Can Dye Go Bad / Stale?

[landm42006]

Hello all.

I am trying to make a strap similar in color to the one here:

So I checked the Fiebing's site and concluded that the color dye I need to acheve this color was "Beige"

So I ordered some, and it arrived today.

I anxiously applyed the dye to veg tanned leather and ...........................

the strap ended up the color of of a light brown or buckskin, as Fiebings color chart offers the color "Buckskin"

So my question is: Could the have sent me some stale dye? What can I do? I really want to make a strap this color and wonder if there is another way of achieving this hue?

Thanks, Marty

[billsreef]

The same dye can have a different appearance on two different pieces of leather. Add to that, the vagaries of computer monitors to look at dye charts, and the best bet is to get a couple of different dyes in the general color category and make up your own dye chart on a piece of scrap left from your work. This way you know how the dye will look on the leather your using.

[landm42006]

well that was a bust. I ordered a second bottle of beige from a different vendor with the same result. All told, I have spent $20 on dye, and still dont have the color I am looking for. Bollucks!!!!

[Art]

Hi Marty,

I know this goes without saying, but you need to start with a leather that is very light in color. Fiebing's dyes are almost always too strong. Take a half oz of Fiebing's dye and add a half oz of DEA (Denatured Ethyl Alcohol), mix well and try an apply and wipe application to see what color you get. If you need more color, you can apply again and again till you get it right. If still too dark, cut it some more with DEA. Keep notes till you find your color.

Art

well that was a bust. I ordered a second bottle of beige from a different vendor with the same result. All told, I have spent $20 on dye, and still dont have the color I am looking for. Bollucks!!!!