Dyeing Sting Ray Skins

[rickeyfro]

Has anyone tried redying a stingray skin to a different color? I got a great deal on some real large maroon skins and would much rather have them black.

[JJLeatherworks]

Fiebing's Black oil dye will work. Rub it on with a dauber and let it set for a couple of days.

[paradoxbox]

Does that color the beads as well or just the underlying leather?

Someone at a shop here told me that it's very difficult to dye the actual beads outside of the tannery and that painting it is the best option.

It's unfortunate because I have a huge supply of stingray skins in an ugly teal/green color for $5 each.

[JJLeatherworks]

I dyed both sides using a wool dauber.

[Cameroo]

I think it depends on how the skin was finished. I have used the black ones from Tandy, and the color on them seems to be almost like a thin layer of rubber. The skins themselves are very durable, but the finish on those Tandy ones will not last on something like a wallet. I doubt that a stain or dye would penetrate the finish that was applied to those skins. Not sure about the ones you have though. Just try on a small scrap piece I guess.

[GoldenKnight]

I just ordered one (cheap) in an ugly light pink in hopes of dying it to a darker color of red, maroon, brown, or black. Would deglazing it work before an oil dye? I guess I'll have to try when it gets here.