Question for you leather guys...

[El_Toro]

I just recently dyed a leather sheath that I made. After dyeing it, I applied Tandy Super Shene (picture below) to finish it. This is a water based finished. Anyhow, after drying, the finish left a strong scent that smelled somewhat like baby powder.:barf: After a week, the smell still didn't go away, so I chucked the sheath. What do you leather guys use to finish a sheath after dyeing it? Are the lacquer based finishes better to use or did I just do something wrong?

 

[MORIMOTOM]

how about sno seal? smells, but ive been told it works great and the smell goes away. i have some, but havent treated anything yet.

 

[leatherman]

For the initial finish I use Fiebings "Leather Balm with Atom Wax" easy to use, sinks in nice and deep, and lets the leather breathe.

Any of those acrylic based sealers simply put a plastic barrier over the leather.

I've used laquer based sealers before, but again they seal up the leather. If you have to use acrylic or laquer products be sure to oil the leather well and let it sit for 12 hours or so to let it soak in real well.

I'm stumped on your scent problem! I did get some red leather dye once that smelled like old lady perfume, so anythings possible.

 

[El_Toro]

Leatherman,
So the Fiebings "Leather Balm with Atom Wax" would be applied after I dye the leather, correct? Also, is it applied to the inside of the sheath before stitching it up?

As for the smell, the green leather dye I used smelled like old lady perfume (you hit the nail on the head there!). The "Super Shene" finish is what smelled like baby powder.