Need An Experienced Eye

[Paulr]

what would you guys recommend for the protective coat? It seems like the saddle tan comes in fiebing oil or the eco flow. I have been reading the water based run/smear so it would seem the oil would be the way to go.

[Cyberthrasher]

Fiebing's Pro Oil is all I use. I usually use resolene to finish things. But, resolene (or any other "finish") WILL NOT resist dye, so if you wanted to dye the background, you'd either have to carefully brush it or use a masking solution over the dyed tooling. I have good results with Woodland Scenics liquid latex.

[Paulr]

I noticed the oils only seem to come in a few colors. Does resolene work with spirit and water dyes too?

[NVLeatherWorx]

The backgrounding is done with matting tools, not a backgrounder. There is no laser engraving at all on this project, there are several people who are capable of achieving a consistent impression such as this, isn't very difficult. The finishing is a medium brown dye (most likely oil dye), and the Celtic design elements are either a Sheridan Brown or tinted Saddle Tan stain or antique paste finish. The best products to use are the Fiebing's line and don't just rely on your local Tandy store for availability. You can also purchase directly from Fiebing via their website and you will most likely find that their prices are less than you would be typically paying retail.

[Paulr]

i was looking at matting tool and i came up with 2 kinds. One has a checkered look and seems like a larger backgrounder. The other gives a bubbled look. Not really sure which one youre referring to. Thanks for pointing out their site. I had only ever seen a few colors in the oil. Sorry to keep bombarding you guys with question, but its been a huge help.

[dirtclod]

The tan part maybe just a light oil finish. I've used the regular ole spirit dye for years and never had a problem with it, you can thin it with denatured alcohol. Not sure it works with oil dye.

[Cyberthrasher]

Not sure it works with oil dye.

Works perfect. I actually just use plain old Isopropyl. I've heard warnings about it, but I've never had a problem and I've never gotten a straight answer on why it shouldn't be used. It's quite a bit cheaper then denatured and doesn't have as much fumes.

[NVLeatherWorx]

The pebble design is a newer tool and I use it frequently. I have all three of the stamps for the set as they each have a place for use. The smallest is used to get up close to the beveled and cut edges as well as in all of the tight or small areas. The medium sized tool gives you the ability to handle the larger areas and the largest stamp is for the main parts. Key here with these types of stamps is to ensure plenty of overlap and don't worry if about how much overlap. The final appearance is always very clear and clean. For those areas that look like they are raised a little, just use the large stamp on them to even out the look. Make sure that the leather is on the drier side of the moisture content so that you don't get the mushy look or feel.

Regarding the dyes, stains and finishes: If you want to use the oil based versions, go for it. If you use the regular spirit dyes (which I use for all of my color detail work) give it a final finish of Neatsfoot oil. I also use the antique paste finishes (it is an excellent stain) but if you are using in a resisted technique or over full color details you will want to first protect those areas with a leather lacquer (Springfield Leather sells one that is just like the original Neat-Lac I used to use) as today's acrylic finishes don't work with spirit and oil based liquids. The acrylic is a great finishing coating on all finishes but only works as a resist for the water based products.

If you want to learn more about how to blend and mix for custom colors there are books on this very topic. There is a more modern one available from Fiebing on their site or you can go to the Leathercraft Library (run by Tandy) and download the books by Al Stohlman. I have used his references since I started in this trade over 40 years ago and learned much from him through his books and teachings.

Hope this helps.

[Paulr]

So this is the one you think its done with? http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/6884-00.aspx I was looking at them last time i was picking up some stuff but didn't pick them up. Might have to give them a try. I did get some of the fiebings dyes and really like them, but my god is there a way to get it open without getting it on your hands!? I guess i could use gloves just didnt think i would need them to get the seal off the bottle. thanks again