Drying/waiting time between dye and finish?

[PJ234]

I'm new to leather work, and I can't seem to find this information anywhere on Fiebings or Tandy's websites or product containers. How long should you wait in between dyeing and applying a top coat finish? If it makes any difference, I have dyed a knife sheath with Fiebing's Dark Brown Pro Oil dye, and the finish I'm using is Tandy's Satin Sheen. It's very dry here, and about 80 deg F today.

The sheath was dyed about 2 hours ago, and is dry to the touch but still smells of dye (solvents still coming out?)

Thanks in advance!

[BearMan]

Hi,

It needs to be dry before you add the sealent coat. If you're not sure if it's dry, touch it with your fingers, if it feels dry & not cooler than the room, touch it to your cheek, if it feels cool, it's still damp, But, if it feels like room temp. it's probably dry. After a couple hours, it should be dry. Just check it & proceed. Ed

I'm new to leather work, and I can't seem to find this information anywhere on Fiebings or Tandy's websites or product containers. How long should you wait in between dyeing and applying a top coat finish? If it makes any difference, I have dyed a knife sheath with Fiebing's Dark Brown Pro Oil dye, and the finish I'm using is Tandy's Satin Sheen. It's very dry here, and about 80 deg F today.

The sheath was dyed about 2 hours ago, and is dry to the touch but still smells of dye (solvents still coming out?)

Thanks in advance!

[PJ234]

Thanks BearMan, I appreciate the tip!

Hi,

It needs to be dry before you add the sealent coat. If you're not sure if it's dry, touch it with your fingers, if it feels dry & not cooler than the room, touch it to your cheek, if it feels cool, it's still damp, But, if it feels like room temp. it's probably dry. After a couple hours, it should be dry. Just check it & proceed. Ed

I'm new to leather work, and I can't seem to find this information anywhere on Fiebings or Tandy's websites or product containers. How long should you wait in between dyeing and applying a top coat finish? If it makes any difference, I have dyed a knife sheath with Fiebing's Dark Brown Pro Oil dye, and the finish I'm using is Tandy's Satin Sheen. It's very dry here, and about 80 deg F today.

The sheath was dyed about 2 hours ago, and is dry to the touch but still smells of dye (solvents still coming out?)

Thanks in advance!

[PJ234]

While I'm at it, how about drying time of a finish such as the Satin Sheen from Tandy I'm using? Same guidelines as the dye?

[frank207]

Hi,

I'm also new to leather work and had the same questions you have, so I wrote to Tandy with my questions and Jim Villwock wrote back with the following. I hope this helps

Frank

My Question's To Jim:

In your literature you say to let the Dyes, Stains & Finishes (super shene for example) DRY COMPLETELY , what does this mean? Does it mean when it doesn't look wet it's Dry? I realize drying times will vary depending on alot of factors, but there must be some basic guidelines. For example, I live in Maine and my house is kept around 68 deg. during the winter. How long should I wait between the 1st coat & 2nd coat of:

1) Spirit based dye?

2) Water based dye?

3) Stains?

4) Super/Satin Shene?

Thanks

Frank

JIM'S ANSWER:

Good morning Frank;

You are correct about different drying conditions. The humidity plays a big part also.

On alcohol or spirit dyes, ten minutes should be time enough. On water base dyes I would wait 30 minutes and the same with the stains. On the Super Shene, especially if I were using it for a block out before staining, I would wait 30 minutes and then put another coat on and wait another 30 minutes.

I just looked at a new book we came out with "Coloring with Eco-Flo" by Tony and Kay Laier. He does mention in the book to let the dyes dry but no time frame is mentioned. I think that if you do what I have already stated you will be ok.

Best Regards,

Jim Villwock

Customer Service Manager

817-872-3200 x 1401

682-225-9087 Cell

817-872-3122 Fax

877-LEATHER Toll Free

email; jvillwock@leatherfactory.com

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com

Tandy Leather Factory

1900 South East Loop 820

Fort Worth, TX 76140

[PJ234]

Frank, this is very helpful and now I feel like a dope for not thinking of doing the same thing myself. Would you mind if a omit your name, and copy/paste this email exchange to another forum where I've asked the same questions?

Thanks!!!

[frank207]

No I don't mind, glad to be of help.

Frank

[CitizenKate]

I think the reason the dye manufacturers don't state a general time frame to allow dyes to dry is that there are so many variables. In my environment, when it's warm and humid, I may have to allow an hour or more for water-based dyes to get completely dry. Spirit-based dyes, much less.

The tip that Ed (BearMan) posted is the rule-of-thumb that I go by. It may feel dry on the surface, but if you feel any coolness from the leather, it still has moisture in it.

Kate

[PJ234]

Kate and Frank, thank you (and BearMan) for the help, I appreciate it!