Wet Forming With A Died Peice Using Usmc Black

[jlaudio29]

Ive noticed the more holsters ive made that when i use USMC black for the main part of the leather that will be wet formed... it seems to either not take water as good or is harder to form period, my tools dont seem to glide over the black leather as easy as with the other colors and it just dosnt seem to form as easy.

I am doing something wrong?

Should i switch to a vinegroon and be done with it?

Please help thanks.

[Lobo]

Some dyes can inhibit water absorption by the leather fibers, and the surfaces can become more resistant to tool passage during the forming process.

I would suggest leaving the piece in the water a bit longer to permit more water to be absorbed prior to forming. Very smooth tools will work more easily than those with any residual roughness, and with less tendency to "bunch" the leather or abrade the surface. You may find it helpful to do your forming inside a thin plastic bag or kitchen plastic wrap, applying tool pressure through the plastic. This can also keep dye transfer to a minimum on your hands and tools.

Best regards.

[JRCHolsters]

I typically only dye the backsides and areas of the holster that will have reinforcements sewn over. Then I form everything and re-dye before the holster is completely dry. I am able to get really good forming that way.