dying leather

[Gahagan]

I bought some of the pre made sheaths from Jantz because I needed a couple of sheaths fast fro a show I am doing. I was wondering what is involved in dying them. Do I just buy the dye and rub it on and wait for it to dry? I am sorry if I sound ignorant but I have no experinace in this area.

 

[Paul Long]

It depends on the finish that is already on the sheaths, if any. If the sheaths are "naked" then you can just apply the dye and let it dry, then buff with a paper towel or old cloth to remove the top residue. If they happen to have some top finish then you will have to apply a deglazer to remove that finish and then dye.

Paul

 

[Doug Lester]

Not knowing how the sheaths were handled, I'd assume the worst and clean them with acetone before staining. I clean the ones that I make with acetone and then the deglazer, isopropal alcohol with some vitamine C (ascorbic acid) added, before staining. The leather should also be thoroughly damp. Chuck Burrows gave me a tip about not using those cute little applicators that some of the stains come with. They always caused a problem for me in giving a uneven coat. What he suggested is to go down to the hardware store and get some of those small foam brushes. Apply the stain liberally.

Doug Lester

 

[Gahagan]

Thanks