Acrylic Or Water Based Dyes?

[erniethemilk]

Since I've started making leather things (mainly belts) from veg tan leather, I've always used acrylic leather dye but to be honest I find the dye gives me a headache and the smell is pretty strong when applying. I've not used water based dyes, but wondering what the main difference is regarding use and finish.

Presently I dye, then polish out and apply either Resolene or Tan Kote over the top. If I switched over to water based dyes, what would be the differences I would see?

Thanks

[byggyns]

I've used the Tandy Pro Waterstains. They go on easily and the dyes stay put when exposed to water.

I've only once used resolene over them and it has rubbed / flaked off.

I've gone back to what I used to begin with, the Tandy Eco-Flo professional gloss finish. It plays well with the pro waterstain. I've used it on IWB holsters and had no rub off of finish or dye onto my clothes. So, it would probably work for belts as well.

I haven't used Tan Kote, so I can't tell you how well they play together.