Newb Questions And Advice Needed

[CrotalusCo]

I am brand new and have made a few test runs that didnt turn out as expected. After reading here I have found some of my errors and have some questions.

I have bought a few different dyes. My first few pieces i used cotton rags but have picked up a few wool daubers.

Eco flo dye in multiple colors "after reading i have found to be a mistake"

Eco Flo Gel antique dye

Eco flo super shene

Eco Flo Gum Tragacanth

Fiebing's usmc black

1) I have noticed in many of the postings here it is recommended to oil the leather first. Is this right? Do i do this on both tooled and untooled veg tan? Olive oil works is anything better?

2) Many mention to buff after the dye coat. Am I to do this right after applying the color or after the color has dried?

3) After color i have given a coat of the super shene however once i flexed or bent the leather it cracked through the color and the shene. Am I supposed to oil or wax afterwords or is that just the nature of the shene?

4) Should i be burnishing and Gum the edges before or after the coloring process?

5) What finishing process will work well if i only want to brighten the colors where the need for a shine takes a backseat to good deep color, yet maintain the softness and flexibility of the leather?

Thank you much

Dan