mgranato

I'm looking for a colorfast, no rub-off option for dying the veg tan that I'm using for belt linings on exotic skinned belts. I'm hoping to get to a darker brown color, but would like to at least be able to really darken the natural veg tan color. My main priority is making them colorfast as they will be worn in the South and there will be exposed to sweat. Is there a dye/sealer option out there to do what I'm looking for?

I've started making these exotic skinned (mainly reptile) dress belts, and a few of the same in wallets. The stitching will basically go through 4oz of veg tan/latigo and then the skin (3oz for the croc would be the thickest). An 18 needle with #69 thread is what I've been using so far on an old Brother (without walking foot). I'm learning the hard way that a walking foot system is a must as the skins get softer and stickier. I've got no plans for anything other than these types of belts/wallets, so I'm not looking to handle thick amounts of leather. I've been working with leather for less than a month now, but am having a blast thanks to the incredible resources on this site.