Using antique gel

[Lissette]

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?

[Colt W Knight]

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