Can This Splotchy Dye Job Be Fixed?

[pgivens]

Please help!!!

I dyed some veg tan last night for a project and it came out really bad and streaky. Is there anything I can do to fix it?

It was done using Fiebings leather dye. I'm thinking the reason it came out so streaky is because the leather was too dry? I should maybe have dyed it while it was a little bit damp so it doesn't slurp up the dye the second it hits the leather? I don't have the original bottle anymore so I can't read the directions. Let me know if this is on the right track.

More importantly, is there any way to salvage this? I don't mind if putting more coats on makes it darker, but how do I get the coloring to be more uniform?

Thanks!

[Northmount]

Looks like it was done with a dauber, in straight lines. Do it in a circular overlapping motion. Use something larger than a dauber, like a 2" or so piece of sponge or sheepskin, or even some wadded up rag.

Buff it well after it has dried. And yes, you can add another coat to it.

Good luck, it should work out away for you.

Tom

[sharkeyfinn]

hi, i had a similar thing happen on one of the first ipad covers i made, i used a dauber,but now i use sponges, put plenty on and move it around alot,circular motion after straight lines etc, just dont let it dry in to quickly, and keep adding untill its uniform ;-)

[pgivens]

Thanks for the replies. I will definitely try again using a larger sponge. Is there any truth to my guess that the leather was too dry when I applied? Should I start with the leather more damp next time?

[BDAZ]

Check Out Home Depot or Lowes. An inexpensive method for apply stains and dyes. Use the glass bottles for storage. You can mix the stains with water or denatured Alcohol depending on the product.

Edited April 21, 2014 by BDAZ

[Chief31794]

Good advice from everyone above, but remember, if everything fails and it just doesn't look like you wanted it to; that's why they invented Black dye.

Chief

[pgivens]

Thanks, BDAZ, I will check that product out! That might be a good solution to my lack of dyeing skills.

[BDAZ]

Worked for me!

Cya!

Bob

[Hi Im Joe]

Good advice from everyone above, but remember, if everything fails and it just doesn't look like you wanted it to; that's why they invented Black dye.

Chief

LOL. You can have it any color you want...as long as its black.

I've totally done this.

[Dwight]

Thanks for the replies. I will definitely try again using a larger sponge. Is there any truth to my guess that the leather was too dry when I applied? Should I start with the leather more damp next time?

I'm not sure where you got the idea that water will help with a spirit or oil based dye, . . . believe me, . . . it will not. If anything, . . . it will make the job even worse.

For lighter colors, . . . cut the dye with the appropriate thinner product. I have cut them up to 90% (1 part dye, 10 parts thinner) for a special effect one time. Turned out beautiful.

And when you put it on, . . . put it on, . . . if it is not WET, . . . it is not enough dye. I actually quit the dauber, sponge, wool square idea, . . . got a couple of flat pans, . . . everything is dip dyed, . . . and I don't have dying problems. Period.

May God bless,

Dwight