Antares oil???

[mbmarsh]

Is this any different than neatsfoot? I just got a new breastplate yesterday, and am DYING to use it, but I need to oil it first - didn't know whether I needed to wait to get the Antares oil shipped, or just use the neatsfoot I have......

Thanks!

[Lives2Jump]

I have both. The Antares oil is different from Neatsfoot. It is a clear oil. Hope that helps.

[BAC]

I have used the Antares oil and like it very much, I'm not a fan of neatsfoot, which I find greasy and stains your clothes. But either will give you the same result, darken your new leather. I think I remember from reading the label that the Antares product contained mineral oil, although I'm not positive about that.

Anyway, enjoy your new tack, Antares strapgoods are gorgeous.

[mjrtango93]

With it being the first oiling I would wait. The Antares oil darkens differently then the neatsfoot and won't stain the stitching (if you care). Also the neatsfoot will leave a film on the tack where the Antares oil absorbs in better. After the first few oilings it doesn't matter as much, but I really like the Antares tack and would prefer it to stay looking new.

[mbmarsh]

OK - I'll try to wait for the Antares stuff to arrive - I ordered it today, so hopefully it will be here in the next day or so.....it's going to kill me not to use it this afternoon, but I'll sit on my hands.......

Thanks!!!

And....after seeing this breastplate, it's going to be ALL I can do not to go order a bridle, and boots, and everything else I can think of (well, except their ugly helmets! :) )

Dumb question though - the website says "Antares leather shine and oil must be applied on the leather that has been cleaned with glycerine soap beforehand. " Does that mean I need to clean the new breastplate with soap BEFORE oiling it? That doesn't make much sense to me....

[BAC]

I'm not sure why it says that but glycerine seals the leather, if you use it before you oil your tack the oil won't absorb evenly and most likely will barely absorb it at all. I have an Antares bridle and have oiled several others and never cleaned it first. I did rub the leather down with a clean, dry cloth first just to make sure there was no dust on it and then used the Antares oil, I think you'll be happy you waited for it.

And definitely buy more of their products, I highly recommend Antares bridles. :yes:

[mbmarsh]

Where did you get your bridle? Is there ANY place to get them at even a tiny discount? I've been scouring eBay forever, and can't find one there.......I want one really bad, but am struggling to cough up the $500 for it, especially after just splurging on the breastplate :)

[BAC]

I bought mine directly from Antares, I have never seen them discounted any where. You can buy them from Smartpak I think but they are just as expensive as buying directly from Antares and I haven't seen any on ebay either.

[mjrtango93]

What size bridle do you need? A friend of mine is selling hers (barely used and greatly discounted), but its moose sized.

[mbmarsh]

Here's the only other thing - the breastplate is already pretty dark, and I really don't want it to darken any more - should I still oil it?

Sorry for all the questions - not often I get a new toy to play with.

Thanks everyone!

[Rhody Ram]

If you don't want it any darker but do want to soften it, try Hydrophane Leather Dressing. It won't darken it.. and it is amazing.

[snaffle635]

mb, I am so glad you posted this question. I just got a new Antares saddle and have already used up the first bottle of oil they sent with it. Wondering if I need to order more Antares oil, or can use something else - sounds like I should stick with their oil.

Where did you order the oil from?

[Dun Ciarain]

Here's the only other thing - the breastplate is already pretty dark, and I really don't want it to darken any more - should I still oil it?

Sorry for all the questions - not often I get a new toy to play with.

Thanks everyone!

I have the dark brown tack and saddle. It didn't darken it too much when I oiled it.

[Dun Ciarain]

mb, I am so glad you posted this question. I just got a new Antares saddle and have already used up the first bottle of oil they sent with it. Wondering if I need to order more Antares oil, or can use something else - sounds like I should stick with their oil.

Where did you order the oil from?

I would stick with the Antares oil. If there is a problem during oiling your Antares saddle and you are using Antares oil - it is their problem. I ordered extra oil from Smartpak. I ended up with an Antares saddle, bridle, martingale and boots and used the Antares oil on all of them. No problems with the oil (not greasy, etc.) and everything matched right off the bat.

[mbhorse]

I'm another fan of the Antares cleaning/conditioning products, as it's all I've ever used on my Antares tack. In additon to the initial oiling, I highly recommend their conditioning creme for periodic use once the tack is oiled and used a few time. It helps keep the leather soft and supple, without making it limp and slimy. I also love using their glycerine everyday cleanser.

[LetsRide]

Is this any different than neatsfoot? I just got a new breastplate yesterday, and am DYING to use it, but I need to oil it first - didn't know whether I needed to wait to get the Antares oil shipped, or just use the neatsfoot I have......

Thanks!

I have been told unofficially it has mineral oil in it. So; yes. ;)

[HollysHobbies]

I'm just wondering why that stuff smells like gas? (Car gasoline/petro) Every time I oil something with it, I feel like I'm fueling up!:lol:

[mbmarsh]

I actually ordered from Antares directly - you can just call them. I got them to send me the oil, soap, and conditioner. Only mild complaint is the shipping is *expensive* compared to places like SmartPak, but for me, living pretty close to them, I'm getting things the day after they ship them, so I'm thrilled with that.

You can call Brad at 800-250-9284, and he is great about finding what you need and sending it to you.

SmartPak might be a better choice for little stuff, since they have cheaper shipping, and the occasional coupon.......

[BAC]

Here's the only other thing - the breastplate is already pretty dark, and I really don't want it to darken any more - should I still oil it?

It still needs to be conditioned before the first use. If you don't want to change the color use Leather Therapy Conditioner and Restorer, the label states it will not substantially change the original color. Its the only product Hadfields will recommend for their bridles.