The Art of Leather Dye
The Art of Leather Dye
Leather dye is one of the many thing that set me apart as a custom builder. I approach it with my Fine art and Graphic art background. With many years of color studies and theories I believe I look at the dye different then most leathersmiths.
Dyeing leather is a challenge in its own but to duplicate colors and characteristics from other leather projects can be impossible. I have found many times day to day the same color will come out differently, even from the same bottle of dye and leather cut from the same hide.
Also the transition from indoors to outside makes it look very different with the saturation of natural light.
I utilize many standard leather dyes to create the single leather dyed projects that are always beautiful. The real magic happens when I apply a base coat of a lighter dye and apply oils, water and airbrush a darker dye to bring out the natural grain of the leather and accent its natural beauty. Many of my more popular projects have been dyed using a buckskin base and then airbrushed with mahogany.
Another popular one with not as many red tones in the leather is with a light tan and or buckskin base coat. Then applying a dark brown or chocolate the same way with the airbrush.
Black is one of the leather dyes that can be tricky but it's just a good classic look and has a stunning timeless feel.
One of my personal favorites when I get the chance, is a lighter color of dye. It makes for an eye catching piece. The leather has to be absolutely perfect in the prep work or every imperfection shows.
Currently we are limited to certain colors of lacing and suedes. I hope this helps with color selections. I am always up for the challenge, so if there is something you are thinking let me know.
Russell