When To Dye?

[KayeMagic]

Hey guys,

This might be a really dumb question but I was wondering at what point you dye leather? For many projects I know it is a finishing step. But when beading leather do you dye first? Also do rivets and snaps come after dye?

Thanks In Advanced!!!

[Thor]

If I dye, and I'm not an expert on dyeing, I do it after all mechanical work, but before setting hardware and before burnishing. I will buff it again after all hardware is in place.

Hope this answers your question or someone else has a better explanation.

[KayeMagic]

OK thanks!

[SmokeyPoint]

It also depends on the look you want. When I make my belts, collars, etc, with buff colored stitching on dyed leather, I have to stitch after dying or the thread will pick up the dye color. I've also done holsters where I wanted contrasting thread, but needed to mould the leather. The process was: stitch the bearing seams, mould, un-stitch, dye, stitch with the correct color thread.