Two Dye Questions

[jviles]

I have two dye questions, and I would appreciate some advice to help me out with my problem:

1) First, I have lots of trouble with my black dye. It does not penetrate the leather very well, and rubs off very easily. How can I make it penetrate the leather and not rub off? I have not had any trouble with any other colors besides black.

2) Second, I am also having trouble with some of my pieces that I dye coming out blotchy. The dye is not even throughout the whole piece. Some spots are darker and some are lighter. It just has a blotchy look.

Please Help!! Thanks!!

[Wolfsax]

Here's my suggestions:

1) Use Vinegaroon ( http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=14946&st=0&p=180140&hl=vinegaroon&fromsearch=1entry180140). I started using this after seeing the tutorial and I don't think I'm ever going back to black dye if I have a choice. And it's cheap!

2) Dampen and case the leather. The leather probably is soaking up the dye and drying at different rates.

Those are my suggestions. Hope that helps

[leathervan]

Here's my suggestions:

1) Use Vinegaroon ( http://leatherworker...=1). I started using this after seeing the tutorial and I don't think I'm ever going back to black dye if I have a choice. And it's cheap!

2) Dampen and case the leather. The leather probably is soaking up the dye and drying at different rates.

Those are my suggestions. Hope that helps

what do you mean by case the leather?

[lonestar tactical]

Casing the leather - use a damp sponge to wet the leather lightly - Do not SOAK. Typically I will wipe my leather down with a damp sponge, once it has returned to its almost original color it has been cased. This allows the dye to be absorbed in a more uniform rate.

Be Safe,

Doc

[TwinOaks]

Black dye has somewhat of a reputation for leaving particles on the surface. I think it is probably the worst of the colors in this aspect. There is, however, a 'cure'. When you dye the leather, you need to buff it until you don't have anymore rub-off. That is a pretty critical step for the application of ANY dye. If you are making an entirely black piece, then vinegaroon is a good way to go, but NOT if you only want a few black areas (like the background in a floral piece). Vinegaroon works by chemical reaction, and since it has a thin consistency, it wicks through the leather fibers very easily. That can result in black 'bleeding' through where it's not wanted.

The blotchy appearance is caused by different absorption of the dye through the hide. There's a couple of factors that cause this- the tanning process, the hide itself, HOW you are applying the dye, and whether or not you've cleaned the leather before applying the dye. There's several commercial products available, but you might try using some high percentage isopropyll alcohol (drug store or pharmacy section). When your hide is purchased, at least three people have handled it, probably more. That means that several people, including you, have put hand prints on it. If any of those hands weren't clean, then oils, sweat, dirt, grime, etc., was possibly transferred to the leather. Use the alcohol to clean the leather before dyeing and you'll see a more uniform absorption.

For the best results - meaning a very even application - consider getting an inexpensive airbrush and small compressor. There is nothing short of total saturation that will give such an even coat.

Some terms to search (search box is in the top right corner): "Vinegaroon" , and "Casing Leather".