the video is why I just subscribed. My kinda guy.

[@joeshmoe1962]

As someone who has been struggling with the antiquing process, this is great information. I have been avoiding using any sort of top coat because I've always thought that it would prevent future oil treatments from penetrating. Today I learned that Tan Kote doesn't do that. I can't wait to try this process. Thanks Don!

[@RichardTheGreat210]

I live in Texas and got a biker wallet made in Thailand, and it will not take oil. It will not darken,no matter what oil I use.itll go a shade darker.then.just lighten back up. I think I got low grade leather product.lesson learned.

[@eddaly4160]

Great video. Thanks!

[@outfitr9703]

Thanks. Great info. I'm also having trouble getting even look with neatsfoot and end up applying too much to even it out. I'll be trying olive oil next.

[@Jesusismyfriend1982]

Thank you 🤗

[@mitchellreid8534]

Love your videos.

[@krismana91]

Thank you so much! I've experienced that paint smearing with super shene. :)

[@REAL_LIFE]

This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing what I'm sure you have worked long and hard to learn!

[@crystalsnodgrass7145]

I love your King Ropes hat! I'm from Sheridan Wyoming and went to school with the King girls. Love this series and I cant wait to get started with leather tooling

[@MrHondoMan]

I can't help but wonder if after 4 years he's changed his methods. I never oil new leather as it could ruin the leather due to softening the fibres. Interesting video.

[@iannicholson1014]

Thanks for a great tutorial. When I was plaiting or braiding kangaroo lace I put eucalyptus oil in my grease. This stopped cockroaches and vermin eating the leather. It could be mixed with the olive oil.

[@Atcraftcity]

All the best to you, Don! Great videos...extremely educational. Thanks for promoting leathercraft!

[@maryspence5331]

Thanks, Donald! My first time on your channel and I really love your style. I have never done Tan Kote between dye and antique...and now I have something new to try. I think you just solved a problem I have been having! Thank you!!!

[@chrishaynes4430]

Thanks for the video and knowledge. I just got back into leather working and run up on your channel thanks

[@neilyeag]

Thanks very complete explanation of the procedure, products and process.

[@wlben67]

Great video. Thanks for the follow up so soon. Good Job Don.

[@johnbacon9658]

Old sheepskin coats from charity shops, cheap as chips 👍🏻 awesome video.... Again, thanks fella, it’s really helped.

[@robertbutler4393]

Thanks, Don. Great stuff. Answered a lot of my questions.

[@shaunrish9516]

nice job

[@rfleecs]

Always appreciate your time and effort creating these videos! Learning from the master is really beneficial to anyone who wants to improve their craft!!!

[@ronfleecs3666]

👍👍👍

[@jenrizar660]

That’s amazing Sr appreciate your time

[@victoriarobison5088]

Great step by step series. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge.

[@TinaThevarge]

Thank you so much. I was wondering about finishing. I haven’t started tooling yet, still gathering my basic tools, but I’ve been watching videos and tutorials. This answered all my questions so far.

[@mariongause1095]

Very well presented 👍 thank you !

[@wesdresen9994]

great information again.

[@flatdog-]

Thank you

[@thetexaskidd71]

Thanks for sharing that informative video Don!

[@PaHoHaska]

VERY useful info .. Thank you !