modifying leather dyes .

K

Kevin the grey

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Aug 26, 2005
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I have some dark grey leather dye from Fiebings . It is just about the color I want though it is a little on the dark side . It also has a slight sheen to it which may be due to the fact that the store owner said there was more pigment in there than is normally present in most dyes . I would like to cut down the sheen as it looks a little metalic . The store owner suggested putting a little black dye in there as a solution . The dye is already dark enough and buying a whole container of black dye to use a little bit and have the rest dry up on me doesn,t seem like a good idea to me . Thats what happened to the last bottle I had .

I have some Kiwi Scuff Magic liquid which may do the trick . I,m going to try a little bit on some scrap leather .

If any of you guys have a different idea let me know .
 
Most of the dyes for leather can be reduced by simply adding water. I have bought dark brown leather dyes from Tandy and simply add water until I get the desired "light brown tan effect". I get more milage out of the dye by buying darker tones and adding water to lighten up the tone, rather than buying light tones in the first place.

I suggest using a small piece of test leather and experiment. Remember the leather will darken more when neatsfoot oil or saddle oils are added in the end to water proof and soften up the leather. Work the oil into the leather by hand, only once the dyed leather is completely dry.
 
Thanks Bufford . Good advice . This is an alcohol based dye . Are you sure I can add water to it ? I hope so as your idea to lighten it a bit sounds great .
 
Yes most of the dyes for leather are alcohol based. Does alcohol mix with water? Sure does, just think of mixed drinks, ah rum drinks with ice.:thumbup:
 
Bufford ? One of my Buddies kept on telling me to put a little water in my Scotch .
Honestly I kept on shuddering at the thought . Hmmm Divine bliss and water ?
I just couldn,t do it until he plied me with Scotch and bade me sit down and try it . He kept on saying that it brought out a smoky flavor . The jury is still out on that one . It may take several bottles and quite a few nights of listening to a wild Irishman regale me with tales of mystery and delight . (There is an upside to everything) L:O:L

Actually I thought the alcohol would sit on top of the water or at least not mix perfectly . I still rarely put ice in my drinks . Try 1/3 Grand Marnier and 2/3s Southern Comfort . ( No water please ) L:O:L
 
I read an article about a guy's pilgrimage to one of the Scotch distilleries ... can't remember which one. The guy showing him round finally came to the end of the tour, and to a cask that had been aging what seemed like forever. Poured a small tot into the glass.

"Here, put a splash of water with it" he said to the author. "Brings out the nose of the whisky."

"Never in life! What an abomination to dilute such a thing?"

"It all comes out of the vats over-proof lad ... what do you think we cut it with here at the distillery?"

Hmmm.
 
TomFetter said:
I read an article about a guy's pilgrimage to one of the Scotch distilleries ... can't remember which one. The guy showing him round finally came to the end of the tour, and to a cask that had been aging what seemed like forever. Poured a small tot into the glass.

"Here, put a splash of water with it" he said to the author. "Brings out the nose of the whisky."

"Never in life! What an abomination to dilute such a thing?"

"It all comes out of the vats over-proof lad ... what do you think we cut it with here at the distillery?"

Hmmm.
Click to expand...

Achhh Laddie what goes on behind closed doors should only be known by the perpetraitors . (pun intended)

Besides if they already diluted it with water why should I add more . The glass was washed with water (hopefully) thats as far as I want it to go . Nobody nose the troubles I,ve seen . L:O:L
 
Kevin the grey said:
Bufford ?

Actually I thought the alcohol would sit on top of the water or at least not mix perfectly . I still rarely put ice in my drinks . Try 1/3 Grand Marnier and 2/3s Southern Comfort . ( No water please ) L:O:L
Click to expand...

Grand Marnier sound great, havn't had that one since the cold nights last winter. I have great respect for Southern Comfort. About 25 years ago I drank a 40 of southern, followed by the better part of a 26er on a cold newyears eve. The next day my head hurt so bad I vowed to stay away from the stuff. Many years later I have a sip of it now and then, but the memory of the headache has given me great respect of good ol Southern Comfort.
 
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