how can you make airbrushed dyes penetrate deeper?

[immiketoo]

Well, nothing can take the place of dyes applied with wool, and the question was can help the dye soak deeper, not as deep as.  Oiling before and after your dye coats will help improve the durability of the finish beyond just spraying it, but if you want dauber depth you'll have to get good at making even colors and fades sans airbrush.  It can be done, but its not easy.

[Jarednem]

I guess you can use a dauber and then airbrush to make things look even

Edited August 19, 2018 by Jarednem

[immiketoo]

20 hours ago, Jarednem said:

I guess you can use a dauber and then airbrush to make things look even

That doesn't really work.  If its uneven to start, airbrushing will show it.  Unless you go way darker than intended.  Black is the great equalizer  

[johnv474]

You can always dye with a soak-in penetrating dye using a damp sponge and then airbrushing.  Or apply a heavy protective coat to protect the airbrushed dye from damage.  Or dip dye and then use airbrush for special effects.  Or saturate your leather with alcohol, such as in a baking pan, so it can continue to soak up alcohol while you spray it.  Possibly, casing the leather using dish soap and water, would be worth attempting. 

Part of the snag is how much airbrushed dye is dry before it hits the surface.  Therefore, not absorbed, plus eventually clocks subsequent dye from penetrating.

I would also skip any water-based dye and skip the regular line of dyes and skip to the pro dyes.