Help new leather worker

[Katlyn4jc]

Hi!!

i just got my veg tan leather etched or engraved and ready to be painted or dyed. I realise it's kind of stiff or hard. How do I soften it alittle bit? Do l do that before or after the dying process.

 

it also has some dark colouring from the etching. How do take those off. Thanks 

[cowboycolonel]

did you case it before carving? a dew seconds in warm water and let it dry overnight in plastic.  Look up "casing"

[Katlyn4jc]

I did not case. Thanks 

[Mattsbagger]

Put a light coat of neetsfoot oil on it and let it sit 12 hrs min. Hard to take any staining or discoloration off veg tan. If it gets water spot on it wet whole piece so it discolors at same time. Black spots from iron can sometimes be removed with bar keepers friend.(oxcilic acid). You can oil before or after dyeing or both. A little goes a long way with neetsfoot. Dye will dry it out even more.

[Katlyn4jc]

Thanks