Leather dyes

[Athena Areias]

I used the vinegar/steel wool solution to "dye" my new spolas black (actually a deep. deep gray - neat's foot oil made it "black". I had veg-tan hide. I brushed it on - move fast! I used a baking soda rinse (big tub!) to stop the reaction. Then I rinsed it in plain water. After it dried (blotchy - but it evened out), I used the oil on it, It is pliable but not floppy. I've been meaning to post a pic, I guess I should sort that out. The black came out fine. Test it on scrap to see how your hide will react. The longer you leave it on, the darker it gets. The longer you leave it on, the more the leather breaks down. Testing is your friend. Don't forget the edges - they will suck up the solution because the fibers are exposed.