How To Do A Fade Without Airbrush

[TomG]

As the title says, what is the best way to achieve a fade on a 1-1/2" wide strap without an airbrush? I need to go from saddle tan in the middle to almost black on the outer edges.

I've done it a long time ago, but can't remember exactly what I used. I've got pictures of some pretty smooth fades. I'm thinking sponges with several shades of brown, but it's not working this time around.

It's choppy and streaky at the edges.

Any tips or help?

Thanks

[Tina]

Before I had an airgun I use to do it by hand. You delute your "outer edge" dye to around 25/75 or more, then just built it up layer by layer. It's time consuming but worth it. Make sure you're not in a hurry, take your time and let it dry between the layers so you keep control over the process.

[Cyberthrasher]

I do it with a dry brush technique on a sponge. It takes some practice to get right, and i still screw it up here and there, but the results can be really cool.

For my sponges, I dab them onto the residual pigment on the rim of the bottle, then stretch the sponge over my finger tip. The main thing to watch out for, which it sounds like you've seen, is that "spot" that has full pigment and will leave a line. That's where stretching it over the finger tip helps. Oh yeah, and hit it to some paper first to make sure you're not streaking or putting out too much color.

[lightingale]

I used to do it the same way Cyberthrasher just explained. It works, but takes some practice. Don't get discouraged if your first attempt isn't what you were looking for, and test it on scrap first.

Your best bet would still be to get an airbrush. You don't need an expensive brush or compressor for fading edges. It's currently one of my favourite tools to use!

[TomG]

Thanks to all. Looks like my method was OK, just not a steady enough hand. I finally got a good one.

Actually, I have an airbrush, but apparently I didn't clean I well enough last time I used it and it's all gunked up and I think my needle might be damaged Plus, right now, I don't have a place to spray without triggering divorce proceedings.

That brings up another subject, but I think I'll start a new thread for it.

Later

[artycpt]

I do pretty much the same thing as cyberthrasher but add one additional step. Once the middle is dyed and I have dry brushed/sponged the edges dark, I go back with a small soft paintbrush and drybrush (with very little dye on the brush) the lighter color where it blends into the darker until I get a gradual fade that I like. Definitely takes time.

[Pennypower]

I saw this video last night and he does a fade about 11 minutes in. Cyberthrasher, is this what you mean by dry brushing?

Also, that stuff he uses called X1/Goofproof, what the heck does that actually do?

[Quillleather]

Used standard daubers from tandy to fade this.

Did light coat of mahogany over the whole thing, then come back with Scarlett red concentrating on center area. Then work around the edges some more with the dark mahogany . Alternate back and forth with the two colors until you are happy. Keep the lighter color in center and darker towards edges.The colors bleed into each other and create a faded appearance.

[Toolingaround]

Hi there

I do fades by mixing my angelus alcohol bases dyes with Lexol non darkening neets foot oil (does not darken the leather at all underneath ) or brown bottle Lexol will also work. I can do a soft fade in minutes very easily. I stretch a t shirt over my fingers to rub it in. Blot it first as a little goes a long way. Here is a scrap test I did a while ago.

Cheers, Toolingaround