The simplest way to learn Leather Dyeing is to experiment with various dyes and leathers.
A lot of leathers have characteristics all their own. No two the same leathers will give the same results when dyed. It is suggested that you experiment with colors and techniques on a scrap piece.
For Block Dyeing Wrap a folded piece of cloth around a small block of wood then Fasten the cloth in place. Dip a wool dauber into dye and apply to the cloth on the block. Some beneficial effects can be achieved on embossed or plain leather goods by rubbing lightly in long strokes.
Wrap a piece of cloth (cotton) around your index finger and then Dip your finger into some dye and apply to belt. By blotting out excess dye on another piece of cloth you can limit the amount of dye to go on the belt and produce a shading effect. This method works well for dyeing embossed blanks because you will be able to apply dye to small areas.
Spraying - This requires some equipment: Spray gun, spray tent, compressor, hoses, etc. Spraying gives good results for shading and even application of dye. It is suggested that you wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Highlighting of belt can be accomplished by applying lacquer (Neat-Lac or Lac-Kote) to the belt before using dye. Carefully avoid lacquered area when applying dye. Lacquer will resist antique finish but not leather dye and after dyeing the belt a coating of antique finish will bring out all the highlights.
Final protective finished for the belt include many substances including acrylics, lacquer, neatsfoot oil and waxes. Depending on what type of finish you want on the belt (semi-gloss, glossy, etc.), it is suggested that you test some of these finishes. Possible finishes for the edge of belts include edge enamel, burnishing wax and edge dye.
These dyeing tips have been directed mainly at belts. These basic principals may be used in dyeing any other leather tooled or embossed items. Experimenting with different dyes and finishes will give your project a unique custom look.
A lot of leathers have characteristics all their own. No two the same leathers will give the same results when dyed. It is suggested that you experiment with colors and techniques on a scrap piece.
For Block Dyeing Wrap a folded piece of cloth around a small block of wood then Fasten the cloth in place. Dip a wool dauber into dye and apply to the cloth on the block. Some beneficial effects can be achieved on embossed or plain leather goods by rubbing lightly in long strokes.
Wrap a piece of cloth (cotton) around your index finger and then Dip your finger into some dye and apply to belt. By blotting out excess dye on another piece of cloth you can limit the amount of dye to go on the belt and produce a shading effect. This method works well for dyeing embossed blanks because you will be able to apply dye to small areas.
Spraying - This requires some equipment: Spray gun, spray tent, compressor, hoses, etc. Spraying gives good results for shading and even application of dye. It is suggested that you wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.
Highlighting of belt can be accomplished by applying lacquer (Neat-Lac or Lac-Kote) to the belt before using dye. Carefully avoid lacquered area when applying dye. Lacquer will resist antique finish but not leather dye and after dyeing the belt a coating of antique finish will bring out all the highlights.
Final protective finished for the belt include many substances including acrylics, lacquer, neatsfoot oil and waxes. Depending on what type of finish you want on the belt (semi-gloss, glossy, etc.), it is suggested that you test some of these finishes. Possible finishes for the edge of belts include edge enamel, burnishing wax and edge dye.
These dyeing tips have been directed mainly at belts. These basic principals may be used in dyeing any other leather tooled or embossed items. Experimenting with different dyes and finishes will give your project a unique custom look.
About the Author:
Writer Leather Expert Ethan O. Tanner explains the different ways of leather finishing and the leather dyeing to help with leather finishing.
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