Dyeing raw leather black

S

southernfryedyankee

Joined
Dec 12, 2009
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I have some veg tanned 1/2" 6/7 OZ leather straps that I want to dye black for the belt loops for the sheath and knife I am giving my son. Is there a preferred product or method, it does not need to be perfect but it might be a handy skill to know just in case.
 
Fiebings leather dye is one of the best. After it dries you might consider hand polishing and then sealing it.
 
I really like the results of using vinegaroon, after trying that I doubt I would ever buy black leather dye. A search here should turn up some info on it, it's basically just vinegar with iron filings or steel wool dissolved in it. You wet the leather with the solution, let it work for a few minutes, then neutralize in a baking soda bath. It sometimes comes out grey or blue-ish grey after drying, a light coat of neatsfoot oil turns it jet black. The color is stable, goes deep into the surface, and dosen't stain clothing like black dye, in my experience.
 
When I was visiting Charlie Ochs workshop some years back he told me if you wanted to dye leather black, with good results, first dye it blue. Not sure which brand dye he used but his technique works well. Not sure how it would work on raw leather but might be worth a try. John
 
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