Ecoflo Dye

[Deanimator]

Anybody else use the EcoFlo dye?

When I first started using it, I didn't realize how much it needed to be shaken to get it even. Since I learned that, I've gotten much better results, but I still have some streaking and show-through issues.

Does anybody have similar problems?

My current plan is to use up what I've got and switch to the Fiebing's (oil based?) product.

[Luke Hatley]

Anybody else use the EcoFlo dye?

When I first started using it, I didn't realize how much it needed to be shaken to get it even. Since I learned that, I've gotten much better results, but I still have some streaking and show-through issues.

Does anybody have similar problems?

My current plan is to use up what I've got and switch to the Fiebing's (oil based?) product.

" You are on the right track with your current plan "

[abn]

Everything on my web site is done using Eco-Flo leather dyes. Keep in mind there are lots of Eco-Flo products, from the leather dyes to the All-In-Ones to the stains. I can't vouch for anything other than the dyes. But I can produce darn near any color, in a richness that's hard to equal using the oil- and alcohol-based stuff.

I apply using a wool dauber to dry leather, building up from several light coats until I get the shade I'm after. I finish with extra-virgin olive oil, and protect with two light coats of Satin Shene. I've never had to shake the dyes much... In fact, I don't do it at all since it produces lots of bubbles. I simply stir the dye before using it.

But the water-based stuff isn't for everyone... There's certainly no harm in purchasing a bottle of Fiebing's to try out an alternative. You need to find what works best for you!

[Deanimator]

Everything on my web site is done using Eco-Flo leather dyes. Keep in mind there are lots of Eco-Flo products, from the leather dyes to the All-In-Ones to the stains. I can't vouch for anything other than the dyes. But I can produce darn near any color, in a richness that's hard to equal using the oil- and alcohol-based stuff.

I apply using a wool dauber to dry leather, building up from several light coats until I get the shade I'm after. I finish with extra-virgin olive oil, and protect with two light coats of Satin Shene. I've never had to shake the dyes much... In fact, I don't do it at all since it produces lots of bubbles. I simply stir the dye before using it.

But the water-based stuff isn't for everyone... There's certainly no harm in purchasing a bottle of Fiebing's to try out an alternative. You need to find what works best for you!

When it DOES finally come out right, I like the results. It just that I find myself applying more coats than I thought would be necessary.

I BOTH shake and stir it, and have gotten MUCH better results. I'm not going for any particular effect, just a nice even finish. I'm using the "Buffalo Brown", which I really like, shadewise.

How many coats do you actually use?

[abn]

I guess you're referring to "Bison Brown" -- which is one of the few Eco-Flo colors that seems to go on a bit uneven. For a really nice brown that's about the same shade, buy a bottle of "Dark Mahogany" and a bottle of "Java Brown" and mix the two. You'll end up with a fantastic dark brown that's easy to apply.

Regarding the number of coats, I usually average two. The first is a very light base coat, and the second is the final shade. Keep experimenting! It takes a little time to coax the best out of any of the leather dyes -- including the spirit dyes.

[Shorts]

I used EcoFlo dyes when I first started because I couldn't air ship anything else. I still wear a single layer belt I made with the Coal Black. And every single time I get rub off on my jeans, shorts and body parts. Do not use if the item is going to be sweated on. You will get rub off.

[Deanimator]

I guess you're referring to "Bison Brown" -- which is one of the few Eco-Flo colors that seems to go on a bit uneven. For a really nice brown that's about the same shade, buy a bottle of "Dark Mahogany" and a bottle of "Java Brown" and mix the two. You'll end up with a fantastic dark brown that's easy to apply.

Regarding the number of coats, I usually average two. The first is a very light base coat, and the second is the final shade. Keep experimenting! It takes a little time to coax the best out of any of the leather dyes -- including the spirit dyes.

Yeah, that's the stuff. I like the color, but it sure is tricky to apply.

Maybe I'll try another one of their colors. I need to buy some black too.

[Shorts]

Yeah, that's the stuff. I like the color, but it sure is tricky to apply.

Maybe I'll try another one of their colors. I need to buy some black too.

I've got several bottles here if you want. Look at my thread here: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=24021

Ignore the prices there and PM me. We'll work it out.

Edited September 28, 2010 by Shorts

[Deanimator]

I've got several bottles here if you want. Look at my thread here: http://leatherworker...showtopic=24021

Ignore the prices there and PM me. We'll work it out.

No rush, at this point, I'm very low volume.

Thanks.

[abn]

I used EcoFlo dyes when I first started because I couldn't air ship anything else. I still wear a single layer belt I made with the Coal Black. And every single time I get rub off on my jeans, shorts and body parts. Do not use if the item is going to be sweated on. You will get rub off.

Hmm... I also have a black belt finished using Eco-Flo Coal Black which I've worn almost daily for 2+ years with no rub-off whatsoever. So YMMV.

Certainly, if you've never tried Fiebing's, then invest the $5 to see how that works out. I prefer the water-based dyes, but I know a lot of folks here are die-hard spirit dye users. To each his or her own.

[Shorts]

Hmm... I also have a black belt finished using Eco-Flo Coal Black which I've worn almost daily for 2+ years with no rub-off whatsoever. So YMMV.

Certainly, if you've never tried Fiebing's, then invest the $5 to see how that works out. I prefer the water-based dyes, but I know a lot of folks here are die-hard spirit dye users. To each his or her own.

haha The answer is yes and no. Clear as mud! I used the EcoFlo SuperSheen (IIRC) to seal it (term used loosely based on results).

How'd you top coat/seal yours?

[abn]

Very similarly. Two light coats of Satin Shene. I might add that some of the Eco-Flo colors have been reformulated since they were introduced in June '07, and I think black and blue were two of those colors. Maybe the early versions were problematic?

[Shorts]

Very similarly. Two light coats of Satin Shene. I might add that some of the Eco-Flo colors have been reformulated since they were introduced in June '07, and I think black and blue were two of those colors. Maybe the early versions were problematic?

Hmm, it's very possible. I didn't know they reformulated. I did this belt in '08 and the EcoFlo line was pretty new. The black tended to be a real dark blue on some leather. That can be seen a little bit on this belt in the right light. I haven't purchased any new EcoFlo dyes since. I switched to Angelus once we got stateside and be using that.

[abn]

Monica, your holsters look great, so whatever dye you're using... It's working!

But, yes... The older formulation of black was based on blue dye. If it didn't soak in really good, the result was patches of midnight blue. Not very attractive. The new dye appears to have yellow as its base color, and it's thicker. Works better, IMO.

[Deanimator]

Here are the results with the Bison Brown after the last coat.