Leather dyed handles- need advice

[marekz]

Hello all, I have never made a dyed leather stacked handle. I have all my leather cut, Im ready to stack it onto the tang. I want the leather dyed brown, at which point I will epoxy everything.. Question--If I dye the leather now-Then epoxy it, wont the dye just grind off when i shape the handle. I doubt the leather gets dyed all the way through , so after grinding , ill end up with the original leathers color. How do i / or at what point, will I be able to dye the handle?? After I epoxy it- the dye should not take at all , am i right to assume ? I would appreciate whatever advice/experiences you can offer.
Thanks much--Marekz

 

[12345678910]

I believe that as you epoxy the layers together, the epoxy will penetrate a little from the edges.
and keep the dye from penetrating when it gets put on last.

I believe that is why you see lighter lines at the seams like in this photo below

I think it's an attractive look.

If you want' homogeneous dark colour, then I agree you will have to dye them first.

I'd run trials on test pieces with your dye, how long you soak then dry and cut.


different dyes, oil, alcohol, waterr based and different colours will all act differently.


but I'm no leather expert

I'd definitely do test pieces.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Those light layers are part of the leather (the outer part)
If you screw the handle together you don't need to glue it.
You can if you like, but I wouldn't use epoxy. Epoxy gets hard and I think you'll end up feeling the layers of epoxy inbetween the leather.
If you use glue, use one that stays flexible after drying. (leather glue) Rough the leather up(gritt 24 of 40 would be good), glue it, let it dry, glue it a second time, let it dry again, and if you like, activate the glue with a paint stripper of hair dryer. Both sides of the leather are glued and when putting them together, make the bond strong by hammering the pieces together.
Shape the handle and dye it close to finishing.

 

[jawilder]

Honestly I wouldn't use any type of conventional dye at all, only because it always rubbs off on your hands, clothes, etc. Instead I would try vinegroon. It does a good job and won't come off.
Jason