specialkjamie Report post Posted December 24, 2015 I have been in the leathercraft hobby for about 2 1/2 years now, and just recently I have been having trouble with my items and the finish rubbing off. I have been using fiebing's professional oil dye black. Usually putting a coat on, letting dry to the eye and putting a second coat on to even it out. I let it dry for at least 24, but usually 36 hours. Then I apply fiebing's acrylic resolene, usually doing between 2 and 3 coats of that. I have applied it with a brush, sponge, or even airbrush. I have been doing it this way for probably about a year, but just recently, every item I have done, the resolene finish will rub off very easily with just a finger. This presents a HUGE problem for me, as I have a lot of unhappy customers. Wondering if there's anything I'm missing from my process, or how others would go about the process. Thanks very much in advance for any input. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TinkerTailor Report post Posted December 24, 2015 Are you using a new bottle of resolene? maybe you got a bad batch. Has the resolene been frozen? it is no good after freezing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rosiart Report post Posted December 24, 2015 Are you buffing before you apply the Resolene ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnv474 Report post Posted December 26, 2015 Agreed, you want to buff off the dried pigment that has remained on the surface before applying Resolene, even though the sticky Resolene will catch most of it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
x101airborne Report post Posted December 27, 2015 I know I am a noob and in no way pretend to know anything, but did you by chance change leather suppliers? I reload ammunition a lot. When I have an issue, I identify every little change or detail no matter how small (even down to lot numbers of powder) and I usually find the issue. Experience has taught me to change only one variable at a time and take notes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted December 27, 2015 Do you thin the resolene, and do you apply heavy coats? Even car paint will peel off if applied heavily. I like to cut my leather clear coats by at least 50 percent and I spray on a couple things coats with my airbrush. 1. I cleaned with saddle soap 2. Dye 3. Buff off extra pigment 4. Apply several layers of clear thinly with an airbrush Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites