help with dyeing my belt

[lasruin]

in need help with dyeing my belt
after the first cost it looks a bit streaky
do i need to apply a second coat and will it make it any darker

should mention i'm dyeing new leather

cheers las

[LoreenShadowchaser]

What kind of dye are you using?

Yes, a second coat will make it darker. If you do another coat, go in a different direction than you did when you applied the first coat. Some people like to use a spray bottle to apply their dye. I don't know how Saberbelt does his dying.

The first time I dyed some raw leather black, it looked uneven and streaky. Until I put on the finish then it evened and smoothed out the look.


You do know you need to apply a finish to seal and protect the dye, don't you?

[ayanabashu]

loreenshadowchaser said:

You do know you need to apply a finish to seal and protect the dye, don't you?

It not only protects the dye, it also protects anything you wear under the belt. The dye will rub off onto the fabric and stain it if you do not seal it.

Also, when working with raw leather, wipe it down with a damp sponge, as if you were going to tool it. Then spray on the dye the first coat. This helps get an even coat since the dye will spread. You can spray the 2nd coat on dry. Allow the first coat to dry completely before you spray the 2nd coat.

[Mon-Jas Charan]

I like the streaked look ... gives the belt an aged and worn/weathered appearance rather then new ... but it is a personal preference.

[Leda EmBorr]

Is there a brand of dye you guys prefer?


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Ok, found this post here.... apfoister.proboards9.com/index.cgi?board=enostumes&action=display&n=1&thread=1240

Anything else? I guess Tandy should carry this... I'll have to look. I have boots that I need to dye to match that reddish brown color of Obi-Wan's. Right now they're tan.

[LoreenShadowchaser]

Many of us like to use Fiebing's Dye that is carried at Tandy Leather.



I have used the Tandy Pro Dye, too and also like that one.



Mon Jas, I also like a streaky look, makes my leather work look more rustic and hand made. Not perfectly even dying gives it character. So I use the wool daubers for my dying.

Someone even commented on my bracers not long ago, how they liked how it looked when the dye wasn't all even.

I also like using this particular finish on my work. It's actually shinier than it sounds like it would be, once you buff it with a soft cloth after it dries.



This is the finish I have used the most, though there are other ones.



I used the carnauba creme on my Sith belt because I wanted something duller and I didn't like it much, it turned out kind of waxy.



I see you've edited your post, Leda, before I could get mine up.

[Leda EmBorr]

loreenshadowchaser said:

I see you've edited your post, Leda, before I could get mine up.

lol! Yeah I was reading through the other forums when I came across it, but the info you posted here is much more thorough. Glad I didn't delete my question!


I like the uneven/streaky look as well... it makes the belt or boots look worn and weathered.... more natural, I think.