Vinegaroon Sunburst?

[halfbreed]

I really like the all natural method of dying and was wondering if it is possible to use the vinegaroon method to get a graduated effect like in the attatched photo.

Anything I've read here describes the method as dipping the leather and really soaking it. Has anyone tried to get a graduated effect (black to nothing) with the vinegar mix and then apply more colors??

Don

[TwinOaks]

Hi Don,

The vinegaroon might be sprayable, but I don't think I'd try it for a graduated effect like you're looking for. The Vin. chemically reacts with the leather to cause the color change. The reason I don't think it would work is that even thinned, it will have the tendancy to leech through the fibers- very much a wicking effect. It changes the leather's color all the way through the leather. While you might get some faded effect, it would be difficult to keep it even. Once the ferric acetate in the Vin. reacts with the leather, it is going to turn dark grey or black. It might take a little longer, but it will eventually get there. Plus, I and a few others have noticed that it somewhat forces the oils and tallows to the surface of the leather. This might carry lighter dyes to the surface with it, or possibly inhibit their penetration.

But, hey, I'm only theorizing on this. Grab some leather and go for it. You might think of a way to make it work. Afterall, Mankind had never been to the moon, until we went.

Good luck in your experiments,

Mike

[Roger]

i haven't played with that process but, that is one of my seats and the dye is airbrushed to get that clean of a fade

[halfbreed]

Thanks for the input guys. I may do some experimenting fust for the fun of it. If anything wonderful happens I'll get back to you all.

Don