2 different colors with the same dye and sealer

[JazzBass]

Yeah, that's a rather extreme difference, all right.

A related problem I've had as well, is that Tan Kote and Resoline have a solvent effect. This can work to our advantage with cleaning up antiquing, but I've had it effect panels that were dyed, when the finish coat is wiped on, leaving it "splotchy", changing from a smooth solid color to a "distressed" look, when unintended.
I'm guessing that it's probably better to spray the finish coats if possible. Any thoughts on this? Does light spraying help "freeze" the colors better?

[YinTx]

This looks like old leather that has already seen some use and has patina, especially noting the lacing holes and edges, and the fact that one side of the piece is light and one side dark where it appears to have been folded in the middle.  Also looks like a finish has been added and worn off of one side.  What are we looking at?

YinTx

[BlackJoe]

I am making a hatchet sheath. I cut the body and strap from the same piece of leather, folded, punched, dyed, and sealed. I did both pieces at the same time. The piece above the body is the top strap. I don’t mind the body being 2 toned because I like the worn look but the strap doesn’t match either piece.

Edited November 15, 2018 by BlackJoe

[YinTx]

1 hour ago, BlackJoe said:

I am making a hatchet sheath. I cut the body and strap from the same piece of leather, folded, punched, dyed, and sealed. I did both pieces at the same time. The piece above the body is the top strap. I don’t mind the body being 2 toned because I like the worn look but the strap doesn’t match either piece.

BlackJoe,

So what I am curious about is was the leather previously used, or did you cut it from a brand new side of leather?

YinTx

[BlackJoe]

It was from a remnants pack

[Rockoboy]

Maybe one part of the leather piece had some contaminant on the surface. There is probably no way you will ever be able to know if that is what happened. Its unfortunate that your 2nd strap also turned out different.

If the pieces were not sealed after dye, I would suggest trying to lighten the dye or clean the surface with a solvent of some sort, or maybe saddle soap, then re-apply the dye. That's all I have, sorry.