Leatherwork question

[BAO]

Dear moderator(s), if this has to be kicked I understand.

Help!  How can I make a pair of chaps(or anything else!) and get them to look like they have been used hard for years?  I am sure that there are some "tricks of the trade" out there.  If anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate same.  Thanks

[macbow]

One way is to lay them on a driveway like pea gravel etc. and drive over them.

If your into pain, put them on and run through some multi flora rose bushes.

[tomh]

here is a site on making knife sheaths,  http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=16

you could post your question there. The guy from Wild Rose makes all kind of old west rigs that he ages and I am sure he would give you some advice. There are some knowledgeable folks over there.

[tim roberts]

You can buy a leather from Tandy that is distress. Hope that helps.

[BrianK]

Try starting with undyed leather. When dying don't colour evenly, leave some areas lighter. Cotton wool is good (better than a brush) becuase the areas can be softened. Then use another colour to give contarast to the lighter areas. You can try brown and tan to good effect. Also rub some colour off with steel wool. This gives more contrast and also scuffs the leather for a worn look. If you take off too much colour retouch with more dye. A touch of green with the browns can also look good

For making the edges look old you can scuff them with course sand paper, a file and steel wool, or work them to give creases. Finish off with several applications of a good beeswax based leather food. If too shiny rub/ steel wool more in selected areas. If you want the chaps to look like you have ridden through thorns scratch them with a sharpened nail, screwdriver etc, Pay attention to areas that would naturally be prone to rubbing, and make these more worn, faded or lighter.

Running a marathon in them would certainly make them look old and sweat stained in no time!

Please post a picture of your finished work.

[Jeremy]

Tandy (and others I'm sure) have a antique leather stain.  It dyes the leather the color you want, but also has some sludge - for lack of a better word - that builds up in the pores of the leather and any imperfections.  You then wipe off as much of the sludge as you like.  It makes the leather look like it has a few years of build up.