wintermte Report post Posted August 5, 2008 Hi all, I'm pretty new to leather tooling. I've some some small things tooling projects, but nothing real big. I want to start to do some bigger projects (motorcycle bibs, maybe a seat) and use dyes and/or antiquing. Where do I get started with how to use dyes and paints. I can't seem to find a good place to start. I have the "Leatherworking Manual" but it doesn't have much in the way of details on this topic. Should I invest in an airbrush? I'm just looking for a good reference place to start. Thanks, Dan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted August 5, 2008 (edited) Hi and welcome to LeatherWorker.net! This place is just crawling with info on leather crafts. It's also one of the nicest places on the Web because of the members. A good place to get started is by coming here!!! For coloring leather, there's some books you should check into, especially books by Al Stohlman. I'm still learning about color too, so I'll let some more experienced folks answer the detailed questions. Airbrush? Yes, they are useful, but don't have to be part of your first tool purchase. If you haven't done so yet, Tandy (tandyleatherfactory.com) is a good place to look for a fairly wide selection of titles. Mike Edited August 5, 2008 by TwinOaks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rustyriggin Report post Posted August 5, 2008 Hi Dan, Welcome! Probably the best advice I can give you is to get some Al Stohlman books from Tandy Leather, I haven't had a whole lot of luck understanding them myself, but thats probably just me. I have to be hands on to get something in my head. I have never messed with the airbrush thing, but I'm thinking about it serious enough to be pricing them. I'm sure someone on here will give you the answer you are looking for. Welcome again, Rus Rusty Riggin Saddle Repair Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillB Report post Posted August 5, 2008 Wintermte, Welcome to the forum. There is lots of information on this site. Tandy is a good place to start. They offer a number of books on staining. I even think they offer Peter Main's book. You will also find information on stains in the Tooling,Stamping & Carving Leather Board. If you click on Leatherworker.net it will take you to the full set of boards. The web site is setup with several Forums, each Forum has a number of Topics. Some Topics have additional Topics inside, but I left that for you to explore. I have put next to those branches or threads that should help you out. Main Trunk: Letherworker.net Forum: Leatherworker Board Topics Show Off! Member Gallery How Do I Do That? Critique My Work! Leatherwork Conversation Leather History Forum: The Business Topics Resources Suppliers Marketing and Advertising Help Wanted Forum: Fabrication Topics Patterns and Templates Leather Tools Hardware & Accessories Sewing Leather Braiding Leather Sewing Machines Exotics, Reptiles, Fur and Others Forum: Tooling, Stamping & Carving Topics Floral & Sheridan Carving Figure Carving Stamping Dyes and Finishes Forum: Specialty Leatherwork Topics Saddles and Tack Gun Holsters, Rifle Slings & Knife Sheathes Motorcycles and Biker Gear Purses, Wallets, Belts and Miscellaneous Pocket Items Historic Reenactment Youth Groups Other Specialties Forum: Leather is tanned animal skins, and is a byproduct of the meat industry Topics Announcements and Administrivia Special Events, Contest and Classes Feedback and Suggestions All About Us & Off Topic Computer Help Leather Photography Board Ambassadors Froum: Marketplace Topics Marketplace BillB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wintermte Report post Posted August 5, 2008 Thanks for the suggestions. I'll start looking in some of the other lists on here. Dan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rawhide Report post Posted August 5, 2008 I think Peter Main's book on coloring is a bit more up to date with coloring techniques. Al's books are still good to have for basics and fundamentals. Here's a list: The Main Technique of Coloring Leather - Peter Main, available from Peter directly or through Hidecrafter How to Color Leather - Al Stohlman, available at Tandy, Hidecrafter, et al.. Coloring Leather - Al Stohlman, available at Tandy, Hidecrafter, et al.. Marlon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
