From Dye To Finish Help

[Cyberthrasher]

pretty much

I keep using MPB as an example because it's what I use and it fits the topic. When applied, it leaves a wax finish on top and allows the oil to soak through to the leather. The wax coating allows any water to bead up and offers a layer of protection for any scuffs. Think of it as a "temporary finish" that your customer can reapply as needed. Kind of like using leather care products on your boots, because that's exactly what it is, leather care.

[Dwight]

Resolene is a "final" finish, . . . as in "last thing done". It is not fully "water proof" but it sashays right up close to it.

You can (and I do sometimes) apply wax to a product that has been Resolene finished, . . . but it is the same as putting wax on my Ford pickup truck. It makes it shine a bit, . . . but that is all.

If you have to oil it, . . . do it before your apply the Resolene, . . . and remember to add oil very sparingly. Leather does not naturally have a lot of oil in it, . . . and like the old saying used to go "a little dab will do ya".

May God bless,

Dwight

[Aldridge]

Thanks to all who responded. Greatly appreciated. Should I oil both sides or just the top or just the bottom? My main concern is that my leather always turns hard as a rock. Never used any oil before but just got a bottle of Neetsfoot today. Does everyone prefer Neetsfoot Oil or is there something better out there? Thanks.

[Aldridge]

I use the oil after dying (I'm using spirit dye) to rejuvenate the leather again...

I don't mean to sound stupid but when you say "Spirit Dye", what do you mean? I've been using Feibings Oil Dye and I know there is an alcohol based Die as well. Are you referring to the alcohol based dye? Thanks.

[Tina]

Are you referring to the alcohol based dye? Thanks.

I'm using Angelus spirit dye and yes, it's alcohol based (without oil) :-)

[Cyberthrasher]

Thanks to all who responded. Greatly appreciated. Should I oil both sides or just the top or just the bottom? My main concern is that my leather always turns hard as a rock. Never used any oil before but just got a bottle of Neetsfoot today. Does everyone prefer Neetsfoot Oil or is there something better out there? Thanks.

Neatsfoot is the preferred choice (pure, not compound). It will be easier to get an even application by applying it to the grain side. But, if you have varying color, such as black to natural, the oil may lift some of the pigment out and move it around. At times like this, I apply it to the flesh side so I don't disturb the color. The goal is to get the oil into the leather. Also, keep in mind that it will darken the leather. The more you apply, the darker it will get. This is another benefit to applying it on the flesh side occasionally. When it comes down to it, you'll just want to experiment and find what works best for you.

[Aldridge]

Neatsfoot is the preferred choice (pure, not compound). It will be easier to get an even application by applying it to the grain side. But, if you have varying color, such as black to natural, the oil may lift some of the pigment out and move it around. At times like this, I apply it to the flesh side so I don't disturb the color. The goal is to get the oil into the leather. Also, keep in mind that it will darken the leather. The more you apply, the darker it will get. This is another benefit to applying it on the flesh side occasionally. When it comes down to it, you'll just want to experiment and find what works best for you.

Thanks so much! I'm thrilled to have found this site. So helpful !

[Cyberthrasher]

Thanks so much! I'm thrilled to have found this site. So helpful !

Yeah, this place is pretty cool isn't it - it's where I learned everything I know anyway

[stingray4540]

Curious as to why you oil after you dye. I'm working on a test piece and I oiled before the dye(Montana pitch blend did not work well...)

I waited 24hours, and it returned to almost natural leather color. The dye went on well and was only very slightly darker than on bare leather. And I didn't have to worry about smearing the dyes around or lifting off the color.

What is the advantage of oiling after you dye?

P.S. I also sprayed the first layer of lacquer, then brushed on the second. Thus avoiding smearing the dye.

So far it has come out very well! Now I'm just waiting for my antique paste so I can finish.

[Cyberthrasher]

Curious as to why you oil after you dye. I'm working on a test piece and I oiled before the dye(Montana pitch blend did not work well...)

I waited 24hours, and it returned to almost natural leather color. The dye went on well and was only very slightly darker than on bare leather. And I didn't have to worry about smearing the dyes around or lifting off the color.

What is the advantage of oiling after you dye?

P.S. I also sprayed the first layer of lacquer, then brushed on the second. Thus avoiding smearing the dye.

So far it has come out very well! Now I'm just waiting for my antique paste so I can finish.

First off, Montana Pitch Blend is a leather conditioner that has oil in it which is meant to be applied to a finished product - not a replacement for neatsfoot oil. I'm pretty sure I had discussed that with you before, but it's been a long week, so I just want to make sure I put it out there .

Now, the root of your question. The dye's have a tendency to suck any natural oils out of the leather. So, after dying, we need to add some oils back into the leather in order for it maintain its properties that we all love. If the dye is properly left to dry and buffed, there usually isn't too much of an issue with the oil. But, if you're going through extremes in color (natural to black as an example), then you're likely to get some discoloration - which is why I apply from the flesh side at that point.