Help! Have I Ruined My Piece?

[NVLeatherWorx]

First of all, nice work; very clean and defined. Now to the question at hand: Leather Balm is not intended to be used as a resist and should never be applied before you apply any coloring; it is a final finish and nothing more. The Eco-Flo Gel Antique Saddle Tan always comes out pretty yellowish/orangeish as it is and once you apply a top finish it lightens up even more so keep that in mind for any future applications. I found when I did use the Gel Antiques (awhile back, I use Fiebing's products only) that if you lightly dampen the leather before applying the gel antique you can get a bit darker and richer coloring to it that remains pretty much in place even after it has dried.

As far as removing the leather balm I think you would be best to stick with your last decision and live with the results. Afterall, it looks good as it is and has its own character that way. For the future though just remember that leather balm is a top finish and doesn't work as a resist. If you are going to be using Eco-Flo products then you can get a good resist from applying Super Sheen (multiple applications are necessary to get a good resist) or you can go with Clear-Lac (manufactured by LCI and available through Springfield Leather and Sheridan). Regardless of what product you use, always make sure that you apply it as directed because that is how it was tested when trying to determine what the end results would be.

[KBCustom]

Thank you! I am going to finish out the back ground and show Y'all what I ended up with. Guess this makes anyone learning experience :-)

[lonesome dove]

I agree, it looks great as is. Very nicely tooled. Very classy!

[texback]

I'm with the others....I think it looks pretty darn good the way it is.

[primo]

I really like the way your piece looks! Very nice tooling and I think the color is great. Sometimes what you want, and what you get, can be a nice surprise"

[LNLeather]

I agree with Primo.... I really like the way your piece looks! I think the color is great!

Some of the background is a bit too dark, but I'd be 99% happy with that piece.

Very nice pattern & tooling.

[KBCustom]

Thank you everyone for the kind words, i really appreciate it! This is what i ended up with after finishing out the background areas throughout the entire piece. Now on to finalizing it!

[Bob Blea]

Hey that turned out great! I really like the contrast you have now and the evenness of the background.

Edited February 13, 2015 by Bob Blea

[KBCustom]

Thank you! I am happy with it.

[NVLeatherWorx]

KB that looks really cool! The contrast is perfect and really makes the tight tooling stand out even more than before. That piece there is worth much more than you are getting for it. Nice work.