How to Dye Leather Black

[Shorts]

I needed a question answered if possible: If I use vinegaroon over a halfway dyed black holster, will this affect 1) the vinegaroon and 2) the holster?

I'm thinking/hoping I can juts wipe the half-dyed holster down with the vinegaroon and it'll be finished. If it doesn't pan out, we'll, then I'll be able to answer my own question then

As you may guess, my black dye sabotaged a holster again. I've had it with black dye. I do have new leather waiting to be worked with. I'm betting that's part, take that back, most of the problem but I'm so put off by the dye that I'll punish it too >:

[TwinOaks]

Hi Shorts,

I don't think the existing dye will affect the vinegaroon at all. The vinegaroon reaction takes place inside the leather, as the chemicals react with the tannins. If anything, you might have to soak it through from the flesh side a little bit.

Here's a curious thought: When I used it on a holster, I noticed the finish was much more water resistant- like the vin. had pushed some of the tallows to the surface of the leather. I wonder if that same occurance will push some of the black dye out of the leather.

Something to note: On some leather I got from Beeza, which is almost white compared to some of the Tandy leather I got, the Vin. made the leather a really pretty blue. Not quite Navy, but close. It would appear that some tanneries use slightly different mixes, yes?

[Shorts]

Hi Shorts,

I don't think the existing dye will affect the vinegaroon at all. The vinegaroon reaction takes place inside the leather, as the chemicals react with the tannins. If anything, you might have to soak it through from the flesh side a little bit.

Here's a curious thought: When I used it on a holster, I noticed the finish was much more water resistant- like the vin. had pushed some of the tallows to the surface of the leather. I wonder if that same occurance will push some of the black dye out of the leather.

Something to note: On some leather I got from Beeza, which is almost white compared to some of the Tandy leather I got, the Vin. made the leather a really pretty blue. Not quite Navy, but close. It would appear that some tanneries use slightly different mixes, yes?

I think they do use different mixes. The blue I am getting is deep blue, similar to a Navy and I'd even say Indigo. On this batch of leather that's been giving me trouble, it was from Tandy. It was their 'mid grade' of that line. This time around, I bought the next step up. I'm curious to see what the problem, was, dye or leather, but I don't want to spend time on a lost cause lol As for the leather I do purchase, it's baby steps. I buy the best I can afford at the time but I don't want that to give me a bad product right off the bat.

I have noticed what you mentioned about water-resistant finish on the vinegaroon leathered. I have several test pieces from a whle back and I use them for shims or padding for various tasks. Well, I dropped a fair amount of water on the patch and rubbed it around. I wiped off andnoticed none of the water had soaked in. Not even a dark spot. I was impressed.

I've had my vinegaroon batch sitting for almost a day. I might give it a whirl even though it's still early in the curing. I'll definitely be sure to rinse and buff the leather to remove any dye residue that may seap out.

Edited June 19, 2008 by Shorts

[Shorts]

I got the holster vinegarooned and its drying now. THat thing sure takes a long time.

Some black dye did settle out in the several times dipping. But that was fine. Looks like I got really good coverage. Though throughout the process, even with this method, in the right light could see those darn blue areas. I still don't get it but I'm blaming the leather.

I also dropped in another holster and belt straps in the solution. The belt straps I cut from the older piece, the holster body from the ew leather. The old leather actually turned darker in the same dip. I'm going to redip them all again in the morning after the solution cures some more.

Quick question, when you guys add more vinegar to your supply, do you also add more nails/steel wool/steal to the mix to reactivate it to curing some more?

I'll have pics tomorrow of the saved holster. I hope it stays as dar as it is now. It looks pretty good.

[HandyAndy]

I just made up a batch 2 days ago and it already works like a charm!

his is a great process for me because i live in a small apartment and now I don't have to worry about passing out because the place smells like a chemical weapons plant.

I was wondering what you would get by using copper instead of steel? Maybe a green?

Edited August 3, 2008 by HandyAndy

[Noah]

When you say "then apply oil", what kind of oil? Thanks for the great tip.

[HandyAndy]

/\/\/\

I used Neatsfoot oil, looks great.

[Jimnx]

Ive been following this topic with much interest, so decided to have a go myself,

I got a bottle of clear malt vinegar and added some rusty nails, well over the past few weeks, i've tested it and its been getting stronger by the day.

Well I clean forgot all about it, then just now whilst me and my misses were watching a thriller on tv , we heard a the sound of a window breaking,, well we both jumped up right and searched the house for what we thought was someone trying to break in.. turns out my bottle of vinegar ,, exploded.. yep I forgot to release the pressure, and I guess it had been building up all that time. So in order to save you the benefit of my experience, maybe best to let the lid of now and then or put a pin hole in the cap. Anyway .. Night all.. Great thread BTW.. thanks for sharing this technique.. Im gonna start again in the morning !!

[HandyAndy]

I tried the baking soda dip in a bracer hoping that it would combat the smell of vinegar and it really hardened the leather. With out the baking soda the vinegaroon seems to soften the leather.

[BradB]

Can anyone post a finished piece that has used this process?