White Dye

[Hooper26]

I made a helmet shield for one of our firefighters. His captain saw it and asked if I would make one for him. The shield I made had a black body that I used EcoFlo black dye on. According to their policy, a captain's shield must have a white body with black numbers. Does anyone have any tips on turning veg tan leather white? I ordered some acrylic white dye from Fiebings. I haven't received it yet so I'm not sure how well it will work. My hope is to get a good uniform color over the main body of the shield that won't flake off. 

[electrathon]

Go to the craft store and buy the best quality white acrylic paint (like for painting pictures) they have.

[TomG]

I agree with Electron.  The white dye is not going to work.  And it stinks pretty bad.

I use the high end heavy pigmented paint for white.  I dilute a bit with water and put on the first coat.  Let dry totally and then use light coats of the full strength pain - assuming it's not too thick.  Sort of like pudding maybe.  maybe a bit thicker.  you need to to flow a little as it drys to erase any brush marks.

 

[billybopp]

White dye is less than useless.   Go with white acrylic paint.

 

Bill

[club49]

I just sent for Angelus White Acrylic paint and some thiner. I will post the results. I am going to use an air brush. I tried their beige acrylic paint on some scrap with a damp sponge. It needed two coats, it came out nice.

Jim

[casemaker]

I have white leather resin and clear polyurethane top coat available since we finish leather in our business, it you want to make a 'professional job'

Both the white base and clear top are sprayed onto veg.

[TomG]

So, where do you get the stuff to do it and are there any issues with doing it by hand?

 

[casemaker]

It's a custom blend from a local chemical company.  They don't sell retail, or small quantities.

I can sell a quart of it but shipping Fedex Ground will make it very expensive. The white resin is $20.00 and Shipping would be $40.00

 

[club49]

I used the Angelus white acrylic paint with an air brush. It took 2 coats, it came out good. I don't have a picture of the white one, this is the beige one . It is the same paint from Agelius.