Another dying question+dye prep/de-glazer-What's it for?

[WolfWalker]

This is probably a newbie question but here goes:

I'm working on my first project(non-cas related), and I have a question for you guys.
I'm up to the dyeing stage of the project(used Fieblings Black Alcohol based dye), let everything dry, then proceeded to wipe of the powder leftover before the final finishing.  After wiping it down, it came out splotchy with lighter brown/black streaks.  I finally after about 1-2 more coats managed to get the dye evened out(looks pretty good after putting on resolene for the finish and buffing it).  Was there anything I should have done to prep the leather before applying the dye?

Second:  What is the difference between Fiebings Dye Prep #5 and deglazer?  Anybody use it, or are there any other "secret formulas" anybody uses to prep the leather before dying?

Any help would be greatly appreciated-WolfWalker

[Nolan Sackett]

any other "secret formulas" anybody uses to prep the leather before dying?

No secrets - I generallly use rubbing alcohol. For tougher spots denatured alcohol or acxetone.

To prep for dying I dampen the leather first - I use rubbing alcohol for this since it contains 30% water - the combo cleans/deglazes and preps all in one application - I use a cheap spray bottle to apply it. One old trick for a richer black is to dye with navy blue first and then black.

Hope this helps......

[WolfWalker]

Thanks for the tip, Nolan.
One thing I did notice when I was practicing on a scrap piece of leather last night.  I get a good even shade after I rubbed of the powder from the dye.  Everything looked like it was covered good,  Then I applied the resolene.  I had the same brown streaks/splotches as I did before(Like the resolene removed part of the dye).  Why wold it do that?--Wolfwalker