Lissette Report post Posted June 13, 2016 All my pieces turn out to dark after using antique gel, after I put another alcohol based color on top, sometimes the highlights go away. Why? I tried with a highlighter dye but same thing happens. I am working on a guitar strap and I want the letters to show! Any advice? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted June 13, 2016 Step 1. Carve leather - i like to clean the leather before carcing with saddle soap, conditions the leather and removes handling and tanning oils that fuss with dyes. 2. Dye leather a lighter color or leave natural * if you want to dye your letters, now os the time to do this. 3. Apply resist/clear coat. You made need 2 coats. ALLOW TO THOROUGHLY DRY - This may take 12-24 hours. 4. Apply antique gel in a heavy coat working it into the cracks and crevices. 5. Wipe off quickly with a rag/papertowel wad. 6. I like to wipe ot off again with a damp rag/paper towel wad 7. Allow to dry 8. Apply another coat of clear or resist. May need 2 coats. Allow to dry thoroughly. 9. If you want to paint your letters, now is time to do this. Also a note, water based finishes, like antique gel will smear easily if you wipe on a water based clear coat. The solvents reliquify the dry coat- essentially. I get much better results spraying on clear coats Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites