Tandy Eco Flo dye

[CitizenKate]

I haven't really jumped into this topic up to now, because I've already shared my findings in regards to EF versus spirit dyes. But since we're here beating this dead horse, I might as well add my own humble dos centavos once again.

In my opinion, there is no "best" dye product, at least one that meets all my needs fully, and therefore there is no single dye that I would use exclusively. They all have advantages and disadvantages, and you simply choose which advantages are most important to you for the kind of work you do, or the kind of project you are doing. There are things I like - and don't like - about all of them.

I could care less about any politics that may have brought about the development of a new product. Whenever anything new comes out, I always want to try it and see what I can do with it. If I have to adjust my methods to make it work better, I do. This is because the more I adapt to new things, the more I am capable of doing.

It is true that Eco Flo is not at intense as spirit dye. For some projects, I do want intense color. For some projects, I like softer, more subtle color. If I want intense color, it is much easier to achieve that result with spirit dyes. If I'm doing work where I want more subtle colors, or if I think the item will be exposed to a lot of light, I use water-based.

It is not true that Eco Flo fades quickly. Those who claim this are mistaken. I have personally tested both spirit dyes and the water-based dyes for light-fastness, and have found exactly the opposite to be true. I posted photos of my results in an earlier thread. All dyes fade with exposure to light, and some colors fade more quickly than others. But the water-based dyes hold up under intense light exposure far better than any of the spirit dyes I've tested so far.

It is not true that your project will automatically look like crap if you use water-based dyes. It depends on how you apply it. If you don't want to make the effort to learn how to apply it to get the results you want, that is your choice. If there is another product you're happier with, nobody expects you to change. But that is far different from just trying it once and saying the product itself crap, and your project will look like crap if you use it. Below are some examples of some projects I've done using EF. Maybe in your opinion they do look like crap, but those who have commented on them have not raised any issues with the coloring of them:

ClayB has won awards with work he has colored with water-based dyes.

It is true that water-based dyes run like a bad dog when water hits them! That is, if you don't seal them with a moisture-resistant finish. I've now got numerous items I've made with the dye, and in the months since I've made them, the color has neither faded, nor rubbed off.

But at the end of the day, it's just dye, and we still have choices.

Kate

[whinewine]

I missed something somewhere, probably because I don't ever go into a Tandy store (nearest one is an hour away and I have a local guy ten mins from my house). Tandy stores aren't carrying Fiebing's dyes? Are people having a problem getting them, or just a problem getting them from Tandy stores? Why did Tandy stop carrying them?

I've not had a problem getting Fiebings at Tandy- I picked up a bottle on Saturday at the Pgh Tandy's. [maybe it's just in california??? ]

To add my $.02 worth on eco flo (not that anyone cares, but...) I use ecoflo and Fiebings spirit (& the now defunct Tandy's Pro Dyes, [if I can locate any, that is]). I do prefer spirit dyes over water based dyes, but I must say that the ecoflo coal black is quite nice, as it doesn't crock like the black spirit dyes. Having said that, it is absolutely important to remember that all water-based dyes MUST BE SEALED PROPERLY, EVEN THE EDGES! I've said before, in other posts, that I've made coaster sets (to be used under wet glasses), using ecoflo products, but I always make sure they are fully sealed, including the edges. I seal very well with a lacquer (neatlac)- I would never take a chance trying to seal with a water-based finish over a water-based dye in a water-rich environment- that would be just plain stupid to think that would work in that kind of area.

As far as dyes in general go, I still prefer the old Omega dyes from the '60s & '70s.

russ

Edited August 18, 2009 by whinewine

[Tina]

...going to try staining with oil paints eventually.

the best of luck

crissy

It works just fine:-)

When I paint oil paintings I use Rembrandt oil paint and I did have a try at it on leather....Works beautifully:-) I used Angelus finisher ontop (after + a month of drying time) and this piece have been laying around for over a year now, still super:

Ohh, I forgot something. I agree with a lot of Kates words but...We're talking here about taste and preferences and that will always be different from person to person (we have a saying in Sweden: "The taste is like the buttocks-Devided!"). I stated my oppinion which does not mean that others have the same, I would think that the world would be a way poor place if we all think/do/like the same things:-)

Edited August 18, 2009 by Tina

[electrathon]

Well, I seem to have started this... I will input a little more.

I do agree with the people that are saying is you never learn to use the superior products that you will not know what you are missing and will likely be content with the only choices you are given. But there are better products out there. Tandy used to sell some of them. Many of us are willing to pay for them. The unfortionate part is that we are left with no choice but to buy them elsewhere.

As I stated earlier, I have an emotional attachment to Tandy. The local store is great, I really like the people that work there. The frustration I feel when they do not have what I want or the quality I want is echoed by the store employies when they tell me that the upper levels at Tandy do not listen to the stores or customers input. Tandy is turning/has turned into the Harbor Freight of the leather world. They sell cheap quality at reasonable prices. If you are a cub scout or a beginner, Tandy is without question the place to go. Once you start to learn, you will often need to go elsewhere for the products you want.

Thsi is all very sad to me. I want to buy from Tandy, I also like quality products. The two often do not go hand in hand. I buy from them for about half of what I use, I have to order the rest. If I had my way, I would buy everything from them, they are the ones that choose to not carry product lines.

[Rayban]

ok ok now you guys and gals got me scared of eco flow dyes i just bought some for a wallet im shippin out to cali on friday but now not use i wanna try to use it LOL

maybe ill try to mix a feibings batch some what close to a light coffee color

thanks for the infi everybody

Cowboy316

Oh no you don't Cowboy....you gotta try it out and decide for your own self if it will work for ya....I want a report on my desk in the morning....dismissed!

[Windom Leather]

Hey electrathon, I agree with you and I feel your frustration. Cuz I believe we go to the same Tandy store (off sandy blvd?) great people in that store. Donna helped me tremendously when I got started and to this day. She has always done right by me when I've had a problem with a product not living up to expectation. For example the pink crystal rivets turn to clear in less than 6 months when exposed to sun light. She made good and gave me some to replace them and said she would let the higher ups know. Now if what you said above is true it just may fall on deaf ears which is unfortunate for Tandy because if I'm going to bling out tack or belts for customers I'm going to have to find a different supplier of crystal rivets because if they are still going to fade that won't look good for my business. I like shopping at that store for a lot of the same reasons as you and to add that I also like to put my hands on a product or tool before I buy. That's just how I roll. That reminds me I need to make a trip over there. I need a few things.

[Cowboy316]

ok ok Rayban i cowboyed up and tryed my eco flow dye and was happy with the color and the way it turned out i did tho make sure my leather was well cased and the misted my leather first then applied the dye got it as even as possible then took a flannel piece i had and rub the tar out of the whole piece to get as even a coat as i could and it runed out BUT i am a firm believer that if your leather is not of high quality you wwill not get a good dye job and i agree 100% with Kate that you should learn how to apply any dye what ever brand it is and thats something i havent done so you can beat me silly LOL

just my 2 bits worth sorry for getting long winded Ray should have stuffed a dye rag in my pie hole LOL

Cowboy316

[Windom Leather]

Cowboy316 I'm glad it worked out for you. Like I said in one of my earlier posts I hadn't any luck with it but I'm trying to apply it to dry leather too. Maybe that's the problem. Ill have to try it on a cased piece and see how it goes for me there. Btw how big was the piece you dyed? Any chance you could post a pic so we all can see?

[David]

I don't think this thread was started to demean anyone at Tandy. They are always pleasant and helpful. The fact remains that the eco flo line of products has weak coverage and is a rather fragile finish that tends to rub off with heavy usage. Keep in mind that I make motorcycle seats and they get HEAVY usage. The only seat I ever used this product on is back in my shop looking like it has been destroyed because it rubbed off on some poor guys butt! It is a very expensive re-do for me. The eco flo line is good for somethings I'm sure. As long as they don't get heavy wear.

Fiebings products can be purchased directly from Fiebings in what ever quantity you choose.

One maker's opinion

David

[whinewine]

ok ok Rayban i cowboyed up and tryed my eco flow dye and was happy with the color and the way it turned out i did tho make sure my leather was well cased and the misted my leather first then applied the dye got it as even as possible then took a flannel piece i had and rub the tar out of the whole piece to get as even a coat as i could and it runed out

Cowboy316

Cowboy316:

I think the problem is that the leather was wet when you rubbed 'the tar out of the whole piece' ... first of all, you spread/diluted the color & ruined the piece (think: water + water-based dyes= mess + rubbing= greater mess), and secondly, after the flannel ended up spreading the mess further it seems that you inadvertently ended up burnishing the piece (think: burnishing edges by rubbing briskly with a cloth on damp/wet edges). Just my observation, my $0.02 worth.