Dyeing in bulk

[WyoMan]

First post here! So I make leather hat patches with a laser engraver and business is booming! I'm wondering about dyeing all the patches quick and consistently. Is there a dyeing wax that I can just wipe onto the leather? I've tried dyeing first and then engraving but I don't like that look. I have an air brush but I find that hard to use for a consistent look. 

I use Tandy leather 2-3oz Oak Leaf and I'll attach photos of what my finished product looks like and how I'd like to try and keep the look consistent 

IMG_20210909_080955_849.webp

[TomG]

I'd use a dip dye technique.

So some test strips and dilute the dye with Denatured alcohol to get the color that you want. I dilute all of my dyes at least 50/50 as a rule.

I think Tandy has or had an all in one dye/sealer called EcoFlo or something.

Never used them but if they are still.available, it might be worth a try.

I personally use Leather Balm with Atom Wax as a top coat conditioner and sealer.

Tom

[PastorBob]

That's pretty cool.  How are you attaching the leather to the cap? 

If you can get all the char off the leather, for those small pieces, simply pour your dye into a shallow container that has a large enough area to completely submerge your projects.  Literally just get it completely wet with dye, then remove and set aside to dry.  Weaver leathercraft has some videos showing this technique.  make sure to take a piece of plastic (like a trashbag) and secure to your workbench on which to lay the wet pieces just so it doesn't get real messy and make sure to wear gloves.  Some of the dyes take a long while to get out from under your fingernails.

[Atalanta]

I can’t really add any more other than puppy training pads are great to put down when dyeing. You protect the surface and don’t end up with dye puddles.