Doing Letters

[rottik9]

How can I keep the inside of stamped letters from being dyed...I know I can do it with a brush around the letter. I am wondering if there is a tip that will help.

[TwinOaks]

If you're only trying to keep the impressions (the outline of the letters) uncolored, then 'block dyeing' would be the way to go. If you're trying to keep the entire inside free of dye...then it's brush time. I also recommend putting liquid latex (aka masking fluid) in the areas you don't want dye.

[potter]

If you have an airbrush put masking tape down where you are going to stamp then stamp your letters. The stamp will cut through the tape and you can peel the masking tape away. You can either peel the masking tape of the letters or vise versa. Then use your airbrush to color then remove the remaining masking tape

[Pounder]

I would sure like to know more about this Liquid Latex as I have problems with letters as well.

[Grey Drakkon]

Liquid latex can usually be found in art stores where watercolors are sold. I would definitely experiment on a scrap piece of leather from the hide you're using first, because it's VERY liquid when it first goes on. You apply it with a brush, let it dry, paint another layer or two over it and let those dry, then paint/dye/spray as usual, wait for it to dry a bit then peel off the latex usually lifting up an edge with a sharp blade. Using that stuff is how I made these bowls:

[Wild Bill46]

Grey -----------------------

Those bowls look super, job well done ------------- Wild Bill46

[Grey Drakkon]

Thanks! If I remember right, the patterns were from a celtic shield boss. Made those when I took ceramics in college.

[Pounder]

Grey

Thanks for the knowledge, I will definitely give it a try.

[retiredff]

If you have an airbrush put masking tape down where you are going to stamp then stamp your letters. The stamp will cut through the tape and you can peel the masking tape away. You can either peel the masking tape of the letters or vise versa. Then use your airbrush to color then remove the remaining masking tape

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!! That's one great idea Potter. I will try it tonight. Are there any tricks to this? Will this only work with an airbrush or will it bleed if I block dye?

Will the cased leather cause any issues with the tape?

I thought about dying my leather a base color then using your idea, then peel away the tape then air brush.

Thanks

Tony

[potter]

Tony

It will only work with an air brush there is also some company's that sell aerosol spray dye that works with this application. As long as the leather is dry when you apply the tape you shouldn't have any issues.

Mark