Dye leather

[mrgrzeskowiak]

I made a leather belt and dyed it with fiebling oil dye. (without knowing) I wore the belt, and got it on my clothes. What should I use to seal it, and how long should I wait for the dye to dry?

Mike

[TomSwede]

I'm currently using alot of Fiebings leather sheen (with acrylics) but haven't tested it for long but so far seems promising. I have one belt out with it and customer has had it for about 4-5 weeks now and no probs with the sealer. Stuff to look out for is cracking and I'm always a bit worried that it will come off in flakes like it wasn't able to bond with the leather from the beginning. This happened once but I think that piece wash sent through a washingmachine actually. Fiebings saddle lac (spray stuff) will work to I think but it looks a bit more plastic to me.

Before applying finish it's a good idea to exercise the leather by bending it grainside out so that the grains stretches to the lenght it will actually have after sitting around the body for a while. I do that when it's slightly wet. Otherwise the finish might crack from the stretch when tightening the belt around the body and the grain start to stretch, the finish may not be able to stretch and crack instead, also the belt become's a little smoother with this. I wrap a cloth around the belt and give the edges a good polish at the same time carrying out the exercise.

Other will have their opinions on finishes but basically I think there's alot of ways to do leather stuff so try with what seems to be the best way for you.

Good luck!

[gunfighter48]

After you dye with black be sure to rub it real well with a cloth, old towel or T shirts work good, then I use Fiebings Super or Satin Sheen. After dyeing I let it dry for 24 hours before rubbing it down and applying the Super or Satin Sheen. This works good on the gun belts and holsters that I make. Haven't had any complaints about rub off so far. Been doing it this was for 4 years.

John

[mrgrzeskowiak]

Thank you very much><>