Help with gray leather dye, wood stain question

[DoubleKCustomLeathercraft]

I'm sure there's been at least a couple discussions about this. I have a client that's been wanting a gray leather belt, and he's very very patient. It's been about a year of discussions and failed attempts. Not dark gray, but mid tone of gray. I've tried a few different experiments, with one almost working. 

First, the one that kinda works, but not to my standards. A bucket of rusty steel, and water. Just sitting there forever soaking. A few weeks, months, years... You take the water and put it into a pan that can be heated. Add some rusty metal, nails work best imo. Maybe a single ream of framing nails at this point. Heat the water, but not to a boil. About 170° give or take. Then let it cool. Dip dye at this point, but it's more of a soak. Overnight got me light gray, a week got to dark gray. The issue is it doesn't penetrate the leather at all. A light scratch will show. So for me, and for anyone that's wanting a color to last. That doesn't work. 

Right now I'm making vinegarroon. I just did a test strip and it came out dark, but more of a brown than a gray. I know that when the steel wool is gone, the solution is great for black. I'm thinking if I dilute it, it will work. Hopes are up, but expectations are null. 

Ok, now that I wrote a novel.

Is there a dye in gray that's available to buy, that actually works good? I'm not a fan of the water based dye that Tandy sells. Can't remember brand name right now. 

Has anyone tried adding white Indian ink to black dye? This might be my next experiment.

Finally, what do y'all think about wood stain on veg leather? I've done this as a youngster making some (elementary)  school project that I can't remember exactly. Was something to do with the item trail. Does the stain rub off a lot? What would be the disadvantages? 

Any help will be appreciated. I've already told my client that from what I've read and tried, it might be wishful thinking. But I refuse to accept that. 

[Beehive]

What pops in my head. Try Vinegaroon that's treated with baking soda...before applying to the leather. See what happens. See if the baking soda has decreased the strength of Vinegaroon. Producing that shade of grey before the chemical reaction can fully take hold. 

I'm spit ballin' here but that's what I'd try. Either that or reduce the alcohol based, black dye, down by a third or more. 

[Northmount]

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

 

[fredk]

Grey/gray dye is available. I bought grey dye from a seller in England, but thats not a lot of use to you