Dyeing Letters On Guitar Strap/belt

[kdobson]

Hello -

I am new to leather work and have been asked to make a guitar strap. I would like to antique the strap a light brown and dye the letters of the name black. I have searched and searched and read books, but still am nervous and a little confused about the steps I need to take in order to get this look. Could I get some advice on the step by step approach to making this happen? I bought Fiebings acrylic leather dye in black and have practiced, and don't think that was a good choice. I know there is a better way to do this, and any help would be appreciated. I have attached a picture of the strap I am currently working on.

Thanks - Katie

[mikesmith648]

the feibings acrylic dye will work but will usually take more than one coat

[Sylvia]

Hi Katie:

you'll need to put some resist on the places you don't want any color... let that dry and give it another coat.... let it dry AT LEAST 24 hours before you use a highlighter or antique.

For what it's worth, I would recommend a bit more work on those oak leaves before you start the finishing processes. They look good but seem to be missing some decorative cuts.

Good luck.

[Dwight]

For a "no bigger than that" project, . . . I'd just paint the letters. I would find a better way if I were making 10 of them a day, . . . but for one, . . . painting is the only way for me.

May God bless,

Dwight