Dying Leather....

[Arizona Cattleman]

Has anybody ever used India Ink to dye leather black?

Cattleman

[cowboy316]

hay there Cattleman if i where you the easiest black ive ever done is the Vinagroon mix look  it up under the FAQ and how to section of this  thread and there is a section on  this stuff its not to bad and gives a good even black to what your working on
just my $.02 worth hope this might help a bit
Cowboy316

[Arizona Cattleman]

Thanks Pard....

Cattleman

[Arizona Cattleman]

I just did a test with india ink.  I like the results.  I dyed it let it dry, conditioned with Lexol, let it dry, then buffed it.  In the pic the center tooling was done before the dying, the two  to the left after the dying. No original color came thru.  What do you all think.  I know the pic may not be good enough to tell.  Be sure to use disposable gloves as it will stain your hands.

PS, I did this because I don't have the resources to make the natural dyes.

[Arizona Cattleman]

It washes off, I.ll keep trying, sorry to bother you all.


Cattleman

[Ace Lungger]

Cattleman,
If you have a place that turns brake drums or brake rotors, they will gladly give you all the shavings you want! Get you a gallon of vinager and about a 1/2 cup or so of the shaving, and shake it good twice a day for 3 days, and Bingo, you have the best Black you caqn get!
Later ACE

[Arizona Cattleman]

I should be able to find a place like that.  I guess I was thinking I would need a large drum or something.   I did find  out that if you wash some of the india ink off it leaves a really nice aged look to the black leather.  I think maybe I didn't let it dry long enough.  I am retesting right now.  I'll keep ya all updated.

Cattleman

[Slowhand Bob]

If it comes out to easily with water, try to avoid it.  It will leach out forever in hot sweaty or humid conditions and continuously stain your clothes.

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

    Howdy Cattleman

          that might not be the best thing to use, ink will bleed and run, for something small like your doing there it wouldn't matter, but for belts holsters and anything that could get wet, you wouldn't want to use ink, IMHO, there are too many good dyes/antiques/stains and acrylic paint for leather, in all sorts of colors, that will work a lot better, and even with them you need to seal the dye with some finish, a good place to learn is the Fac/How toos, there is a lot to read, but there is a bunch of good information in them.


                                                   Best Regards

                                               tEN wOLVES  

[Arizona Cattleman]

Thnks, You are right.  I used to use india ink to make a black walnut die for wood.  worked great but you would seal the wood with oil or a varnish et.  Just thought it might work on leather also. Thanks for all your advice.  Just learning.

Cattleman

[Dalton Masterson]

Fiebings Black will work great, if you first use the Fiebings Blue. It makes a much richer color, than just the black over leather.
You still have to put a topcoat over it, but its a nice black.

The Vinegaroon is a very nice black as well, but its been discussed already.
DM