How do you care for this type of leather?

[NEWT]

Here is my dream saddle… its an aussie hybrid…
http://horseproblems.com.au/Photo’s/Saddlery%20for%20Sale/Saddle/special%20orders/Mandy2.JPG

I know how to care for smooth leather but what about rough-out leather? Just let it age? Will it crack without leather oil? If I put leather oil on it will it smooth it out so it is no longer rough?

[allikat819]

Definitely don’t put oil on your roughout leather.

What I would do is spray it with a water and stain repellent for suede and if any spots come up work at it with a suede eraser.

[bugsynskeeter]

If you feel the need to oil, oil the underside of the rough out…not the rough part.

[NEWT]

Thanks Allikat819 and bugsnyskeeter! Very helpful, I didn’t know there was such a thing as suede eraser. I will avoid the oil.

[AnEnglishRider]

We usually just dust ours with a slightly damp rag, but the above sound like better ways to do it.

[aktill]

Depends how the leather was treated, and what it is.

If it’s actually veg-tan saddle skirting, that’s different then suade. Rough-out veg tan is just normal skirting used back-to-front.

If it’s not sealed, then it doesn’t matter which side you oil off of, since eventually the oil will penetrate full depth (I’ve made tack using veg-tan leather…really doesn’t matter which side).

If the leather is sealed (which any of the repellants will do), the oil will tend to stay on top and possibly damage your clothes.

When the rough-out slicks out, it can be restored with a bit of sandpaper.

If you do use oil, be careful which one you choose. Pure neatsfoot is traditional, but will darken the leather. Some oils won’t do that (Bee Natural I think won’t?) .