Redyed G&B HH A-2

[Phantomfixer]

I took a russet HH from Gibson & Barnes, dyed it with a dark brown dye from a local leather shop. I thank Mark (Fishmeok) for helping me with dye/no dye decision and pointers. I was deciding on dyeing an ELC Warhorse that I think was switched at birth with a Time Worn A-2. Decided to leave the ELC alone and dye the G&B. I think it turned out awesome. The color is deep rich seal, the next step is to aquire berry knits...

Before color

John

 

[Davy Crockett]

Very impressive!

D

 

[Grayland]

Would you mind giving a brief explanation of how you did it? Did you use anything to strip the original finish prior to applying the dye?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Looks so much better..with a richer appearance! Good job!
HD

 

[Otter]

Looks much better!

 

[aswatland]

Congratulations. With berry knits it will look fantastic!

 

[ButteMT61]

Looks killer. Question, I've only seen one re-dye on VLJ, how does this usually hold up?
I'd love more pics too!

 

[too much coffee]

Great job John! Once you wear the jacket very hard and the sheen is knocked off, with time the darker dye will fade somewhat and the original russet will visually pull through creating a jacket that will be even more appealing.

That's one of the benefits of this forum........CBI with his HWT, ButteMT51 with the no heat dryer treatment, others with the hot dryer process for shrinkage purposes, HD with spray water bottle break in procedures and now Phantomfixer & Fishmeok going public with leather dyeing. It's an ongoing educational process!


You'all enjoy your Sunday..........I'm goin' back to the NASCAR race on the tube!

coffee

 

[Peacoat]

Would you mind giving a brief explanation of how you did it? Did you use anything to strip the original finish prior to applying the dye?

Yes, I too, would be interested in the explanation. Because of environmental concerns, some dyes are no longer available to the public. I think dyes that will work on vegetable tanned leather are still available, but the ones for Chromexcel, and similar leathers, have been taken from the market for the non professional consumer.

Good job, BTW.

 

[Phantomfixer]

Thanks for the kind replies. This was my first attempt at a redye. Why? The G&B russet has all the color of an earth worm left in the rain too long. The first idea was to redye the ELC but thought better not to attempt such a project until I experiment. G&B jackets are not cheap but it cost less than the ELC, and has been worn for several years.
I used a stripper/ prepping solution provided by a leather store then used the dye, dark brown. The company that makes the stripper/dye is Fiebing's. Looks like they are our of Milwaukee. Sold retail. I used almost all of the 4 fl oz bottle to dye the jacket.
I spent all morning (post pictures) buffing the heck out of it by hand. When the sun returns to the East coast, I will take some outside shots.

Will the dye hold up? I am going to let it sit up for a few days just to be sure, but after the buffing, I hope all the residual has been removed..
Thanks again
John

 

[too much coffee]

Phantomfixer;

Again, I congratulate you for your effort. It took some stones to attempt this but I believe it's going to be worth your efforts.

Regards,
coffee

 

[Peacoat]

Yes, Fiebing's is well known in the horse/leather care business. One method I have heard of for darkening leather is to mix a little Fiebing's dye with some leather oil and rub it into the leather. Your job was a bit more than simple darkening, however.

 

[Phantomfixer]

Peacoat you are correct. It is a labor intensive effort. So far I am happy with the results....
Coffee as my son says, get out of your comfort zone dad...

John

 

[ButteMT61]

Well, from where I sit, it looks damn good! A bigger set of stones than just a wet &dry for sure lol
Can't wait to see how it wears.

 

[EmergencyIan]

Very nice job! It looks so much better, now.

- Ian

 

[Phantomfixer]

Thanks Guys,

lets hope it wears good as apposed to good wear... oh I crack myself up....

 

[jksu]

awesome! just what I was saying how I much prefer the dark brown over russet. nicely done!

and ballsy - not sure if I'd have the guts to do that to a nice jacket.

 

[fishmeok]

Try the below as well- works great- waterbased so it's a little less messy. With the Fiebings make sure you wipe the jacket down a few times with water of alcohol on a rag to get all the residue off.

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/2800-03.aspx

Cheers
Mark

 

[gruvi]

Looks fantastic! My question is, how did you control dye from getting on the lining, especially at the collar?

 

[Phantomfixer]

Mark,
Thanks for the guidance on this project. I have wiped it down twice and buffed once. Each time the towel gets cleaner and cleaner like a gun bore...
Gruvi It wasn't that hard to keep the dye away from the knits and lining, easier than what I thought it would be....
John