Dye First or Stamp First?

[dschonbrun]

hi Everyone,

I'm new here and have some basic questions.

For my last sheath, I waited until after stamping to dye/tan. The results were good, but some of the leather didn't take the dye as well due in part to the stamps.

Should I dye before stamping, or stamp before dye-ing?

Appreciate your input.

Thanks,
David

 

[defaultuser]

I stamp before I dye but let's hear from the real experts!

 

[parbajtor]

I always stamp before dyeing, because when I tried it the other way, the stamping never seemed to be as crisp. I've only ever had a problem with patchy take up if the leather or the tool(s) was contaminated with oil/grease/ solvent. I also tend to play about with textures and finishes, so dyeing is never the end of the treatment process.

 

[leatherman]

Always do your stamping and carving first, then dye or antique or both.

Reason being your cutting into the leather, and opening areas that would be un dyed. Its better to go ahead and get the new areas opened up so you can get a nice even color and/or darken the carved areas so they stand out.