How Exactly Do You "dip" Dye Your Leather?

[Sixer]

Hi!

I normally spend my time making holsters and sheathes. I recently started making some simple bracelets and cuffs for a few friends that requested them. Normally I just apply some Feiblings Oil based dye with a cotton cloth or t-shirt....

I was hoping to save a little time by dip-dying some of the smaller pieces of leather.

I don't have a big operation going so most of my dyes are just in the little 4 oz bottles. I'd like to try dip dying but it seems like I would waste a lot of dye...

How exactly do you guys / gals go about your dip dying?

Thanks

Edited December 20, 2010 by Sixer

[hivemind]

Buy quarts of dye, pour into bowl, dip leather, pour back into bottle.

That's how I do it.

[electrathon]

Buy quarts of dye, pour into bowl, dip leather, pour back into bottle.

That's how I do it.

I do it the same way, except I usually buy 4oz bottles. Very little waste if you do not spill it.

[hivemind]

I can get quart bottles of Fiebing's for $11 from my local guy. It's not a disaster if I dribble a little. But use a funnel if you're paying Tandy prices for dye.

[Dwight]

I have two old 9 x 13 baking pans, . . . one is for browns, . . . one is for black.

Pour in the dye, . . . "dip" the leather, . . . hang up the leather, . . . pour dye back into bottle, using funnel.

Depending on the color, . . . I've found some work even better if I cut it somewhat with the thinner. It seems to be more even then.

It is really the only way I can successfully dye a belt and get the color I really want.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Sixer]

Thanks for the replies! I was really over thinking this one

[particle]

Sorry to revive an old thread, but how long do you leave the leather submerged in the dye when dipping? I dip dyed recently, and only left it in the dye about 5-10 seconds max - the dye penetrated the leather completely (8-10oz). It took several days to dry... When I sewed my pieces together and wet the items to form (holsters), the dye transferred to my thread (even though I buffed the leather). Now I'm thinking I might need to remake these particular holsters.

[Warpe]

I just dip dyed my first leather today and ending up with a darker edging...basically two tone (brown w/black edging). The leather was only submerged for about 15 seconds.

Am i missing a step?

[lonestar tactical]

I dip dye but when I pull the dyed leather out I rub it down with a clean dry brush. I leave it submerged in the dye for 5-10 seconds - remove - wipe down with a sponge - then repeat for a total of 2 dips and wipe downs with a sponge. I find that doing it this way avoids any blotchy areas. Also I picked up a storage container (like a ziploc plastic ware thing with resealable lids) and dip and store my dye in the same plastic. When done I seal it back up and put the entire plastic ware into a dark place. Have been doing this for over a year now and it has been working well.

[Warpe]

I dip dye but when I pull the dyed leather out I rub it down with a clean dry brush. I leave it submerged in the dye for 5-10 seconds - remove - wipe down with a sponge - then repeat for a total of 2 dips and wipe downs with a sponge. I find that doing it this way avoids any blotchy areas. Also I picked up a storage container (like a ziploc plastic ware thing with resealable lids) and dip and store my dye in the same plastic. When done I seal it back up and put the entire plastic ware into a dark place. Have been doing this for over a year now and it has been working well.

I will try the sponge wipe down next time and see how that works for me. Thanks for the reply.