Finishing Process

[stelhrse]

Hello All,

I have completed the carving and stamping of a project. I want to paint the flowers and leaves and "dye" the rest of it. I want a light finish, not dark, as I think that will off-set the floral design well. My question is can I achieve this by just using Neatlac? What about a Antique gel stain? I want to seal the leather after applying any finish product so what do you all use? I am guessing that the painting of the design is the very last step after sealing or should it be sealed along with the rest of the leather piece? I am very new to all this and have never used product like neatlac, dyes, gels, etc. Is there a general process that is usually followed to finish leather to be stained, dyed, painted and/or sealed? The materials I have read do not provide much as to how this process should look like. Thanks very much for taking the time to help out a newbie with a first time project.

[js5972]

Neat-Lac is not compatible with any acrylic paint or dye such as Cova color. You would have to use a spirit dye if you are going to finish with Neat-Lac. I've never tried to put acrylic OVER Neat-Lac. Suggest a test piece. I would guess it would lift right off since there wouldn't be anything to hold to. If you want to use acrylic (paint), finish with Saddle-Lac or Super Shene spray.

I just posted my process under "What Happened?" in this section. I'm sure others use different processes. The key is to be patient and let everything dry (except the antique gel) before moving on. If you are unsure, do some test pieces. I keep my test pieces for future reference and write the process I used on the back.

Fiebing's and Tandy both have Compatibility Charts available.

[stelhrse]

Neat-Lac is not compatible with any acrylic paint or dye such as Cova color. You would have to use a spirit dye if you are going to finish with Neat-Lac. I've never tried to put acrylic OVER Neat-Lac. Suggest a test piece. I would guess it would lift right off since there wouldn't be anything to hold to. If you want to use acrylic (paint), finish with Saddle-Lac or Super Shene spray.

I just posted my process under "What Happened?" in this section. I'm sure others use different processes. The key is to be patient and let everything dry (except the antique gel) before moving on. If you are unsure, do some test pieces. I keep my test pieces for future reference and write the process I used on the back.

Fiebing's and Tandy both have Compatibility Charts available.

Awesomw. Thanks very much for the response John. That helps alot. i'll check out the other thread too. Thanks again.