Lisa,
I've had better results dying it after the molding. I also use Feibing's Oil Dyes.
I use Neatsfoot oil on it before I put on the top coat. I let it dry after oiling for about 24 hours before I put on the top coat.
I like to coat mine with Leather Balm w/ Atoms Wax. So far I haven't had any problems with it rubbing off on clothes.
ArtS