Tips For Accurately Dyeing Edges?

[jk215]

Ive been practicing making belts and attempting to dye the edges a different color than the rest of belt. No matter how precise I am it seems like the dye runs unto the back or front of the leather enough that its noticeable. Any ideas on how to keep this from happening? Should I use some kind of tape to block off the area I dont want the dye to run onto? So far my process has been: bevel the edges, dye the edges and let dry, burnish and coat with leather balm. Any help is appreciated!

[McJeep]

Tape is likely to leave unwanted residue behind - I use a piece of tight weave rag to do mine and make sure it's dry when I edge dye - wrap a layer or two of rag tightly around my finger - dab the rag - blot off the excess on paper towel - edge dye till the rag is getting dry - repeat - less moisture - less chance of it bleeding where you don't want it

Hope this helps - will be watching this thread for any other ideas

[Eaglestroker]

I burnish with water, then dye. I can't get a clean line dying before initial burnishing. Then I use a hard felt wheel to apply the dye.

[jk215]

I did some more Googling and noticed that people are saying to burnish first then dye like Eaglestroker suggested. I have been doing the reverse but will try it out that way tonight.

[McJeep]

Whoops, completely missed the fact that you were dying before burnishing - yup, you'll see a big difference ;0)