Dyeing leather

[SCOMAN]

I've just dyed a belt with the normal Fieblings mahogany leather dye. Before I trash a number of jeans/trousers do I need to coat it with something to stop the dye leeching into clothing? I normally just give the outer face a coating of carnuba cream.

 

[John Fenna]

I use boot polish...

 

[SCOMAN]

Is that enough to fix the dye so my clothes don't get trashed?

 

[Dreadhead]

I use a couple of coats of resolene mixed 50/50 with water and then carnauba cream

 

[Wetneck]

Same as above, 50/50 with Resolene and water then Carnauba (I use a sort of thin paste applied sparingly)

Resolene is a great product but in the first few times I tried it the results were mixed, it's one that you need to find the best way to work with your methods, if that makes sense?

 

[ozzy1977]

Boot polish is what I use.

 

[HillBill]

Whys that mate? If you put the resolene on first, will it not put up a barrier which will prevent the carnauba getting into the leather, rendering the carnauba stage pointless? And if not, why are you putting resolene on if it doesn't provide the barrier, which is its sole purpose/?

I use a couple of coats of resolene mixed 50/50 with water and then carnauba cream

 

[Dreadhead]

I see the carnauba as more of a conditioner, and don't think it fully waterproofs the leather so the resolene is the water proof and the carnauba to soften and buff to a shine. You may be right though about getting them done in the right order, iv tried both ways and have had no problems as long as both are used and not just one if them

 

[HillBill]

Fair enough mate

I tried resolene... didn't like it, so i switched to mink oil. I oil the leather before i dye it... though you need oil dyes to do that, then oil it again after the dye, then carnauba cream. This is my preferred method. Darkens the colour up a bit though. Turns a tan into a light to mid brown. The carnauba gives it the shine, but i dont rely on it for waterproofing either

I have some atom wax that i have not used yet... gonna give that a go at some point.

I see the carnauba as more of a conditioner, and don't think it fully waterproofs the leather so the resolene is the water proof and the carnauba to soften and buff to a shine. You may be right though about getting them done in the right order, iv tried both ways and have had no problems as long as both are used and not just one if them

 

[Dreadhead]

Ooo nice one I have been overseas 3 months now so feeling pretty out of touch with my leatherwork!

 

[HillBill]

3 months already? Feck. So hows the mentality then.... wanna come home or wanna stay put?

 

[Dreadhead]

Ha, we are heading back on Wednesday to spend xmas with families then flying back out to Norway in Jan. Will be good to recharge the batteries

 

[MSkiba]

Unless you think the belt will get very wet, you can do without the resolene.

I dye, buff, carnauba crème, buff, neatsfoot oil, buff. Never has come off on my clothes yet. What you should worry about is if you use edge cote. That has come off on me a few times.

 

[DaveBromley]

i use carnuba creme first and then resolene 50/50 mix, i find this way the carnuba really gets into the leather and makes it a lot more supple, then the resolene gives it the waterproof coating it needs

Just my 2 cents

Dave

 

[John Fenna]

I have seen items treated with Resolene that look plastic coated, which is why I do not use it (plus the extra cost ) - I have belts that are in daily use and have been for years that have nothing but boot polish (renewed on the odd occasion when I want to look super smart - about once every 5 years) and have never had a dye leak (Punch/dylon dyes) the only dye leak I ever had from a belt was years ago when one I bought in a high street shop poured its dye into my new trekking trousers in tropical sweat and canoe soaked conditions...
If I have not dyed the leather I tend to use Nikwax, for re-enactment leathers I just use Neetsfoot oil and beeswax mix.
For the edges of belts I find a good burnishing is all that is needed...

 

[leon-1]

I have seen items treated with Resolene that look plastic coated,

It's not been used properly if it looks like that. Probably multiple layers applied thickly.

 

[topknot]

Take a look at uncle Ray's belt's simples.

Topknot

 

[Hibrion]

I find resolene is best used with Fiebings professional dyes. I use it as is, applied with a damp sponge. It takes a bit of practice, but it's a great finsih once you get the hang of it.

 

[SCOMAN]

Guys thanks for all yr advice, appreciate the help.