block dyeing help

[stampingdelight]

wanted to try my hand at block dyeing, yet the videos I see feels like I are missing a step. for the project I see is 2 color or one color with veggie leather not dyed. is it just wrapping cloth (not sure if can be any fabric like old t shirt) over block of wood. put dye on give movement to soak in touch of paper towel or other piece of leather to get extra dye off before wipping over leather project you want to dye. or does one need to put a coating of somthing over the leather area you do not want dyed, trying to get some help in the area 

Edited April 28, 2024 by stampingdelight

[SUP]

Applying a thin layer of Neatsfoot oil onto leather before dyeing helps the dye spread better, in my opinion. 

We were just talking about block dyeing in another thread.

Have you seen the Tandy video?

 

Edited April 28, 2024 by SUP

[Northmount]

59 minutes ago, stampingdelight said:

wanted to try my hand at block dyeing

Moved your post to Dyes, Antiques, Stains, Glues, Waxes, Finishes and Conditioners

 

[Nowandagain]

I used to do a lot of this in the 70s. Of course, the Ecoflow and similar water based dyes were not yet available, so these techniques apply to spirit dyes. 
 

Old tshirts work fine for wrapping the block, as do other rags, but I would make sure to use 100% cotton. Synthetics or blends may not absorb the dye evenly. 
 

Of course, the background color (eg cordovan or tan)should be applied first, using whatever method you prefer for conventional dying - daubers, sponge, dipping etc. Make sure the base color is thoroughly dry and then wipe the surface briskly with a clean cloth or scrap sheepskin to remove any excess. 

Now apply the accent color (eg medium brown) to the rag that’s wrapped around your block. I always tried to get the rag as dry as possible before touching the accent color to the project. Blot the wrapped rag with paper towels as you described, but after that, try rubbing the block lightly but rapidly over some newspaper until the dye trails on the newspaper are barely damp. 

Then I block dye the project, using a light touch and rapid back and forth movement. If I wanted certain areas (eg toward the  edges) to be darker, I would go over those areas again as needed until the desired affect was achieved. If there is a crease or other solid border, you can block dye that area solid brown (or whatever color you’re using) just by going back and forth over that area repeatedly. 

I never used any kind of resist. The stamp impressions always showed up in the background color so long as I used a light touch and avoided oversaturating the rag. 

Once everything is thoroughly dry, wipe briskly with a clean rag to remove any excess and apply resoline, tan kote, or other non-oil based finish of your choice. 

Hope this helps.