Belt Dye

[BigMatt]

I want to make a few gun belts, but I am worried about the dye wearing through.

Most of the things I make don't wear like a belt and aren't used as harshly as a belt might be.

I am using Fiebings spirit based leather dyes and I have noticed they don't soak in as much as I would like. What kind of dye can I use that would soak in and keep the color after getting scratched or worn?

Thanks for your help.

[DavidL]

From the book leather working handbook by valerie michael her recommendation is to apply saddle soap and water and wipe off the excess. Others say to buff between coats of dye. The whole process takes 1 full day at the least. I still haven't got it right because I'm too impatient to wait for it to dry..

[Basically Bob]

BigMatt, the best suggestion I can give you is to go to the Dyes, Antiques...subsection of the forums, and start searching, reading and then start making up sample pieces to try various techniques ro find what works best for you.

I apply the dye, heavily, with a thin sponge and let it sit for 24 hours. Others dip-dye their work. Then I buff the heck out of it. Next, I apply neatsfoot oil, let it sit for 24 hrs and buff the heck out of it again. In terms of a finish and/or conditioners - again, read and try some. There are lots of different options and you are just going to have to experiment to find something you are comfortable with.