How To Stain/dye Leather To Look Like Wood Grain?

[cfelker]

Hello,

I have seen stained (or dyed) hand made leather products where the final product looks like wood grain. I cant seem to find anything online regarding this technique. Is this simply using resisting? Start with a lighter stain/dye, then maybe brush on some super sheen, then come back with a darker stain/dye? Does anyone have any experience creating this finish?

Thanks,

Chris

[JLSleather]

There have been a LOT of ways leather has been done - in different colors and shades, using different techniques, on different leathers. Some use color only, others are tooled for shape and then colored - all called "wood grain".

You might check Tandy's 'doodle pages', I know there have been some done about creating wood textures. Kat Kuszak (not sure that's spelled right) did one back in the 80's that I found particularly memorable.. .

[cfelker]

Thank you for your reply. I'll take a look. I wish I had taken a picture of it.

[Thor]

First question would be if you are sure it was stained.

https://www.google.de/search?q=leather%20wood%20grain&num=50&newwindow=1&client=tablet-android-lenovo&espv=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sboxchip=Images&sa=X&ei=jnlfVeCSG4rSU5zCgeAI&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=800

This one is embossed http://c745.r45.cf2.rackcdn.com/img/2009/hlaska_wallet.jpg

But if you're looking for staining I should tell you about an old old trick we've used when refurbishing furniture that should work on leather as well. Look for any of these https://www.google.de/search?q=wood%20grain%20brush&num=50&newwindow=1&client=tablet-android-lenovo&espv=1&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sboxchip=Images&sa=X&ei=jnlfVeCSG4rSU5zCgeAI&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=800

[cfelker]

Thanks for your reply Thor. Yes, it was definitely stained as I did pick it up and run my hands over it. It was smooth, with no texture. I say "wood grained", but not like a 2x4, but more like two-toned. I found this image from one of the links you provided (thanks) http://www.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Ffc05.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2Fi%2F2013%2F085%2F1%2Fd%2Fwood_grain_look_steampunk_leather_top_hat_by_ikesleather-d5zchhu.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fikesleather.deviantart.com%2Fart%2FWood-Grain-Look-Steampunk-Leather-Top-Hat-361699986&h=768&w=1024&tbnid=qxhiXnZzhwg5PM%3A&zoom=1&docid=F8tDMXJBWcx-dM&ei=voVfVaeuIoXKsAXa6IDQAw&tbm=isch&client=tablet-android-lenovo&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=446&page=2&start=48&ndsp=58&ved=0CLECEK0DMFk

I could tell at least 2 different colors were used. Appeared to be a base coat, with a contrasting color [brushed, scraped, something] on (that made the underlying color come through)

Edited May 22, 2015 by cfelker

[Thor]

I'd say that's just acrylic paint and a good brush paint job. Isn't even too hard to do. You'll apply the second color while the other still kinda wet.

[diospada]

Would you be looking for something like in the link below?

https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfa1/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/11856611_1632404100353914_614719689_n.jpg

I did the above as a sample given that I have some extra dye left. Its not really a good example given the gorgeous work other people have done. However to a certain extent the method would be the same. You would need contrasting color dyes and a sponge paint brush. I had the paint brush soak up the dye and then lightly "painted" the leather to get the effect above.

The link below would be the best show what I did:

http://www.house-painting-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/artimg_wood-graining-apply-glaze-250x200.jpg

Another way to describe it would be that you are not fully dyeing the leather but just dyeing it partially. The light strokes of the brush should give you the random wood grain effect you are looking for.

[cfelker]

Thanks for your reply. I actually accidentally stumbled upon the solution. Here is what I did.

First I used a medium coat of Neatsfoot oil and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then I applied a generous amount of Antique dye with a damp sponge. As soon as I had the entire piece covered, I rinsed my sponge completely of the dye and began to wipe away the antique finish (rinsing my sponge as needed). Using different amounts of pressure, and the neatsfoot oil as a resist, it began to give me that grain look I was wanting. It gave the exact same look in the picture you provided disposada.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Thanks,

Chris

[cfelker]

Here is a pic

[diospada]

Nice work. Will try this soon