Stain on Rawhide

[RyanR]

I stained a rawhide backing and it is splotchy.  Some of the rawhide doesn't take the stain as well.  Is this normal? It actually camouflaged the back.

[adb]

Yes. It's not like wood or regular leather. It won't take color evenly. That being said, it does look kinda cool giving a 'camo' type finish as you said. I've had the same result with just applying oil finish. Dark/light patches. Just makes it look better IMHO.

[Pat B]

Depending on how the rawhide was processed you might get more even coloration if you dye the rawhide first before gluing it down.  I actually prefer the mottled look myself but don't due or stain rawhide. I like the way the Tru-Oil soaks in some areas making them more transparent than others. It gives it more of an "old bow" look and not look like a shiny new bow.

[RyanR]

Yes, mottled is the term I was looking for. That's how it looks. OK, thanks

[_Jon_]

I used a thick big black Sharpie on my last raw hide backing and it worked out well.  Completely covered it solid black.