Dyeing Problem

[whiteeugene]

I was making a new cell phone case for someone, got it all formed and tooled they wanted it purple. Wet the leather and put the dye on, it went on ok no blotches, but when it dried it came out Antique gold? Looks kind of cool but not what the customer wanted I have used this same bottle of dye on a belt and it came out great. I’m using 3-4 ounce oak tanned leather good stuff I’ve used it with other dyes and no problem any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks Doug

[pete]

I haven't dyed anything purple before, but the same thing happens with black occasionally if you don't put a first coat of a dark brown. Excellent question for Kevin at Springfield leather. Call him as he doesn't get chance to answer emails for days sometimes.

pete

[Sylvia]

I was making a new cell phone case for someone, got it all formed and tooled they wanted it purple. Wet the leather and put the dye on, it went on ok no blotches, but when it dried it came out Antique gold? Looks kind of cool but not what the customer wanted I have used this same bottle of dye on a belt and it came out great. I'm using 3-4 ounce oak tanned leather good stuff I've used it with other dyes and no problem any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks Doug

Can you post a picture? I have got to see this "gold" purple.

[whiteeugene]

Can you post a picture? I have got to see this "gold" purple.

Hi Sylvia

Here is a picture you can see the paper I had on the table is purple it has a brown tint where it leaked trough to the table top.

[Sylvia]

Hi Sylvia

Here is a picture you can see the paper I had on the table is purple it has a brown tint where it leaked trough to the table top.

Yep it looks gold! Hmmm... have you buffed it yet?

I find that if I use spirit dyes and get over zealous in applying I get a metallic-like sheen. But when I buff, it seems to go away along with excess pigments.

[whiteeugene]

Yep it looks gold! Hmmm... have you buffed it yet?

I find that if I use spirit dyes and get over zealous in applying I get a metallic-like sheen. But when I buff, it seems to go away along with excess pigments.

I have not tried to buff it yet; I usually try to give my projects 2 or 3 coats letting it dry between each coat. This started to turn gold within a few moments I tried it on some other scrap pieces and it did the same thing. Not sure what happened I dyed a belt with the purple a few weeks back and it came out great, I may just get another bottle of dye and see if that’s the problem, I don’t think it is though.

[Sylvia]

When you dampened the leather was it with tap water for distilled? If you have particularly hard water, I know from tie dying,... it can change your color. I've not had it happen to me with leather dyes though.

.

Can you tell us what brand of dye it was?

I feel for you. To me the dye and finish process is the most surprising and frustrating part. I hope you find a solution

[whiteeugene]

When you dampened the leather was it with tap water for distilled? If you have particularly hard water, I know from tie dying,... it can change your color. I've not had it happen to me with leather dyes though.

.

Can you tell us what brand of dye it was?

I feel for you. To me the dye and finish process is the most surprising and frustrating part. I hope you find a solution

The dye was fiebing's I did use tap water at work on this piece the belt I did a few weeks back I did at home I'll try a scrap piece there tonight. I have already formed a new piece and have the tooling done, I spoke with the customer and they said brown would be ok if I cant get the purple to work I have some turquoise I may try.

Thanks for your help

[Sylvia]

The dye was fiebing's I did use tap water at work on this piece the belt I did a few weeks back I did at home I'll try a scrap piece there tonight. I have already formed a new piece and have the tooling done, I spoke with the customer and they said brown would be ok if I cant get the purple to work I have some turquoise I may try.

Thanks for your help

I have heard some folks do that dampen first with water thing. I've never had much success with it myself. May I suggest you try dying a piece of the same scrap without with dampening with water or anything?

If I recall my Fiebings says to use a deglazer before dying. So you may want to get the appropriate deglazer and try a piece of scrap that way too.

Good luck.

[benlilly1]

Whiteeugene, It may be that you put 2-3 coats of dye on it.. The metallic look you're talking about is dye that's dried. The solvent that carried the dye has evaporated leaving it as a powder on the surface. Be careful buffing it because it can be reactivated if it comes into contact with dampness...You might try diluting the dye and try it on a scrap piece. Good luck.