Making Backgrounded Areas Black

[LeftyFretz]

I bought the beginner's leatherworking kit from Tandy a couple of months ago. I did the wallet project last week, but I have a question about colouring the background black, as in this picture...

I used the Saddle Tan Eco-Flo Hi-Lite colour stain and then used the Dk Cocoa Brown Eco-Flo Leather Dye to paint in the black parts. (It's the only black-ish colour in the kit). But when I went to finish the leather with the Super Sheene it took quite a lot of the dark dye I'd used for the background off. So it seems I can only use the Hi-Lites with the Super Sheene.

What should I be doing to get a nice even black background like in the image above? (Preferably something I can pick up from Tandy). Also is there anything available which is more precise than a paintbrush for this fine work? Thanks!

Edited July 7, 2012 by LeftyFretz

[Luke Hatley]

a steady hand....a small brush and black dye..this is what i do.

[LeftyFretz]

That's what I did as well. But like I said, the leather dye isn't compatible with the Super Shene finish product that is supplied in the kit.

[Luke Hatley]

That's what I did as well. But like I said, the leather dye isn't compatible with the Super Shene finish product that is supplied in the kit.

Dye the background first...then apply supersheen...two coats , then apply FIEBINGS BLACK ANTIQUE... Springfield Leather has it.

[TacticallySharp]

I use FIEBINGS USMC Black, 2 coats plus touch up coat, then 2 coats of hilite, followed by super shine. When dry I follow with Aussie and a lite buff. Gives me a nice weather proof finish on my sheaths. I use small sable brushes.

[electrathon]

Use fiebings dye, toss the eco-flo. Practice on something else first, it wicks away from where you touch it.

Aaron

[lightingale]

I got the same kit a few months ago and had no difficulty dying the background black with a fine brush, and then using the hi-lite and satin shene from the kit. The only thing I can think of, is perhaps you didn't let your dyes dry completely before finishing it? I also applied the satin shene with a soft brush, which may have helped prevent ruboff.

That being said, I've learned that most of the eco flo stuff is crap (including the tools). Fiebing's all the way.

[Wishful]

Same problem so I started using the spray super-sheen. I have not used anything other than Tandy stuff since they are conveniently located near me.