Lightening Dyed Leather

[f1humlam]

So I dyed some leather watch straps and it was supposed to be golden brown, but it dyed almost black. Is there a way to lighten the leather back a little bit after it has been dyed?

[bikermutt07]

Not that I know of. What type of dye, strength, method\ applicator did you use?

[f1humlam]

It was Fiebing's Leather Dye - Golden Brown.  I used a method I found online where I dampen the leather with some misting water spray and then use a wool applicator to wipe it on.  The first time around it turned into a great color of golden brown, but the next time I tried to do it it just came out so dark, almost black looking.  I have read to dilute the dye down with alcohol and then work from there, but I have yet to try that.

[Mattsbagger]

When you dampen the leather more dye soaks in. Also as you put additional coats of dye on it will darken. I have gone to almost always using a cheap Harbor Freight airbrush to get nice even color. I USUALLY don't dilute but if I do I start at 50/50 and test on scrap.

[f1humlam]

Oh.  The dampening is where I might have gone wrong then.  I was under the thought (after reading up) that it was required to dampen before dying in order to get it to lock in more evenly.  I don't have a big workspace so an airbrush I feel would be messy.  I also like the individuality of the straps when hand dying them.  The water might be the issue though.

[Mattsbagger]

I'd start bye cutting the dye 50/50 and one swipe. Let it dry a few mins if want darker go another swipe.

[f1humlam]

Definitely going to be trying that tonight and this weekend.