How To Dye?

[Thomas]

I looked and didn't see anything, even though i am sure that there is other things. I am having a problem dyeing holsters. I am looking for some pointers from people that are more experienced on the subject. The way that i do it is using the little cotton daubers that come with the dye. I am having a problem getting a nice even dye on them. I can post pictures to let yal see if yal like. I just would like to find a better method to dye them. After i dye looks like swirls or wood grain almost because, i guess, not evenly applied.

I decided to go ahead and show two i have recently done. Revolver for a ruger lcr and the auto is for a cz 75. The holster for the lcr took a lot of coats to look even. I would also like some suggestions on where to get snaps that are long enough to go through 3 layers of 7 to 8 oz. leather so i don't have to use chicago screws.

Thanks in advance for suggestions

Thomas

Edited November 24, 2010 by Thomas

[Nutty Saddler]

I use the Fiebings dyes - Oil , spirit and acrylic , I thin them down with the dye thinner and then after having prepared my leather I spray it on .

I have found that the worst thing you can do is to try to rush things - sometimes I use two or three coats to get the best finish rubbing down the work between each application , I also have to rub my finished work down to remove any excess dye , I have found that pure sheep wool is best for this . Then I apply a coat of curriers grease to finish things off , I also normally leave the coloured leather for a day or two before I do any further work on it.

[Thomas]

I use the Fiebings dyes - Oil , spirit and acrylic , I thin them down with the dye thinner and then after having prepared my leather I spray it on .

I have found that the worst thing you can do is to try to rush things - sometimes I use two or three coats to get the best finish rubbing down the work between each application , I also have to rub my finished work down to remove any excess dye , I have found that pure sheep wool is best for this . Then I apply a coat of curriers grease to finish things off , I also normally leave the coloured leather for a day or two before I do any further work on it.

What kind of sprayer are you and others using?? Also i need to find somewhere that has snaps that can go through three layers of leather. Using chicago screws makes them go lower on holster so guns ride higher.

[Nutty Saddler]

I use a small hobby sprayer with a small compressor & tank as I am only spraying small pieces of leather .

[Thomas]

I use a small hobby sprayer with a small compressor & tank as I am only spraying small pieces of leather .

Where is a good place to get a hobby sprayer??

[Nutty Saddler]

Try e-bay , either that or your local hardware store might have one - I got mine from the UK , so I think somewhere local might be better for you.

[JJLeatherworks]

I looked and didn't see anything, even though i am sure that there is other things. I am having a problem dyeing holsters. I am looking for some pointers from people that are more experienced on the subject. The way that i do it is using the little cotton daubers that come with the dye. I am having a problem getting a nice even dye on them. I can post pictures to let yal see if yal like. I just would like to find a better method to dye them. After i dye looks like swirls or wood grain almost because, i guess, not evenly applied.

I decided to go ahead and show two i have recently done. Revolver for a ruger lcr and the auto is for a cz 75. The holster for the lcr took a lot of coats to look even. I would also like some suggestions on where to get snaps that are long enough to go through 3 layers of 7 to 8 oz. leather so i don't have to use chicago screws.

Thanks in advance for suggestions

Thomas

We use Fiebings regular dyes, thinning them with denatured alcohol, then we use an airbrush that was purchased at Harbor Freight which gives an even coat once you get the hang of it. Also we prepare the leather for dyeing by cleaning it first with oxalic acid to remove dirt, grease, finger oils from handling allowing the dye to penetrate evenly. Also giving the leather a sunbath after dying tends to set the dye and even it out more. If you are giving it a finish coat like X-1 wait a couple of days if you are using colored dyes; it will lift up some of the dye.

If the dye job is really messed up, USMC Black undiluted covers all and will be even if applied heavy enough.

[TwinOaks]

I airbrush my dyes too. I picked up the $10 dollar version from Harbor Freight . If you have any craft stores near you, you can check them for airbrushes, but be prepared to spend quite a bit more....somewhere in the $150 range. You'll also need an air source. If you don't already have a compressor, you can get those pretty affordably at Harbor Freight, too.

[katsass]

I looked and didn't see anything, even though i am sure that there is other things. I am having a problem dyeing holsters. I am looking for some pointers from people that are more experienced on the subject. The way that i do it is using the little cotton daubers that come with the dye. I am having a problem getting a nice even dye on them. I can post pictures to let yal see if yal like. I just would like to find a better method to dye them. After i dye looks like swirls or wood grain almost because, i guess, not evenly applied.

I decided to go ahead and show two i have recently done. Revolver for a ruger lcr and the auto is for a cz 75. The holster for the lcr took a lot of coats to look even. I would also like some suggestions on where to get snaps that are long enough to go through 3 layers of 7 to 8 oz. leather so i don't have to use chicago screws.

Thanks in advance for suggestions

Thomas

FWIW: I also use an airbrush for dying my stuff. This (pictured) rig was around $70 or so when I bought it. That was for the little compressor and the 'quick change' air brush. I don't think they have increased in price much over that.....if at all. I like the quick change feature because I don't have to clean the brush after each use, just the bottle. I use it to shoot dye, neatsfoot oil, and finishes. I primarily use Fiebing's Pro Oil dye. Sorry, but no help here on the long snaps. Mike

[glennaycock]

I airbrush my dyes too. I picked up the $10 dollar version from Harbor Freight . If you have any craft stores near you, you can check them for airbrushes, but be prepared to spend quite a bit more....somewhere in the $150 range. You'll also need an air source. If you don't already have a compressor, you can get those pretty affordably at Harbor Freight, too.

The Badger knockoff that Harbor Freight sells for about $15 is pretty nice. I picked up one to shoot dyes. I believe it's parts-compatible with the Badger and really, for $15, it's a steal!