EMGBass

Well, here are the projects thus far... First was the KaBar sheath, then the J-frame pancake holster, then the .44 mag field holster. Still learning a lot, but I'm loving it. I'm currently working on a 1911 belt-slide design. I'll post pics when it's done. Thanks everyone, for all the help!

I do appreciate all the responses regarding my problem! It has been somewhat handled. After more experimentation it seems the problem revolves around the spirit-based USMC Black dye. I had the same issues with three different pieces of hide. (Granted, they were all from Tandy.) When I switched to the Black Pro Oil dye, it seemed to correct the problem, although it is a much more matte finish than the USMC Black. The pieces that I had finished with USMC seemed to work with a finish of Tan Kote. Oddly enough, the Pro Oil Black looked best with the Leather Balm that was giving me problems with the USMC. Again, I'm very new to this, so some experimentation was definitely in order. I'm working on my third piece currently. The 1st project was a sheath for a Ka-Bar, the 2nd was the pancake holster for a J-Frame that I posted pics of (above), and this new project is kicking my butt! It's a field holster for a S&W Trail Boss (3" .44 mag). I'm having to work out the holster design, the welt, the belt tunnel, and the thumb break! Oh, and it's going to be a cross-draw. Certainly much more difficult than my first two projects. I think I've got the pattern phase wrapped up, and it's time to start cutting leather and turning these ideas into something tangible.

Well, I stopped by the local Tandy store, picked up a few things, and I'm going all out tonight. I am going to do a 6-way swatch with the USMC Black on top, and the Black Professional Oil Dye on bottom and compare results of Leather Balm, Satin Sheen, and Tan Kote on both dyes. (They didn't have Bag Kote and said they didn't carry it??) This should give me some direction. All I'm looking for is a low gloss finish that will help to seal and provide some weather and crocking resistance. I also picked up some Pure Neatsfoot Oil. Let the games begin...

For what it's worth, I did a fair amount of experimentation last night on scraps. After dyeing and drying, I buffed them up to a nice sheen. Then I applied the Leather Balm. THAT is what is causing the discoloration. I can't tell if it is removing surface dye, or just drying in a way that is causing the problem. I did my best to apply a light coat of the Leather Balm evenly with a soft cloth in small circular motions. The effect is very patchy and does not affect all the leather. I'm feeling more confused now than before. Why is this finish ruining the "finish?"

I took a pic of specifically the effect/problem that I'm having. This fading happened after a light Deglazing, and a second coat of black. I let it dry, buffed it, and this is what's going on. The rest of the holster seems to have really good color, but these problem spots and issues with dyeing/finishing I've been having are making me pull my hair out! Close up of the fading: And here's a wide shot of the (nearly) completed holster: At this point I'm REALLY feeling "so close, but so far." It's enough to drive me crazy.

I appreciate the responses MM22 and TroyS. I'm sorry for the lack of pictures. I actually grabbed the camera last night, but it was dead. Being new to all this, I'm bumbling my way through with trial and error. Thanks for the advice about the soap. I'll remove both that and the leather lotion from my process. Given the areas where the fading occurs, I think TroyS is 100% on with the burnishing idea. The only thing that gets me is that it didn't seem pronounced even after all that buffing. I only notice it after the application of Leather Balm finish. I'm guessing there is no real way to avoid this, since it is the result of hand burnishing while wet-molding. Is the answer another light Deglaze to remove the Leather Balm, then a second coat of dye, targeting the faded areas?

I am new to leather working (about 9 days so far), and am having good luck with both a sheath and pancake holster design. I have read a lot on here, but I'm still having issues. First my process, then my problem... After wet molding the holster and letting it dry overnight, I do a light Deglazing of the surface. Then I dye using Fiebing's USMC Black applied with sheepwool. I do basically two thorough coats in one sitting and let it dry. Then I buff the heck out of it. I do a light application of a leather lotion that I like (it's not any kind of finishing product), let it dry, and buff the heck out of it again. At this point the holster is basically looking how I like it. But then I apply a thin coat of Leather Balm with Atom Wax for a finishing coat, let that dry, and buff the heck out of it. At this point I notice a few spots where the color seems to be coming out, fading. It's mostly on high surfaces, areas that were probably touched/handled. Now, I am almost positive that this fading was not present before the Atom Wax. It happened with the sheath first, so I was almost expecting it with the holster I did later. Any suggestions? Both the holster and the sheath look 95% awesome, aside from the faded areas. Now, when I wet molded the holster, I used a drop or two of soap to clean the surfaces, then I also Deglazed before dyeing. I always wear gloves when handling the leather from that point forward. I really doubt this is an issue of my hand oils or something being on the leather that is preventing the dye from taking. Again, any information or ideas would be awesome. If I can get this sorted out, I'll post pics of my two new creations!