Question On Oxblood And Oil Based Dyes In General

[Windrider30]

Ok this was an experiment first to see what the oxblood would look like as well as backing a bracelet with black suede leather as I have never really backed any of the bracelets that I have done in the past. So here is the question first off with the oxblood can I get a brighter red? As this I do love the color but it kind of came out darker then I really wanted. If I can get a brighter red how do I do it. I have been using eco flo dyes (water base) and I know I can cut it with water so what do I use for the oil based dyes to cut it?

Thanks all

[camano ridge]

With oil based (which is actually solvent based) use denatured or rubbing alcohol.

[Windrider30]

Thanks Camano

[Nuttish]

That's what one application of Fiebing's oxblood looks like. If you want a brighter red, you're not looking for oxblood. If anything, that's not saturated enough for actual oxblood.

You're certainly not limited to dyes specifically marketed for leather. Anything that works on wool will also work on leather. The question is how you apply it and what change in the leather's temper you wish for or can tolerate. I certainly wouldn't boil leather, but mordanted leather may not require it. Look at the range of colors you can get from madder with different mordants. Or see if a fiber reactive dye from somewhere like Pro Chem would work.

[Nuttish]

I should add that cutting oxblood isn't going to "brighten" it. It will probably end up a light magenta.

[Windrider30]

Thank you for the information Nuttish and I will try a few more coats of oxblood to see how deep of a red it will get.