Eco Flo vs Fiebings

[firstcapitalfirearms]

I am new to leatherworking and would like other opinions on different dyes. I only have Tandy, Springfield and Weaver catalogs and they mostly sell Eco Flo (Tandy) and Fiebings. It seems Fiebings may be better but I am not sure. I have not tried any yet. 

If anyone has their favorites or advice I would appreciate it. 

 

Thanks

Mark

[gracefulmeg]

If you want pretty color options, go with Tandy Pro Waterstain. This is the only tandy coloring product I use and I have tried many others that are junk. Just make sure you rub it in well, buff, apply thin layer of finish, buff again. Or, use an airbrush (my preferred method). Also, don't finish with acrylic resolene (the two don't mix well). Instead, use the pro finish that Tandy sells. I can give you better instructions on using Tandy waterstains if you prefer the colors, as this is the primary product I've been using for about a year. I know Tandy catches a lot of well-deserved slack, but when applied correctly and with effort, the color holds fast to the dog collars I make.

If you just want browns and maybe a basic red, green and blue, use Fiebings dyes. The only reason I don't use fiebings more often is because of the color choices, but I absolutely love the Fiebings pro oil dyes. The only other Fiebings product I use is obviously the acrylic resolene and the black edge kote. I'm not a fiebing's expert by any means other than knowing the company has been around for a while and sells very nice products.

A big factor with how well dye applies evenly and holds up over time is the quality of leather you use, too. I was gobsmacked when I finally invested in a nice piece of Hermann Oak - a huge difference 

[Studio-N]

9 hours ago, gracefulmeg said:

If you want pretty color options, go with Tandy Pro Waterstain. This is the only tandy coloring product I use and I have tried many others that are junk.

It works because it is NOT a tandy product. It is made by Fennis (Italian company). they did a great disservice when the labeled them with the eco-foo-foo brand.

I had people that wouldn't go near it because they already knew eco was crap. It took a lot of convincing to convert some users.  But I agree - it is good stuff. That and the Pro oil dyes are all I'll use.

Cheers!

[gracefulmeg]

3 hours ago, Studio-N said:

It works because it is NOT a tandy product. It is made by Fennis (Italian company). they did a great disservice when the labeled them with the eco-foo-foo brand.

I had people that wouldn't go near it because they already knew eco was crap. It took a lot of convincing to convert some users.  But I agree - it is good stuff. That and the Pro oil dyes are all I'll use.

Cheers!

I did not know that but makes a lot more sense now. thanks for the info! 

[NVLeatherWorx]

If you are looking for something that is going to penetrate deep into the leather and give a long lasting finish then go with the Fiebing's brand of products; been using them for decades (as they were the original source for all of our finishes back then anyway) and they haven't tinkered with the formula or the program.  Although the Eco-Flo Pro Waterstains do give you a good range of vibrant colors the lighter colors have a huge flaw in them: when the leather is exposed to constant sweat or moisture it stains and turns black and you can't get it off.  If you are just looking for something temporary and don't really care what the long term appearance is then go with the garbage from the Eco-Flo branded lines.  Water based products do not have the lasting power that spirit based products do and there isn't anything you can do to a water based formula to change that.  The Eco-Flo Oil Dyes are not a bad addition to the family but the colors are limited and you can only the black in a large amount than 4 oz., the rest are just small bottles and I burn through one of those a day, in just one color.  If you are looking to do a lot of leather production and may need to buy in a larger  quantity, you can check with Fiebing's and see if they will offer a wholesale program pricing structure to you.  I receive dealer pricing as I also stock minor quantities on-hand to sell to others who need a quick bottle or two.

[firstcapitalfirearms]

Thanks to all who replied. I appreciate the answers and feedback. 

 

Thanks

 

Mark

[Colt W Knight]

I use Fiebings pro oil dye for traditional leather colors, and if I want actual colors, I use Angelus Acrylic leather paint.