Help with Dyeing Bag

[Panzerschwein]

Hey

So not long ago I commissioned a shooting pouch and it is very dandy. Made from a milled beeve’s lesther, it is handsome. But under the strap and also under the flap and inside the pouch it is undyed.

I do not like the raw undyed leather look and it is bothering me. I am wondering a good way to dye it? I have some Fiebing leather dye and have used it before, but I am trying to find a way to apply the dye to the leather without it getting saturated and bleeding out and all over everything.

Anyone have any idea maybe?

-Smokey

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I don't have a clue what to   do either, but if it were mine and in your position, I'd simply fill a bowl with dye and methyl hydrate, let the pouch take up, hang it to dry outside in the sun, and then oil it with neatsfoot oil.  (if I couldn't live with the unstained parts, which I think I could).  This is probably an unwise approach...others will correct me I'm sure.

[James Rogers]

I'd ask the maker as he knows the leather. If is veg. tan you can chemically color the back with vinegroon and it won't rub off on you like a spirit dye. Fiebings and the like will leech out on you if you sweat or it gets wet. By pasting and compressing the flesh side to help seal the fibers and then putting on a top coat (on the back) you can somewhat help to stop it.

Frankly I would rub dirt and grime in the flesh side to darken it and then rub in some mink oil or axle grease before I would dye it with a spirit dye.
 

[T.C.Albert]

I would also do just what James said about rubbing
Dirt then mink oil into the leather first. I will often use Dr Jackson’s Hide rejuvenator for exactly that purpose.
TC

[Mark Elliott]

This is a variation on the previous responses.   I might try applying some Fiebings Antique Finish in dark brown.   A stain at this point is liable to just make a mess. 

[Robby]

Exposing un-dyed leather to the sun will darken it up real nice.
Robby

[Greg Pennell]

Lots of makers (me included) don’t dye the back of the straps to keep the dye from transferring to the users clothing. I generally just coat the undyed areas with liquid mink oil, which darkens them considerably.  It soaks well into the leather, and so far, hasn’t stained any of my clothing. I also use it on the pouch interior, unless it’s lined with some sort of cloth.

Or, as the others recommended, just use it...it’ll naturally darken with age, and exposure to sun, sweat, dirt, etc.  Patina.

Greg

[Cory Joe Stewart]

Depending on what kind of leather it is, dying the flesh side can be messy.  It soaks it up more.  Two option you can try.  Put the bag in a bucket of water, usually that will cause some color to transfer to the undyed portion.  I also brush shoe polish onto undyed areas, it does not completely stain them, but it will take the brightness away. 

As has been noted, with a little use it will not stay bright long. 

Cory Joe Stewart

[Marcruger]

My experience is that leather is sort of like Pampers material.  By that I mean if you dye the finished side in a reasonable manner (not dunking, soaking), then the dye stays on the finished side. 

On the other hand, if you put something (dye, oil, water) on the suede side, it transfers fast to the finished side like a sponge. 

I have read on forums where folks will say, "I am thinking about putting a turbo on my car.  What do I need to do to get there?"  The best response is almost always, "Sell your car and buy the turbo version."  In this case, if it really bothers you, sell that bag and buy one that suits you.  I think you'll be happier in the long run.  I only see unhappiness in trying to dye your existing bag. 

I am no expert, but I hope this helps.   God Bless,   Marc

[thecapgunkid]

You have enough good advice to proceed from this thread.

The only thing I did not see in the post is prepping the leather.  My Master taught me to soak the leather first, and I have found that loading up with neatsfoot oil helps spread the dye.
I stopped glopping dye after dye after dye coat on because that is the principal source of run off.  Once the leather is saturated with oil, I go after it with a chunk of wool pad, foregoing the use of those applicators.

I have also found that James' comment about staying away from spirit dyes is good advice.   You might find that a couple of sloshings with neatsfoot, followed  by a session sitting in the sun, might bring both a patina and honey color that is very appealing without any dye at all.  If you want to dye, look for water based.  Regardless, you gotta briskly brush all the excess dye off with a shoe brush.  I have oine on a wheel next to my sanders.

Preventing run off will also depend on what type of finish you put on , usually some sheen like product.  I've gotten used to soaking it into the flesh side.

That's all twentieth century stuff, tho. 

Dye notwithstanding, try mixing up two parts liquid lanolin with one part tallow, melted and cooled.  Add some pine oil by the tablespoon until you get a jelly like consistency.  This is called Dubbn, and leather loves it.

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks, all! I am going to try minks oil or the other recommendations and just see what happens.

I had the bag custome made for me and as such the shape and features are tailor made for my shooting style. I do not want to give up on this bag as I am so incredibly picky about them and for me finding the right bag and horn is sometimes harder than finding the right rifle!