O.K. Strange Question...

[slalik]

Hi There,

I use fiebings spirit dyes, and they sometimes seem to leave a strange smell. Kind of a cross between sweet and fishy, if that makes sense. Does anyone know the cause/ cure of this? Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks,

Sara

[MADMAX22]

You sure its not the leather, depending on what the leather is tanned with it has variouse smells that can be released when it is wetted or dyed.

[slalik]

You sure its not the leather, depending on what the leather is tanned with it has variouse smells that can be released when it is wetted or dyed.

Possibly....except that it has happened on various hides, although they are all veg tanned.....

Thanks,

Sara

[TomSwede]

If you feel any smell while working with the dyes you should consider to set up with better ventilation...I know I need that..ehum..lazy too

Sometimes I paint the dye on very small details and sit with my head very close to the brush and leather and get my loungs full and I get dry coughs for a few days sometimes.

(lazy) Tom

[slalik]

If you feel any smell while working with the dyes you should consider to set up with better ventilation...I know I need that..ehum..lazy too

Sometimes I paint the dye on very small details and sit with my head very close to the brush and leather and get my loungs full and I get dry coughs for a few days sometimes.

(lazy) Tom

LOL, thanks....I do need better ventilation, I'm lazy too, but this is well after the dye has dried. It doesn't make me cough or anything, it just smells funky

Thanks- Sara

[whinewine]

Possibly....except that it has happened on various hides, although they are all veg tanned.....

Thanks,

Sara

But there are various methods and ingredients used in the different processes of vegetable tanning, Sara, including vats of urine (and/or urea) in at least one process. So the smell could possibly be due to the method by which the leather was veg tanned, especially cheaper leathers. Years ago, a fair amount of leather tanned in Mexico was tanned in urine, and definitely did smell of it when it got wet.

russ

Edited June 26, 2009 by whinewine

[slalik]

But there are various methods and ingredients used in the different processes of vegetable tanning, Sara, including vats of urine (and/or urea) in at least one process. So the smell could possibly be due to the method by which the leather was veg tanned, especially cheaper leathers. Years ago, a fair amount of leather tanned in Mexico was tanned in urine, and definitely did smell of it when it got wet.

russ

Eww, thanks Russ , any ideas on how to get rid of it?

[MADMAX22]

But there are various methods and ingredients used in the different processes of vegetable tanning, Sara, including vats of urine (and/or urea) in at least one process. So the smell could possibly be due to the method by which the leather was veg tanned, especially cheaper leathers. Years ago, a fair amount of leather tanned in Mexico was tanned in urine, and definitely did smell of it when it got wet.

russ

Isnt more common to use that tree that imparts that smell when wetted. I cant remember the name of the tree but it gives that same urine smell and is widely used in southern countries for veg tanning.

[whinewine]

Isnt more common to use that tree that imparts that smell when wetted. I cant remember the name of the tree but it gives that same urine smell and is widely used in southern countries for veg tanning.

I don't know of any tree, Max, but several old time Tandy managers did confirm the urine/urea tanning methods also.

russ

[Jordan]

You might try some diluted vinegar, it works with pet urine smell in carpets, try it on a small piece before possibly ruining a work piece.

Edited June 27, 2009 by Jordan

[Blake]

Isnt more common to use that tree that imparts that smell when wetted. I cant remember the name of the tree but it gives that same urine smell and is widely used in southern countries for veg tanning.

HEMLOCK!

[Ian]

India ink smells foul if it's been allowed to freeze and thaw. I wonder if that's the case with dye.

[MADMAX22]

HEMLOCK!

THanks, I think it was either that or the Divi divi or whatever its called. I dont know too much about it but I remember everyone that I talked to that used the tree for both leather and for coloring knife handles and such said when it was wet it kind of stunk like urine lol. Now if I just had a worth while memory I would be set.