Roughen Or Loosening Flesh Side & Dyeing Questions

[HondoMan]

Right then,

A friend has requested a shoulder bag. Showed me the photos and I sorted the leather.

The flesh sides will be facing outward for the flap of the bag and I want the flesh to be more lose or rough looking.

First question. Recommendations on how to roughen the flesh? I've seen a wee brush we have here in Germany that has wired teeth bent at about 110 degrees. Would such a brush be used? (okay, that was two questions)

Next question: I'm unsure if I should dye the flesh before or after I roughen up the flesh. I can foresee potential errors in both.

Would a normal (Fiebings) dye be sufficient or something else?

Any recommendations on other flesh treatments to ensure colour-fastness?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers and have a grand weekend,

~ Hondo

[HondoMan]

No ideas?

[HondoMan]

No ideas?

[Birdman]

I would avoid sandpaper etc. It will leave bits in the leather.

Try a rasp and/or a brass suede brush to bring up the nap?

Regards.

[HondoMan]

Not using sandpaper seemed a wee bit obvious. I have a suede brush but I'm not sure about a rasp.

Any thoughts on the before or after dyeing?

[HondoMan]

Sorry birdman. Been on a train all day. Mobile is not acting well for many reasons. I appreciate your assistance.

Sorry for the double post earlier!

[TomG]

Tandy used to make a roughening brush. It was basically a cat grooming brush on a wirebrush handle.

If you have the equivalent of our WalMart, or Dollar stores in Germany, check there. Or a pet store.

I'd dye it first, then brush to roughen.

As always, try a scrap piece first.

http://www.petsmart.com/cat/brushes-combs/grreat-choice-soft-slicker-short-haired-cat-brush-zid36-11863/cat-36-catid-200088;pgid=C19a.f_V3SNSRpReCpJ8O0ID0000HTquanYw;sid=fcs3_7IyH8Ul_-Tv3Jx2-4A4shWlM9ub5LNI3EAe?var_id=36-11863&_t=pfm%3Dcategory

[Tommyboy]

You can use a nylon cleaning brush to raise the nap on the flesh side by brusing against the natural "grain". To texture the nap or give it a worn look, use a stiff wire brush but be careful of taking too much material away at a time.

The picture you show is of chrome tan leather and uses what appears to be suede sewn on. Much different than what you want to make. So as far as dying goes, dont use regular leather dyes for the flesh side. It will tend to glue the fibers together and when you go to raise the nap, fibers will break off and you'll lose color. Instead use a suede dye to keep it soft so you can brush up the nap.

As was suggested before, practice before applying the technique to a finished project.

[HondoMan]

Cheers Tommyboy. I discovered I had a small brass shoe brush. I experimented with an older piece of leather and have a solution. I will also look for suede dyes. Thanks again!