What to use to finish the inside of a holster?

Tinhack · Nov 22, 2016

I just finished putting the sealer/finish on the outside of a pancake holster I made. The inside is dyed but not finished yet. I don't want to use an acrylic sealer on the inside as this tends to make them stiff and rough--Too plastic feeling and sounding.

I had planned to use Neatsfoot oil on the inside. Any one here make their own holsters? What do you use to finish the inside?

05CarbonDRZ · Nov 22, 2016

I leave mine natural.I only use Hermann Oak Leather for this reason,The Flesh side is very consistent and smooth.

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rednichols · Nov 22, 2016

Neatsfoot oil's functions are to add strength to the fibres, and to waterproof against foul weather. Yet it is mainly used in holsters to colour the leather! No reason then, to use it in your case, and sometimes it even attacks the gluing of seams or linings. Not to say that it shouldn't be used tho. Yup, ideally you will start with a smooth flesh side.

Inusuit · Nov 22, 2016

There's a product called Leather Lightning by Mitch Rosen you might check out. I've used it to reduce friction in leather competition holsters. Here's a linky: 404 Not Found | Mitch Rosen Extraordinary Gunleather

Not sure it it fits your needs. Edit: The link works even though it says "not found."

Hawker800 · Nov 22, 2016

Thanks, got me some.

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Tinhack · Nov 23, 2016

Thanks for the tip on Leather Lightning. You guys sound like the audiophiles on turntables and headphones.

I can make due with any leather. I've used old boot leather for some projects. Gives it that old worn-in look

I went with Neatsfoot. Checked it this morning and it's nice and soft with no rub off. Hey, If I don't like it later, I'll make another.

ChiefStealth · Nov 23, 2016

I've made several holsters and mag pouches for myself. I just burnish the inside, and don't use any oils, or other stuff.

gregintenn · Nov 23, 2016

I finish the inside with an acrylic finish; just like the rest of it.

If it feels like plastic, you're using too much.

Resolene on a damp sponge worked in works well.

Oil applied to the fleshy side of leather will make it soft and floppy, aka, ruin a holster.

gwpercle · Nov 23, 2016

I treat the insides of my holsters with Leather Care Beeswax Leather Conditioner.
Actually any brand of beeswax leather conditioner will do , Beeswax doesn't soften the leather like straight oils do and it doesn't cause rust.
After rubbing it into the leather , I heat the inner surface with a hair dryer, rub in some more , the wax sinks in and the excess is buffed off. This leaves a nice smooth surface that doesn't wear away quickly.
Gary

snubbyfan · Nov 23, 2016

There's lotsa finishes you can use on the inside. I'd say keep making stuff and experimentin' 'till you find what works for you.

Some prefer to leave it undyed and natural.

On this molded leather case, I used TanKote inside and out. On the inside, I used it to smooth down the fuzzy side giving it a more finished look.

Or you could line it with smooth leather while building the holster. This one's 7 ounce, lined with 5 ounce smooth side out:

Makes for a wide edge:

I use Neatsfoot but only to return moisture after molding and dyeing. Then it's only a thin coat wiped on then wiped back off.

What to use to finish the inside of a holster?

Tinhack

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05CarbonDRZ

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rednichols

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Inusuit

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Hawker800

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Tinhack

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ChiefStealth

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gregintenn

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gwpercle

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snubbyfan

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