papaface29

Yeah, I knew I had to buff off that chalky kind of residue after each coat. Buffing after the second coat left a good solid black finish. It seemed that the leather balm was abrasive enough or somehow dissolved the dye (I don't know if that is how things actually work) and it started buffing right off. RE the vinegaroon--does this in any way weaken the leather, or does it simply act to dye it? And one last musing...I wonder if it is the same chemical reaction when the snaps on some Tandy kits start dyeing the leather around the snap (after casing and drying). Kind of a mini-vinegaroon Thanks, Lorne

Hello, Just finished a belt last week that I dyed usmc black. I had planned on applying leather balm and then satin sheen. I decided to test the leather balm on the tag end of the belt that is folded over around the buckle. I'm glad I did, because it started buffing out the dye! This is the first time I've dyed a project, so I'm wondering if this is normal? I just went right to satin sheen for the rest of the belt and the color held fine. I don't think the problem had to do with being stingy with the dye--I went pretty liberal on it, 2 coats to make sure it got down into the basketweave pattern. Any help is appreciated, Lorne

Many thanks to both of you, that helps clear things up. Now its time to get going again... Lorne

Hello all, this is my first post to this forum (but not my first visit!) I have done leatherwork for probably 5 or more years but have never used a dye on a project. I just finished tooling a basketweave belt and am going to dye it black. My question is, do I apply the dye--Fiebing's USMC black--and then a finish? (I think I have super sheen..) Can I add atom wax after the dye but before the finish? Last question, do I apply the dye before I burnish the edges? I guess I feel a little confused on the whole dye thing. Everything else I have made, I either just Neat-lac or super-sheen and call it good Thanks in advance, I am really enjoying reading all the good stuff on here Lorne