Opening leather pores for dye

[Regis]

I've heard/read various times about opening the leather pores to accept leather dye. Would some of you please elaborate some on this? Is there a need with spirit, eco, or both? How much, with what, under what circumstances, etc?? Seen a couple video/dvd's on dying and they didn't include any "pre treatment".

Appreciate any insight into this area.

Regis

[AlcoveShop]

I've heard/read various times about opening the leather pores to accept leather dye. Would some of you please elaborate some on this? Is there a need with spirit, eco, or both? How much, with what, under what circumstances, etc?? Seen a couple video/dvd's on dying and they didn't include any "pre treatment".

Appreciate any insight into this area.

Regis

Its really dependant on the leather you use; crappy leather will give you a hard time no matter what dye you use. "If its burnish'd, throw it in the furnace!" <---inside joke.

You can get good results with just misting the leather with a spray bottle (water) 10 minutes or so prior to dying. Some folk swear by the carving concentrates.

Always test on scraps of the leather you use. (No guarantees, since "ahem" corrected leathers can dye splotchy on one inch and not on another)

Best thing to do if its an option is make sure the leather is of good quality; its usually the culprit, not the dyes.