A2 re-dye advice needed

[zebedee]

Sell it and get a new one. You risk ruining it when there isn't anything wrong with the colour anyway. Re-dyed leather I have not yet seen done all that well when you look at a job someone's done themselves.

 

[Fanch]

I think I recall that a number of A-2's were dyed over from russet to dark brown during WWII. HOWEVER, my input would be with the members who advised to leave well enough alone.

 

[HPA Rep]

Firstly, what you have is naked, untreated leather, which was used to allow the jacket to absorb oils and dirt readily over time, thus developing a really cool, vintage look. I've seen these A-2's and other jackets made from this type of leather and they do indeed look great down the road, but you need to allow this to happen; you could hasten the process artificially, however, but the natural way is best for me.

Since it is untreated leather, dyes will work. Tandy did make a really dark brown dye that will soak into the leather and which will work well. I'd say you'd need to buy the large bottle, which is enough for many jackets; the small bottle likely won't be enough. Expect to apply 2-3 coats for full opacity via a paint brush, then once you have full opacity, use a soft cloth to burnish to a semi-luster and remove excess dye. The dye will continue to rub off for a while, so be careful when wearing near light-colored chairs and such.

You can use masking tape to block off any parts you don't want dye to touch, or you can allow a little to dribble here and there if you want it to look like a depot re-dyed A-2. Good luck if you give this a go!

 

[dinomartino1]

Firstly, what you have is naked, untreated leather, which was used to allow the jacket to absorb oils and dirt readily over time, thus developing a really cool, vintage look. I've seen these A-2's and other jackets made from this type of leather and they do indeed look great down the road, but you need to allow this to happen; you could hasten the process artificially, however, but the natural way is best for me.

Since it is untreated leather, dyes will work. Tandy did make a really dark brown dye that will soak into the leather and which will work well. I'd say you'd need to buy the large bottle, which is enough for many jackets; the small bottle likely won't be enough. Expect to apply 2-3 coats for full opacity via a paint brush, then once you have full opacity, use a soft cloth to burnish to a semi-luster and remove excess dye. The dye will continue to rub off for a while, so be careful when wearing near light-colored chairs and such.

You can use masking tape to block off any parts you don't want dye to touch, or you can allow a little to dribble here and there if you want it to look like a depot re-dyed A-2. Good luck if you give this a go!

Simple Definition of opacity: the quality of a material that does not allow light to pass through it : the quality of being opaque

I can get tandys dark brown spirit dye here in Australia.
I think this jacket may be from 2009 or earlier and its well worn in.
This would work out costing me including the dye, having new waistband and cuffs fitted, and the price I paid for the jacket $US217 so I'm willing to take a chance a have a go doing a redye.
I would have to add on the cost of the new knits.

Thanks for the help, I feel confident to go ahead now though the final result will down to me wether good or bad and not the fault of anybody's advice, these things are hit and miss.
I will take photos and step by step guide when I get started.

 

[Cocker]

IMHO, you made the good decision. If you mess up, sure, it'll be up to you and only you. But if you success, you will have your beloved jacket upgraded by your own hands, with the fit and finish as you like it.

 

[bn1966]

Simple Definition of opacity: the quality of a material that does not allow light to pass through it : the quality of being opaque

I can get tandys dark brown spirit dye here in Australia.
I think this jacket may be from 2009 or earlier and its well worn in.
This would work out costing me including the dye, having new waistband and cuffs fitted, and the price I paid for the jacket $US322 so I'm willing to take a chance a have a go doing a redye.
I would have to add on the cost of the new knits.

Thanks for the help, I feel confident to go ahead now though the final result will down to me wether good or bad and not the fault of anybody's advice, these things are hit and miss.
I will take photos and step by step guide when I get started.

Good luck & be sure to let us know how it turns out

 

[AdeeC]

Being in the painting business a long time ago I suggest you get some good quality brushes to help ensure you get a nice clean edge between the leather and knits/lining. A quality 1.5 inch sash cutter and smaller artist watercolour brush. Avoid the cheap 2 dollar throwaway brushes. It is hit or miss if they are capable of precision work which this jacket requires. And of course do some practice first.

 

[dinomartino1]

Being in the painting business a long time ago I suggest you get some good quality brushes to help ensure you get a nice clean edge between the leather and knits/lining. A quality 1.5 inch sash cutter and smaller artist watercolour brush. Avoid the cheap 2 dollar throwaway brushes. It is hit or miss if they are capable of precision work which this jacket requires. And of course do some practice first.

I work away from home for eight days at a time on remote mine sites so I might not be starting for a while so any more tips appreciated.
Thanks

 

[dinomartino1]

RUST KNITS AND WATER SLIDE DECAL KIT ARRIVED FROM MASH TODAY, I WILL START A NEW THREAD ON MY DYE JOB WITH STEP BY STEP PICS I'M DONE.

 

[BobJ]

RUST KNITS AND WATER SLIDE DECAL KIT ARRIVED FROM MASH TODAY, I WILL START A NEW THREAD ON MY DYE JOB WITH STEP BY STEP PICS I'M DONE.

View attachment 54204

Yay! Really looking forward to following the process. I have a feeling you're going to be very satisfied and that the jacket will be extra special to you because of your personal touch.

 

[dinomartino1]

It has been raining here and looks to be like this for a few more days, I need to clean it first with acetone outdoors so I can't start until the weather clears up.

 

[dinomartino1]

Jacket has gone to the shop who will put on the new knits to have the old ones removed before I dye. I could have done it myself but I preferred for him to do it so he could see how they where put on.
Might get it back Monday, it's Friday here now and then I can start.

 

[Cocker]

Don't forget to take pictures during the process. I'm curious to see how the shoulder decal will go, as I was thinking of getting one for my jacket.