Charlotte Report post Posted March 22, 2011 Hello, I’m based in the UK and am new to leather work. Hope you can help me! I like to make leather collars for my Dobermann and so far I have been experimenting with the Ecoflo range of water based dyes. I am not happy with the Ecoflo finishing products. I have the super sheen and the satin sheen… but they are both acrylic based and I would prefer something more natural. Also, they only give a ‘water resistant’ finish, but for dog collars I obviously need full-on water proof. Because the Ecoflo finishing products are acrylic based, they seem to sit on the surface and form a barrier for any natural products like oil, balms and beeswax (all of which I would prefer to use). They also smell synthetic which I just don’t like. So, my problem is… I need a product that will prevent the water based dye from running if my dog goes in the lake or sweats or goes on the cream sofa… but that isn’t acrylic… as every few months or so I’d like to be able to recondition the leather if I fancy it. I would love to use something natural to seal the dye, waterproof and periodically condition the leather. I like the idea of a natural product that doesn’t smell synthetic, that I can rub into the leather and that actually penetrates the leather rather than just sitting on the surface. Any help and recommendation of products would be very much appreciated. Charlotte Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Report post Posted March 22, 2011 Hi Charlotte, There isn't anyone I know who is terribly happy with that eco-flow stuff either. If you want it "totally" waterproof, make it out of nylon or polyester webbing. If you want it reasonably water resistant and natural, then Montana Pitchblend paste is the way to go, you might also want a coat of Montana Pitchblend Oil (no beeswax) on and dry before the Paste. Pecard's works too, but is not all natural. And for Ghod sakes, use Fiebing's spirit or Pro dyes. Art Hello, I’m based in the UK and am new to leather work. Hope you can help me! I like to make leather collars for my Dobermann and so far I have been experimenting with the Ecoflo range of water based dyes. I am not happy with the Ecoflo finishing products. I have the super sheen and the satin sheen… but they are both acrylic based and I would prefer something more natural. Also, they only give a ‘water resistant’ finish, but for dog collars I obviously need full-on water proof. Because the Ecoflo finishing products are acrylic based, they seem to sit on the surface and form a barrier for any natural products like oil, balms and beeswax (all of which I would prefer to use). They also smell synthetic which I just don’t like. So, my problem is… I need a product that will prevent the water based dye from running if my dog goes in the lake or sweats or goes on the cream sofa… but that isn’t acrylic… as every few months or so I’d like to be able to recondition the leather if I fancy it. I would love to use something natural to seal the dye, waterproof and periodically condition the leather. I like the idea of a natural product that doesn’t smell synthetic, that I can rub into the leather and that actually penetrates the leather rather than just sitting on the surface. Any help and recommendation of products would be very much appreciated. Charlotte Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GlenH Report post Posted March 22, 2011 You might try Nikwax (www.nikwax.com). They specialize in waterproofing products. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Charlotte Report post Posted March 23, 2011 Hello, Thank you so much for your help. I have the Fiebing's catalogue here... not ordered anything from it yet as I had the Ecoflo stuff... but I'm now going to order a couple of small pots of dye and try that. I am reluctant to buy any more Ecoflo. Will give Fiebing's a try! Thank you, I'll let you know the results! Charlotte Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
