Streaking dye

[MarkCdub]

Im using fiebings pro dye's, and I cant seem to get a finish that doesn't look streaky.  I can tell the streaks are where I reload the dauber and I overlap a strip of what I have already done.  Do I need to use a circular pattern when applying dye?

[bikermutt07]

A circular pattern will help. A lot of folks opt for a larger applicator when doing larger pieces. A piece of sponge or shearling are good options. 

Also, after you buff and apply some neetsfoot oil the dye tends to blend together a little more. If you look closely a lot of pieces shown on this site have some degree of variation in the dying.

Another technique ( I haven't tried) is block dying. Take a large block and wrap it in an old t shirt. Dip that into a pan of dye. Then take it across the whole piece at the same time.

Edited February 10, 2018 by bikermutt07

[MarkCdub]

I saw a video where the guy had a big tub and just dipped the leather into it.  That came out clean, but he also had a gallon jug of dye.  I suppose I need to let it dry a little while.  

Its just a good thing that the part thst is streaked will not be visible.

[fredk]

For large areas I dampen the leather and apply dye with a sponge about 3 x 4 inches. I apply in a few straight strokes then go over it using circular

For medium sized item I dip dye. I use a stainless steel oven baking tray. I dilute the dye about 2 alcohol to 1 dye

[bikermutt07]

20 minutes ago, fredk said:

For large areas I dampen the leather and apply dye with a sponge about 3 x 4 inches. I apply in a few straight strokes then go over it using circular

For medium sized item I dip dye. I use a stainless steel oven baking tray. I dilute the dye about 2 alcohol to 1 dye

Listen to @fredk, according to another post he has been at this a long long time.

[Halitech]

A lot of times I'll do the initial application using a 2" foam brush in a circular motion. Once everything is covered, I then do a heavy application in a straight line. let it dry then buff like mad. Usually end up with very minimal streaking that way

[Mattsbagger]

I've switched to an airbrush because I didn't have luck either dip or wipe dyeing.

[fredk]

1 hour ago, bikermutt07 said:

Listen to @fredk, according to another post he has been at this a long long time.

Not that long ole chap. Only about 18 years

I found that normally dry leather absorbs the dye unevenly. By dampening the leather, not too wet, the water helps the dye spread thru the leather giving it a more even absorption, I make sure my sponge is not dripping wet with the dye as well as if it is the first part you touch will get the most dye and the rest of the leather will get a minimal amount. A sponge wetted with dye then squeezed out applies dye more evenly

I use Fieblings dye which I dilute with methylated spirits [alcohol]

[bikermutt07]

13 minutes ago, fredk said:

Not that long ole chap. Only about 18 years

I found that normally dry leather absorbs the dye unevenly. By dampening the leather, not too wet, the water helps the dye spread thru the leather giving it a more even absorption, I make sure my sponge is not dripping wet with the dye as well as if it is the first part you touch will get the most dye and the rest of the leather will get a minimal amount. A sponge wetted with dye then squeezed out applies dye more evenly

I use Fieblings dye which I dilute with methylated spirits [alcohol]

Thanks Fred.

[MarkCdub]

Wow, bunch of great information.  Thank you.

Does diluting the dye make it lighter and therefore give you more time/control to get the desired color and coverage?