Couple of Questions

T

TXDan

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Feb 5, 2012
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I am finally going to get a little time to do some leather work in the near future and would like to get an order placed for supplies, but need a little help. I am looking for a brown dye that is close to the color of a new work boot. The link below is the color I am after. The places I order from have Fiebing's or Tandy's Eco-Flo brand dye. After working around paints/stains for many years I know the online color charts are not always the most accurate so I hope one of you that have actually used the dye on leather can recommend something.

http://www.wolverine.com/US/en-US/P...aShocks-8-inch-Kiltie-Lacer-Boot?dimensions=0

At some point during my online reading about sheath making I read about someone using a short awl or punch that is used on the backstitch holes to open them up a little more. Does anyone know the technical term for this tool? I have not had success searching the Tandy or Springfield Leather site. Thanks in advance.
 
Dan, I would stay away from the water based dyes (Eco Flow). Feibing's Mahogany should come very close to the color you are after. If it is available in the Feibing's Professional Oil Dye line, I would chose that. If not I would go with Feibing's Spirt Dye (regular dye).

I think a small "scratch awl" is what you are looking for for the backstitch holes.

Paul
 
Thanks Paul. I have tried the Mahogany and it's a little to dark and a little to far and the red side. I was thinking about the medium brown or dark brown but have not seen either in person. I think I will order both and start mixing if it is not what I am looking for. Mixing custom stains and paint for years has given me a sharp eye for color and probably created a perfectionist in that area along the way.
 
Medium Brown would be the next logical choice and if you use Spirit dye you can dilute it slightly with alcohol to lighten it up some if necessary.

Paul
 
Dan, I'm with Paul I've never had a good result with the water dye. You might try Fiebings British Tan or Saddle Tan.
 
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Thanks. I ordered some Fiebings Med Brown to test. Now I am looking forward to my next sheath project in a couple of days.
 
That looks a lot like something in between medium brown and dark brown in color.

Both are available in the Pro Oil dye. Note that the oil dye takes quite some time to "cure" in to its final color. Its slow but so much better results.

Water based dye, ugh. I know it has its place, but its a bear to work with. I had to use some a while back to match a certain color the buyer wanted, that was one of the worst times I've ever had dyeing a sheath. Saddle Tan gives me fits at times, but that water stuff is downright evil to work with.
 
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