Black leather

[TinyL]

Good morning,

What type of leather can you buy that is already dyed black that can still be tooled like veg tan? Is it better just to dye it yourself of is this leather decent for projects ranging from bike seats to wallets? Varying opinions and views are appreciated!

TinyL

[HobbitSam]

My opinion, even though I am not qualified to comment here, I guess, but since I am here - I must say Veg Tan works great as for seats (think of saddles as of heavy duty seats) same for wallets, you'd have to get different weight of leather I recon, and from what I've heard on the vine - one ought to tool it first then dye it and then perhaps apply a protective coat which exists in a wide range of assortiment.

I would be glad to be of service to you and even more gratefull if I am to be corrected on this matter

[TroyS]

Tandy sells a black leather that can be tooled, however, not ALL bikers want black. With regular Veg tan, you can tool/stamp/carve all of your items then either VINEGROON the leather if you want all black or use Feibing's Oil Dye to add color. I would suggest Oil based dyes rather than the water based dyes. It gives a MUCH cleaner covering and no weak spots. It's the choice of professional saddle makers.

[Randyc]

I recently purchased a double shoulder of black drum dyed vegatable tanned cow hide from Zack White Leather Company. I made a pocket holster for a customer's mini revolver. I also used a piece for a couple of wristbands. It has worked out nice

Randy

[TomSwede]

I have tried some pre-dyed black veg. tan leather and it was fine but harder to carve because the tracing lines is harder to see IMHO.

I may point out that this was when I was learning carving so maybe I would reconsider this opinion if I tried it again.

One problem I have encountered when dyeing black is that I have gotten "lift" when I have finished it with acrylic sealer wich made what was bright white (the tooling pattern) a little more greyish tone. (black dye lifts off when you apply the acrylic sealer and mix into it). EVEN though I buffed it alot before sealing.

Tom

[Dink]

I am not sure but I believe that black english bridle leather might work for what you want

Dink

[Tina]

I have also used ordinary veg.tan and then dyed it black. So far I have always been able to get a even nice color, very pitch black and no "lifting" at all.

I use Angelus spirit dye, when it is dry I have one coat of Neatfoot oil, let it dry/suck in for at least 24 hours, more woould not hurt. Then I can use the acryllic finisher without any problem. The resault is very even i real life...Here's a picture sample:

For some reason The uploaded picture is destorted???? I leave it cuz it belongs to the text but the original do not have that devider...Strange!

Edited March 5, 2009 by Tina

[Randy Cornelius]

Wickett & Craig sells black skirting, Black tooling leather, black english bridle and black harness. They drum dye it and the color seems to hold very well with very little or no rub off. I have been using it for years for my black Law Enforcment duty belts and other black strap goods. But I have never tooled. Personaly I think tooling on black is a wast of time as the tooling does not show up. You have to get close to see any detail, but that is just my oponion. I have done some tooling on the black english bridle just to see if it takes very well. You have to case by dipping it in hot water but it does tool very well.

Herman Oak will sell black dyed leather but they spray on the black dye. I have never used it so don't know how well it set and if it will rub off.

Randy

[TinyL]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. It's been very helpful. It's actually spurred me on to trying the vinegaroon recipe. I have a question about that so i'll start another thread, but thanks for all the insight.

TinyL