How To Dye Leather With Water Based Dye

This is my process for dying veg tan leather from start to finish using Fiebing's Water Colors and Obenauf’s Leather Oil and Heavy Duty LP. Links below:
Heavy Duty LP: amzn.to/2VZHcSE
Leather Oil: amzn.to/2W33enl
Fiebings Leather Colors: amzn.to/2W2lk9g
Gloves: amzn.to/2YRZhUu
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Follow me on Instagram: @woodlandernorth

[@theboatshoptb]

I stopped in to try and find the best way to restore my 35 year old holster because I don’t like new leather… what I found was an excellent video!!! Love how genuine you are! Your passion for leather work shines through here.

[@chrisblair9584]

Thanks for your insight on dyeing leather. I've been basically following Tandy's advice for the last 25 years. You've given me much to think about. Well done.

[@insederec]

Much respect for the supple matte finish approach. Every leather good should be like a great pair of boots, nicely conditioned and flexible forever.

[@acigarsmoker]

Thank you for sharing your dye process. I enjoyed watching your video. I am also a big fan of Obenauf products.

[@dead_hidden]

Thanks! Obenauf’s is the best there is (Lennox Lewis voice)

[@Master...deBater]

Hey man thanks for giving me the confidence to engage in leather working heresy! I had a couple of holsters made. The maker did a fabulous job with the tooling...but the color was several shades lighter than his web page photos. I decided that the only way I was going to get the perfect color was to do it myself. I did a bunch of research and everybody said NOT to do what I'd planned to do. That is until I watched this video. My plan was to strip the current finish and create my own by mixing Fiebings water-based Saddle Tan stain with Eco-flo Mahogany Gel Antique until I got the right hue. At about 70/30 I hit the jackpot...with a beautiful red mahogany. After stripping the original finish...I doused them with Ob's leather oil and applied my mix. The mixture did exactly what I'd hoped...it dyed the flats and antiqued the tooling in one go. The leather is soft and supple...and the color is perfect...I could not be happier with the results! Thank you very much...friend!

[@archiem6323]

I use Obenau'f as well. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing your tips. I'm your number one fan. -Lilly

[@dead_hidden]

Thanks Lilly!

[@archiem6323]

You are welcome!

[@jeremydunlap2174]

Really enjoyed seeing your process and it really shows just how different it can be from maker to maker. I am definitely going to try it this way it looks amazing and I hope to have similar luck with it. Thanks for the video and hope all is well.

[@boklet04]

I was sceptic to try this at first, but man! This IS the best method I’ve tried by far. Thank you for sharing it. You know your sh*t! Keep it up brother.

[@lovethatbluegrassmusic9899]

Thank you for sharing your hard earned craft. It takes someone who is comfortable in their skin to do so on KZbin. Who is playing that music back there? I am so relaxed. Pardon me if I fall asleep.

[@michaelbrunner6654]

I think you got it figured out for sure. Great job on the wet formed sheath. It looks great,I hope I can eventually get my work there

[@dead_hidden]

Michael Brunner Keep at it and you will!

[@crypto_pinto2660]

That's the same stuff I use with old t-shirts I've cut up and I love it. Good to know there are others using the same process..... well almost the same process until I saw the rubbing of the Orbanauf lotion which looks like a great addition to the process

[@dead_hidden]

Obenauf’s is an essential part of my process. I love the stuff....

[@gma3238]

Awesome video. I’ve had my reservations about oil dyes too. Happy to see your process.

[@dead_hidden]

Happy to share it, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ClarenceDeMars3]

I just wanted to thank you for this video. i have my first project ready to dye (leather bowler hat) and was trying to figure out how to make the vegge tan feel more like the oil taned boots i love. I too hate the crunchiness in many "correctly made" goods. I'm excited to try this method after i pick up some obenaufs in a bit.

[@SneakCleaners519]

I messed up a clients shoes and needed to dye them. I could only get water based leather dye. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@VirginiaAngstadt]

I’m so glad I found this video! I will be trying your way since I always get the dry effect after dyeing. Time for something different. Very informative!

[@V3leathercraft]

First time seeing, oiling the flesh side

[@Serenitees]

This is a revelation! I just bought the Obenauf's Oil based on your recommendation. I have been using their LP Finish for a while and love the way it leaves the leather feeling and smelling. Other finishes leave the leather smelling awful after applying. I have never tried the Fiebing's water based dyes, in fact, I never even knew they had them until I saw this video. You are correct about Tandy...every time I liked a product and went back to get more, it had been discontinued or was no longer in the store. THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT VIDEO! ps...I think I have the same jacket :)

[@Valfren]

Awesome video. Im going to try my hand at making a pouch for some sunglasses, you've inspired me

[@angelaberkery8597]

What a gift! Thank you for sharing your incredible experience!

[@baldosolorio8111]

I have no life I guess but I always look forward to your videos,I have the same gloves, like 10 pairs, got them about a year ago and still using the first pair

[@dead_hidden]

Lol, don’t sweat it, I got videos I look forward to also and as well.

[@coryprice9486]

I used some Eco Flo Gel Antique I had (it 's water based), It gave the leather a way nicer feel than the oil dye i usually use. I'm going to get myself some water based dyes and give it a go. Thank you for the video. Great info!

[@MakingwithMarilyn]

So glad I found your video! Going to try to start with oil next time.

[@saskiakramer850]

Informative and sarcastic. I love it❤

[@alwentzel4776]

Does the dye rub off on to say something like a white dress shirt from a belt?

[@jakewhit8606]

Awesome! Just started leather working this week!

[@Saved4NewLife]

Hey Ryan, thanks for sharing your process. I also use Obenauf’s Leather Oil and Heavy Duty LP and love the results. Never thought to use the oil first though. I'll give it a try. I also use a FIX wax or REX wax for a finish on a lot of the outdoor stuff I make and use. I love the look of the leather over time and it seems to get that Swiss Leather patina look that I love. Thanks for sharing Brother! God Bless!

[@dead_hidden]

Nothing beats a good patina! I’ll have to look into those products. I just read a thing recently about saddle soap in the burnishing process. Gonna give that a go next.

[@Saved4NewLife]

@@dead_hidden So true. I'll leave a couple of links for ya! deutscheoptik.com/swiss-belt-wax-fix.html armysurpluswarehouse.com/shoe-boot-wax/ I ordered the Fix wax from the Army Surplus link and was sent Rex Wax instead. I actually liked the Rex wax just as well if not better than the fix wax. It melts with the warmth of your hands.

[@isaiahglynn3622]

I really enjoyed this video I feel and I learned a lot from this thank you for your commentary. I think I'm going to adopt your method of dying leather.

[@williamchristian3798]

Just had to try this, great outcome on my leather. Used neatsfoot and alls good, thanks for advice, totally get where your coming from, cheers !!!

[@jennytaylor3324]

Thanks for the health warning. I can be quite cavalier about skin contact and fumes from toxic substances, so useful to know. I like the almost oilskin effect and feel you got out of your method. I'm going to try the Fiebing alcohol dye, as I want the Oxblood colour, but I will definitely use your oiling technique in future projects, as i hate doing anything to dehydrate leather. I'm steering clear of the oil based dyes from now on, based on your advice. It's truly shocking.

[@_BigLife_]

I'm definitely going to give this method a try.

[@KnifeCrazzzzy]

This is gold! Thank you man! 👊🏻🤙🏻 I will give it a try.

[@emmanelson7520]

You gave me the exact answer to my question. Thank you!!!!

[@jenniferbauman4802]

That's right. Ya. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@rjp7164]

Very good video, thanks man and I'm going to try this out for sure.

[@GeorgiaWoodsmen]

Great video as always.

[@dead_hidden]

Thanks!

[@anubi13]

Thank you for the tips.

[@woodwoman9130]

I’ve been using hot bees wax to form and darken the color of my knife sheathes. It works great!

[@dead_hidden]

I’ve done a fair bit of hot waxing myself! Good stuff.

[@chrisblair9584]

I've had great luck with hot bees wax on my hunting knife sheathes, very durable. It kind of makes a bit of a mess on my upscale knives.

[@camcordernonsense5264]

I cant find plain bees wax at stores anymore. our bee keepers are our only source.

[@jaybraun7471]

@12:24 got your armani t shirts where status doesnt matter anymore.....lol.... Deep!!! verrrryyyy deeep!!! deeper than any dye can penetrate the leather lol. nice video!

[@rugilestr.4469]

Hello! Simple and informative video, loved it. May I ask you, question might be very "green", but does dyed leather has a patina after some time? If the bag is painted lightly, it will get darker anyway? Or patina only exist with undyed leather? I would appreciate your help. Best wishes!

[@dead_hidden]

The leather will patina either way.

[@rugilestr.4469]

Thank you!

[@wesenglish1842]

Do you know if there’s a Fiebings Leather color in black? Not finding black except in the ‘dye’. I’m wanting to make black, my medium brown Cody James rider boots. The feel of the leather is nice and soft but need them black to go with my Santa Suit/Belt. Would I do all the steps in your video if boots feel like already have that oil treaded look & feel? Just don’t want to stain the white furr either!😳 thanks for your time.

[@legoinglegion458]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. I really liked the music you had in the background of your video. Can you tell me who it is? So calming.

[@dead_hidden]

Lego'ing Legion No idea lol. It was a stock music file in Splice.

[@seantpowers6305]

Ryan thanks for the video. I’ve always noticed that your veg tan just looks denser and more full bodied than others. I’ll try this technique out on my next project. A question for you is would this process change if you are wet forming the leather? At what point do wet and mold your leather say with a knife sheath, is it after doing all this?

[@dead_hidden]

I wetform first while the veg tan is raw. If I need more forming after the thing is done, I’ll get it wet (very warm water) and do it again and hit it with LP again after it dries.

[@johnarchuleta9893]

Very informative video, thank you I learned a lot.

[@john1972goh]

Good video and thanks for sharing your experience with the kind of leather you're doing. Upload more videos as I was always looking for more from you! I did have a question for you as why did you dip the France bull leather in the liquid wax what's that purpose? Yes I did get that France bull leather pouch from you with a belt from Singapore!

[@dead_hidden]

John Ace Tell you what. I will make a video explaining the waxed leather. That way, you’ll have an answer, and a new video! Two birds, one stone. I have many more videos on the way. I’m going to try to upload one a week from now on. Not sure how that will work out, but it’s my goal!

[@john1972goh]

@@dead_hidden Nice and thank you so much answering my questions with a video Those two items I've got from you won't be the last I'll be coming back for new orders when I'm ready! And this video with the background music makes people feel happy and enjoy to watch!

[@Bernardo-wr8lp]

Its working...

[@hamedmostafa4460]

it gives a real colour after

[@mayaheyman3167]

Im intrigued to try this, but would rather not buy another bottle of oil just yet, will neatsfoot oil work the same?

[@stewartking3109]

Hi bit of a newby question, however would you dye your leather first using this process and then wet form? or wet form then dye the leather. Great video by the way.

[@dead_hidden]

stewart king I wet form before I dye, but I’ve gotten a finished piece wet to form it again on occasion.

[@FrankieG411]

Have you used the Fiebings Pro Dye with this process? I would imagine you would get the same results?

[@dead_hidden]

P3 TekSolutions LLC It works the same.

[@damarsantosa1115]

Nice video Could it be replaced with coconut oil or neatsfoot's oil? Obenauf is little bit expensive for me just to try this method Thank you

[@rugilestr.4469]

Could we use olive oil before dying leather?

[@dead_hidden]

Yes. It may have slightly different results, but I believe it will be fine.

[@luisnew6738]

thank you for this awesome video, i really enjoyed your thoughts and the same ideas i have on leather and how to care for it. what is your ideas on a good deep black dye from ? Wasilla Ak

[@Isaki-qp6io]

Verry interesting vídeo. I use alchool base dye. Do you think this method work for alchool dyes? I live in a verry country side in Brazil and i can't find non of the thinks you left in a link. But I have some kind the product that can be a little close to What you are using. I usualy use oil after dye or I use some product to seal, witch I don't like the feeling. So I can't wait to try this on. One question Even if the leather get wet the dye dosen't come off and make a mess?

[@dead_hidden]

Yes I do. I oil first regardless of the dye I’m using. Alcohol dye dries quickly, it would be good to have something on the leather to prevent it from turning crispy. Beeswax and coconut oil is a good replacement. 50/50 mix.

[@Ponch341]

Hi! Do you know if this process will work on rawhide conga drum heads/skins, being that they are stiffer than this type of leather? I've seen conga skins dyed by soaking them in a bucket using fabric dye, but think using a leather dye may work better and keep the color from fading or wearing off when playing the drums. I'd appreciate your advice! Thank you, Ponch

[@ronaldphillips8166]

Your work is tereffic, however you need to deveop videos that have better sound quality. I cannot hear what yoi arer saying on my chromebook. Just a thought.

[@raydesiderio3484]

Can this be done to a tool belt

[@K-Effect]

Will this leather dye method be suitable for a pair of brand new leather medium tan Danner boots? I am brand new to leather work and I like the way you do things, thank you for the video

[@dead_hidden]

Yes I personally wouldn’t hesitate to do it. Make sure to get in all the nooks and crannies really good and wipe off all the excess dye. Q-tips and such....

[@K-Effect]

Woodlander North Thank you very much for the response! When the boots show up for Christmas I will use your Amazon links to buy the products you use/recommend and get to dye'n the boots. Thank you again and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

[@K-Effect]

Woodlander North I finally got the dark brown water base dye and obenauf's preservative from Amazon today! I used your Amazon affiliate links so I hope you got something for that. It took forever for it to show up because it kept breaking in shipping. I'm going to start on my boots tonight and in a couple days they should be done, I'm very excited! Thank you again for the advice and the know how, i'll let you know how they turn out. I hope you have a great 2021

[@mburke1942]

what is the difference between dyes and stains?

[@agneikoa8148]

Can I stamp the leather with stamps and with heated stamps with gold, or do I need to do that before dyeing?

[@dead_hidden]

I tend to stamp first. I have stamped after. Try on a small piece and do some experiments to see what works best. I have zero experience with gold...

[@fromatrickle2673]

Hi. I did a belt in this method you described for my dad. The dye rubbed off a lot in the front when wearing. What did I do wrong? Advise please. How did you dye the strap at end of video.

[@dead_hidden]

I dye everything like I did in this video for about 7 years now. What did you finish the belt with? Did you buff the excess dye off (a LOT of buffing). Did you use too much dye? Without knowing how or seeing you do it, it’s hard to say. The belt I’m wearing was dyed this way. It doesn’t rub off on my clothes. I’ve had it for at least 5 years now...maybe longer.

[@legendarycustomleathers8387]

How do I avoid the mess when wet molding

[@dead_hidden]

You’re gonna have to be more specific. [e-mail]

[@hafidwidodo6899]

I cant find leather oil/neatsfoot oil /fish oil.. Does it possible to use coconut oil ? Ty

[@dead_hidden]

Yes. You can mix it 70/30 (coconut oil/beeswax or paraffin wax) and get a decent finisher like the Heavy Duty LP. Not as good, but it’ll do well enough...

[@ronaldphillips8166]

where are you in Alaska?

[@younginspired9851]

Hi, would that possibly work with an orange looking saddle?

[@dead_hidden]

Depends on if it’s been finished with an acrylic top finish or not. Lick your finger and rub a spot. If it gets darker then yes it will work.

[@dead_hidden]

If it’s veg tan anyway. If it’s oil tan, it will still work, but you have to circle over it with your sponge repeatedly and then wipe it off. Gives the dye time to soak in evenly cause it takes longer.

[@younginspired9851]

@@dead_hidden thank you, i will try and see what material it is :)

[@mikesymmons31]

Awesome video. Very informative. What tannery do you get vegtan from?

[@mikesymmons31]

Also glad you finally get free obenaufs

[@dead_hidden]

Mike Symmons Herman Oak currently. Good veg tan is getting harder and harder to get now. More to do with the cattle industry than the tannery...

[@hybern8ta]

Try not to suck on your tongue after each sentence. Really. It sounds very nasty...

[@dead_hidden]

Don’t watch it then you stupid asshole.