Members Jon P Posted June 2, 2015 Members Report Posted June 2, 2015 Hey guys!! I'm changing from water-based dyes to spirit based and I have a few questions. First of all, what can you use to reduce spirit-based dyes? Second, when can I oil the leather with neadsfoot oil? Before dye? Between dye and finish? After finish? The finish I have chosen to use is Resolene. Any input will be greatly appreciated... Quote
NVLeatherWorx Posted June 3, 2015 Report Posted June 3, 2015 The thinning agent question will net you a wide range of responses but I use Fiebing's Dye Reducer to thin mine out because I also use their dyes (and have forever). I always oil my leather after I have dyed it and let is sit for 24 hours to properly penetrate, cure, and oxidize; once it has set I buff it remove any residual pigment residue and anything else that has collected and then oil it up. Make sure that when using Neatsfoot Oil that you use the Pure stuff and not the Compound stuff; big difference in how it all comes together. Let the oil set for 24 hours; buff again and see how it has finished up. If the leather needs some more dye then I give it to it at this time and repeat my buffing, oiling, buffing process. Once the color is achieved I then seal it all with a 50/50 blend of water and Resolene (typically two coats at least, full over night dry time in between each one). Also use Clear-Lac as a final top coat/sealer which itself has a bit of an oil finish to it; buffs real nice and looks great. Quote
Contributing Member JLSleather Posted June 3, 2015 Contributing Member Report Posted June 3, 2015 Hey Jon - I vote for the correct reducer also (Fiebings with Fiebings, Angelus has their own, etc.). These certainly are the top two popularity-wise. I've used both with good results, but I can tell you a couple things you'll want to NOT do. Don't use that denatured alcohol stuff. Yes, it's cheap. But it doesn't work nearly as well, and the stuff's main function is to destroy brain cells. Don't mix the Fiebing's with the Angelus - not even the reducer. "Everybody" said it's the same, so I've tried it. Fiebings dye with angelus reducer leaves a sickening 'tie-dye' look that normal people don't much care for. Well, perhaps if you're into that zombies n skulls thing, might work for ya You can oil before or after dye, or BOTH. Trick is to use the oil SPARINGLY. Like kinda hold up a jug of oil, take the leather in the other hand, and then TALK about oil for a bit. Then put both down NOt TOO much more than that. As a rule, I oil after dye is finished, but each his own. I HAVE dyed leather that was previously oiled, and I dare say I'm not the only one. Beyond that, depends on HOW you dye. If you're dipping the leather in a bowl of dye, then I'd let it set at least over night. I've airbrushed leather, and slapped oil 10 minutes later. Then finish on in the morning and stitch in the noontimes.... Quote
Members Jon P Posted June 3, 2015 Author Members Report Posted June 3, 2015 I really had no idea of where to start. @NVLeatherWorx- Thanks for the info! Your 50/50 mix with the Resolene, is that tap water or distilled? @JLSleather- Always a pleasure getting your input on things! Thanks for pointing out the don'ts for me. I need all the brain cells I have left!!! Quote
NVLeatherWorx Posted June 3, 2015 Report Posted June 3, 2015 I use regular tap water for my blend (but I do have a filter on my system so it does take out all of the yucky junk that doesn't do the body good). Distilled water is just overpriced boiled water and does nothing different for anyone or anything (aside from limit the scale but so does a filter). @JLSleather: You nailed it bang on buddy on the options and also "find your own style" format concept. Quote
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