dying leather

[4444]

I just got back a elk hide that I got factory tanned, so its a pearl color. I'm planning on making it into a possibles bag. But I'd like to dye it a brown color. I've heard somewhere that boiled walnut hulls makes a good dye. A guy at work has a whole yard full of them. Any suggestions, I know TOW came out with a new book on the subject, thought I'd ask you guys first.

 

[Morgana918]

Don't know about walnut hulls for making a brown color in already tanned leather, but I do know a tip I read from a web site on traditional tanning methods. They used tree barks, leaves, etc. They recommended that you get fresh tree bark from nursuries that hasn't been rain soaked or processed much. If it has it has lost all/ most of the tannins from leaching. But since your is already tanned this may not be a big deal. Have you done a quick search engine hunt for "leather dye and traditional methods" or "traditional tanning methods"? This may turn up something of interest. I don't know that I can post the web site I am refering to but I can say that they specialize in traditional methods including braintan.___ :wink:
Hope this helps.

 

[tom hargrove]

if it dose not have to be a traditional thing i have with excellent results dyed many pieces of leather in rit dye it works :thumbsup:

 

[4444]

I've used Rit for dying feathers, powder horn and fabrics. Just concerned with the leather deforming or stiffing.

 

[tom hargrove]

i have never had a problem with it just mix the dye with hot water to dissolve then let it cool down for a few hours till room temp then add leather make sure all leather surfaces get equal exposure to avoid light spots it will not hurt leather if it does come out stiff working back and forth over a table edge will relax the fibers, try a small pc first to see the effect but it will take several hours in a soak :thumbsup: to acheive full color then rinse lightly and lay out to dry .