Details/Methods on Dyeing Leather Belts & Pouches

[Theyrenotdolls (Den Dragonson)]

I'd like to pick the brains of you master leather crafters out there. I have a couple of issues regarding the dyeing of leather.
I have always simply used the wool daubers, dipped into the bottle, then spread onto the leather.
I talked to the guy at the tandy shop here, he says that he uses a regular kitchen sponge... makes it damp...then puts it on top of the bottle, turns it upside down a bit...then spreads it on the leather .

Do you have special ways of dyeing that have proven effective?

Also, i previously had access to the Tandy brand dyes, now i can only get (locally) the Fiebring dyes....these seem to be a LOT stronger/more concentrated and the colors seem to turn out the same....ie...light brown, med. brown...look pretty much the same....british tan/Tan look pretty much the same......
any help here as well?

Thanks,
Den

[Lartuenecrof]

Well I use the wool daubers and used a polishing cloth to get it an even coat. Then after allowing to dry, apply your finish. (ex: Super Sheene, Satin Sheene)

You should be able to get the Tandy brand from the Leather Factory in N.O. If you need the addy let me know. The Tandy brands have better color control, IMO.

Rudy G.

[LoreenShadowchaser]

Hmm, I've used several different shades of brown Fiebings dye and it always looks different between the various shades. Maybe it has something do to with the leather that you use?

I just use the wool daubers for dying, too. I've heard of people spraying the dye onto their leather, but that sounds like it could be pretty messy, at least I have a more controlled mess with my daubers.

I don't worry about the dye looking a little uneven with just those, since it all seems to even out after I put the finish on.

I know it's not Jedi related, but here's my latest leather creation. It's a prototype for the Rebel Fleet Trooper DH-17 holster of my own design. Not quite movie accurate, since the end of the barrel isn't hanging out, but I find it more asthetically pleasing.

My So Cal Rebel Legion base is doing a group Fleet Trooper project for San Diego Comic-Con.

The prop blaster was made by none other than our Jedidad here on these boards.





It has a few problems that I'll address on the next ones, which is why I made a prototype, since I will be making several for our group.

I used this dye, which is the Saddle Tan color: