First Hat In Progress

[RavenAus]

Eco Flo? Theres your problem. Get you a bottle of Fiebing's Pro Oil Dye. Much better.

Unfortunately I have to use what I have due to budget and availability, so I really need to figure this dye out. I have 2, the standard and the all in one. Both are giving the same problem though, wherever I start ends up darker, and it seems impossible to get a good finish for me. Would casing the leather, or dampening at least, first help or hinder?

[Northmount]

Try using a deglazer to remove anything on the surface that may be impeding the dye soaking into the leather. Also try using some oxalic acid to remove any stains.

Otherwise, a lot of posts recommend thinning the dye, then building up the color in layers, allowing to dry and buffing well in between. Airbrush has also been recommended. Not too expensive so might be within your budget. Lots of info on airbrushing here if you want to do a search.

Great job on the hat, and keep testing different ideas for dying the leather before actually doing the hat. Too many of us are in a big hurry and jump right in without any testing or practice.

Tom

Edit: Some do dampen the leather slightly before applying the dye. Some also give the leather a very light coat of oil (Neatsfoot or Extra Virgin Olive OIl (EVOO)). Neatsfoot will darken the leather more than EVOO.

Edited January 6, 2013 by northmount