How To Dye A Full Split Hide

[JAM]

Hi, all,

I've got this hideously pink side of split cowhide that I want to use for chaps, but it really needs to be a different, less obnoxious color.

So how can I color this entire side of split leather? It doesn't matter what color - some kind of brown would be fine - as long as it's not this icky pink anymore.

Thanks,

Julia

[dirtclod]

I'd cut the chaps out then dye them. Looks to me like your going to waste a lot of dye trying to dye the whole side. Some kind of spray gun / air brush would be the best best on getting the color even, i think.

[Dwight]

You can also get a quart of dye and a quart of thinner, . . . when you pour them together, . . . you have a half gallon. Get a darker brown, as it will lighten up because of the diluted state of the dye, . . . but if you lay it out flat, . . . get some gloves and a big piece of sheeps hide, . . . it should come out pretty even.

And like dirtclod said, . . . I'd cut em out and then dye them. I'm going to have to do the same thing for my chaps next spring, . . . my hide is a biggin, . . . but the price was right, . . . even if I don't like the color.

Using an air sprayer will do it, . . . but that big means a spray booth, . . . or outdoors, . . . and a lot of wasted dye with overspray, . . . to say nothing about sprayed on dye not penetrating as well as mopped on dye. Making chaps, . . . I'd want the mopped on myself.

Good luck, may God bless,

Dwight