2 finishes and a few questions

[dickf]

The Tandy guy steered me in the direction of using Fiebings Leather Balm with Atom Wax as a top coat and sealer. It buffs out to a nice shine, but not high gloss, and really helps the leather stay feeling good. I love the way it looks and feels. Here's my question: the black Eco Flow dye is bleeding through the balm, and when I take a slightly damp paper towel and rub it, I get the dye on it (I'm not rubbing vigorously or hard). So, did I not buff enough of the pigment off of the holster before applying this leather balm? Is leather balm not a suitably waterproofer/sealant?

Second finish - I picked up a bottle of Super Sheen. I was going for the high gloss finsih this time, and to my surprise, it made the leather feel more like plastic after I was done. I worked the holster in my hands for a bit, and didn't see any cracking in the finish, but it definitely made it harder. Is there anything that would help keep it slightly softer? The dye also bled through this stuff afterwards, although not as bad as the leather balm. Am I not buffing enough of the pigment off the holster before I apply the topcoat? Am I suppossed to buff like hell?

Any finishing tips using these two products would be great. Thanks!

Edited October 15, 2008 by dickf

[TwinOaks]

Since Eco dyes are water based, a light dampening of the leather before application will help the dye penetrate and spread out evenly. Yes, you need to buff the unfinished leather to remove excess dye particles. Sometimes, multiple coats may be needed, depending on the penetration of the dye. Thoroughly cleaning the leather before dyeing is important because oil from you hands/fingers can affect the absorbtion.

If you're dying something black, have you considered vinegaroon (also called 'striking'). There are several threads on it, but basically it's a chemical reaction that turns the leather black all the way through. It's easy to make, permanent, and it won't rub off.

[Shorts]

The Tandy guy steered me in the direction of using Fiebings Leather Balm with Atom Wax as a top coat and sealer. It buffs out to a nice shine, but not high gloss, and really helps the leather stay feeling good. I love the way it looks and feels. Here's my question: the black Eco Flow dye is bleeding through the balm, and when I take a slightly damp paper towel and rub it, I get the dye on it (I'm not rubbing vigorously or hard). So, did I not buff enough of the pigment off of the holster before applying this leather balm? Is leather balm not a suitably waterproofer/sealant?

Second finish - I picked up a bottle of Super Sheen. I was going for the high gloss finsih this time, and to my surprise, it made the leather feel more like plastic after I was done. I worked the holster in my hands for a bit, and didn't see any cracking in the finish, but it definitely made it harder. Is there anything that would help keep it slightly softer? The dye also bled through this stuff afterwards, although not as bad as the leather balm. Am I not buffing enough of the pigment off the holster before I apply the topcoat? Am I suppossed to buff like hell?

Any finishing tips using these two products would be great. Thanks!

With EcoFlo you have to be sure to seal it well. Until the sealant is dry, it'll bleed. As Jeff suggested buff the finish after dyeing to get the dried residue off before applying a topcoat.

I've tried the Satin Sheen and Tan Kote then Resolene. Resolene does a good job sealing the leather and it's a flexible top coat so you don't havethat plasticky hard feeling. I recommend trying it out and see what you think.

[dickf]

With EcoFlo you have to be sure to seal it well. Until the sealant is dry, it'll bleed. As Jeff suggested buff the finish after dyeing to get the dried residue off before applying a topcoat.

I've tried the Satin Sheen and Tan Kote then Resolene. Resolene does a good job sealing the leather and it's a flexible top coat so you don't havethat plasticky hard feeling. I recommend trying it out and see what you think.

Sounds like I should check it out (as well as the vinegaroon). Thanks a ton!

[Srigs]

I use Resolene also cut about 50/50 with water to lower the sheen to a nice look and reduce the tackiness you can get with full strength. I have never had a holster bleed through using it.

[Pip]

With EcoFlo you have to be sure to seal it well. Until the sealant is dry, it'll bleed. As Jeff suggested buff the finish after dyeing to get the dried residue off before applying a topcoat.

I've tried the Satin Sheen and Tan Kote then Resolene. Resolene does a good job sealing the leather and it's a flexible top coat so you don't havethat plasticky hard feeling. I recommend trying it out and see what you think.

and make sure you don't get it streaky I don't like resoline, cause i always end up with a few streaks, it is probably my bad usage but its a point to be concerned about with a finish!

[Shorts]

and make sure you don't get it streaky I don't like resoline, cause i always end up with a few streaks, it is probably my bad usage but its a point to be concerned about with a finish!

Spray it on or dip for a great finish. Using a dauber to wipe it on will streak.