Leather Flexibility And Total Process

[ropescourseman]

Hello; I have two main questions.

First, I have just started doing larger leather projects. Before, when I've done leather belts and wallets and such, I didn't notice a big change in the feel of the leather after dying. However, I recently made a shotgun shell bag that is bigger, and I noticed that after dyeing, the leather became rather hard and dry, cardboard-like feel, as opposed to the soft feel I am familiar with. Is this normal? Will the leather break in and become softer? If not, what can I do to make it so?

Second, I'm having a lot of trouble finding a reliable dyeing process. There is such a wealth of techniques and methods out there, it is overwhelming and difficult to find out what is best for me, because I am still learning.

Specifically, I see finished colored leather products all the time that were either mass produced or made by an expert that can get a bit wet in the rain without any major spotting or dye coming off. However, during my last few times of dyeing and finishing, I have had a lot of trouble with this.

I've asked the folks at Tandy and explained my process, and they said using Fiebing's dye and finishing with Tan Kote like I've been doing should not result in dye coming off when wet. However, I have had that happen and recently I had a wet molded pouch that was veg tanned leather finished just with Tan Kote get rained on and it spotted BAD!

I am looking for someone that can recommend me a good total step 1 to step n process for dyeing small to medium sized projects and finishing/sealing them to be able to withstand moderate amounts of water (normal use, such as getting caught out in the rain, not being submerged), because I live in an area with a lot of rain.

One person recommended I oil the leather, dye it, and then seal it with a 60/40 mix of resolene and water. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan on it, and he said that would finish it and somewhat waterproof it. Any thoughts?

Thanks very much!

Edited February 3, 2010 by ropescourseman