nail polish remover leather

James w

James w

Joined
Aug 6, 2015
Messages
951
I've been told to Rub the outside of the leather down with nail polish remover prior to dying it do I use acetone vs or non acetone ?


Thx for all the help y'all have been great with all my questions
 
Also the same guy said to drill the leather and kydex with a 1/4 in drill bit would that be okay on the leather ?
 
Not really clear on what you are trying to accomplish here. Drilling leather with a 1/4" drill bit is likely to give you some really ragged, rough holes. If it is securely backed cemented or affixed to kydex then it may do better, but larger drill bits and relatively soft leather don't make a good combination. They tend to do more tearing than drilling.

As far as I know all nail polish remover is acetone based if not pure acetone, and acetone will remove dye pigment to a great degree if it goes on after the dye. (it is great to remove dye from you hands) If it is applied first and has totally evaporated probably no problem.

Hard to offer more, not knowing what your intentions are.

Paul
 
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I've heard of using alcohol to remove the coating that is on some finished leather products, but not nail polish remover. I used the non acetone remover when I color filled the lettering on one of my pistols.

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http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/969223-DIY-kydex-leather-tutorial-the-noob-way

This was the tutorial I was looking at he says and I quote

Rub the outside of the leather down with nail polish remover. Do not skip this step. The finish on the veg tan leather prevents the dye from penetrating properly. The more seriously you take this step, the less exccess dye you'll have to rub off in the next step, which is desirable. He also says Use a 1/4 inch drill bit to drill the holes through both the leather and the kydex at the same time. It titled the noobz guide so maybe he got it wrong?
 
It's okay before dying but remember after dying rub in some leather conditioner. That stuff is also a stripping agent and will remove any oils from the leather.
 
Is there another way that better to prep the leather for dying?

Is there a better way to punch holes in leather without the punch tool?
 
So what about drilling leather really slowly? Would that just shread the leather?
 
Fiebing's use to make a deglazing agent. Bought a gallon bout 30 years ago. Pretty sure I bought a gallon of acetone. When I dye I do not deglaze the leather any more and havn't for oh bout 30 years. Not necessary. But about the same time I switched from the spirit dyes to Fiebings oil dyes. More even dyeing, (less mottling) and much less dye transfer if that is your concern. I'd be hseistant to drill leather with a 1/4" bit. How bout mating your two surfaces together after predrilling your kydex, marking where your holes go and using a drive punch for the leather. You can get a cheapie at any hardware store. Even a decent one (Osborne) are just a few bucks. Something made for leather.
 
Are there any 1/4 punches for leather that are good under 10 bucks that are good I know the budgets tight but that's all I can for now
 
You have 2 hand operated options -

1) a rotary punch, which has 5 or 6 different sizes of punches. The cheapest version has fixed tubes that are not replaceable, while the replaceable tube versions are more expensive. They range from about $12 to $70 depending on the brand, any sales, used, etc.

2) hand punches. Some can be bought individually or in a "set" of 5 or 6 punches. They come with a single handle and the different size punches are threaded and easily swapped. These sets usually come in "small" or "large. Tandy calls them "mini" and "maxi". The 1/4" is part of the Maxi set. These sets run from $11 to $20.
 
I'm a drive punch guy. Don't even have a rotary punch.
 
I have tried the nail polish remover and acetone before dying leather. It does work as far as dye looking more even and also I was having a problem with the Black dyes rubbing off even after rubbing and rubbing. Now after using acetone the Black dyes seem to soak into the veg tan leather better and not rubbing off on clothing while wearing. Now I always rub down veg tan leather before any dying.
 
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