Wallet Finish Advise

[metallisomething]

I just joined this group and have been endlessly reading all the amazing threads I can!

I am putting together 2 wallet kits from Tandy and possibly 2 belts. I want one of each to be left natural and the other to be dyed a nice tasteful orange. I have attached a picture of a wallet that is the 'shade' of orange I am looking for.

So my questions are, is the Eco-flo orange dye, available at Tandy, going to produce the even colored finish I am looking for? https://www.tandyleather.ca/en-cad/home/department/leather-dye/eco-flo-dyes/2602-09.aspx

and

Is the Acrylic Resolene from Fiebling's (also from Tandy) something I would put on top of the dyed leather AND the raw leather to protect and finish it? https://www.tandyleather.ca/en-cad/home/department/leather-dye/leather-finish/2270-127.aspx

Any other tips or steps I am missing would be greatly appreciated

I am located in Canada, so any product from amazon.com probably can't be shipped here, and amazon.ca has limited selection. There is a Tandy store close, so I will most likely get everything there.

thanks

[ConradPark]

Quick answer; Dying leather is a skill, and how well it covers the leather is more due to how it's done than what brand you're using. There are plenty of threads on this forum and on YouTube that show how it's done. Always experiment on some scrap leather at first!

When it comes protecting the leather it's down to personal preference.

Resolene works very well (but again, it can be difficult to apply if you're not used to it), so does all the other different brands. Just try and see what you like. I normally only buff with a little Carnauba cream after dying as I like the result and it's easier than applying Resolene.
So basically, to answer your question; yes - go ahead, but you might have to try a few times before you get a satisfactory end result.

Good Luck.

[texback]

Metallisomething, the link you provided is for cova color which is an acrylic paint and NOT a dye. For projects like a wallet or belt I would think you would be better off using a dye, tho you can certainly use either and get nice results. Both Angelus and Fiebings make an orange spirit dye. I have never used either so I couldn't say how well they cover. If you choose to use resolene for your finish be sure to dilute it 50/50 with water and apply it in lights coats.

[metallisomething]

Thanks for the replies.

I will experiment to get the best combination for what I'm looking for.

texback, thanks for differentiating the cova color acrylic paint vs a leather dye. I'll see what Tandy has to offer in terms of an orange dye and go from there. I've done some more research on the Cova Colors and they seem to be a good option if carefully applied. Though many people on this forum suggest just using any craft acrylic paint thinned out to get the same results.

[byggyns]

If you want the Tandy water based dyes, you want the Eco-Flo Professional Waterstain dyes. They cover well. The color I got out of the tan color is close to your example, but I think the orange would probably match better. The tan has more red than you probably want. My store has small sample swatches that they can show you the final result of the dye. Ask your store if they have them.

I have only used the Eco-Flo professional finish over the top of the pro waterstains- they are designed to work together. I've wanted to do a test with resolene over top, but just haven't gotten around to it yet.

Resolene will work on the undyed leather. I cut mine 50 / 50 with distilled water to make it easier to apply thin coats. 2-4 thin coats with 24 hours to dry between I find is a good number. After that, I like to use a little beeswax or neutral shoe polish to give it a little extra shine.