avid learner

Dear Bill, Thank you so much again for your detailed reply. I am learning so much so thanks a lot. I just had someone buy one of everything (nearly!) back in Australia and they will arrive over here next Wednesday with friends who are visiting. I can't wait to test everything out. Until then I have to be patient. That is a great idea with regards to wood stains. I really appreciate that tip. There is a big wood industry here (furniture, carving etc - teak is Indonesian native) so that is something for me to explore. I have not been able to find a leather working scene over here unfortunately. Thanks for your tips on thinners and finishes as well. it's great having my questions answered! Look forward on updating how it all went and contributing to this forum myself eventually. AL

Dear Bill, I really really appreciate your detailed explanation. There is so much information out there I feel a little over whelmed. I am about to purchase the book How To Color Leather by Al Stohlman and have been also reading up on past threads in relation to dyes. You are right - I think I just have to experiment by actually testing them. it is hard to get these dyes in Indonesia so I have to get someone to buy in Australia and then send them over that way. I am going to purchase the following (in smallest bottles for now): Eco-Flo Feiblings Professional Oil dye (is this the pro oil that people speak highly of?) Feiblings Leather dye. There is also a Feiblings Institutional Dye option too. Not too sure of the difference Eco Flo Cova Colour Feiblings Acrylic dye A finisher - Eco Flo satin Sheen? - Do you think this is a good choice? or Mink oil? A thinner? - Can I use denatured alcohol? Or water to thin? Again Bill, I really appreciate your detailed explanation. Now I just have to get my hands dirty and actually try everything! Thanks, AL

Hi again, I was wondering Bill, when you say that the bases don't make a difference - does this mean I could use something like RIT dye to dye leather - especially when I am going for a wash effect? has anyone used fabric dyes like RIT on leather? Also, I am trying to find out whether leather is a protein? Or cellulose? Thanks again, AL

Thank you so much for your reply Bill. I will start looking into Fiebing. Many thanks!

Hello, I am so happy to have found this forum! I spent the weekend doing lots of reading here and decided I should join! I am very new to working with leather but I think I have already been bitten by the leather bug before I have even begun. I am hoping someone could help me in choosing the correct dyes to use for dip dying and tie dying leather. I have attached some images to show you the types of effects I am trying to achieve. Any help or suggestions would be really appreciated. Thank you so much!!