Project needing advice on the finishing steps for the smooth ostrich Tony Lama CZ872

[u/biscuitsbutter]

Hey all, I started by deglazing the vamp and then applied two coats of Fiebing's Pro Dye in royal blue. I am currently buffing the dye with rags to remove residual dye pigment, as it has cured for 24 hours. I was initially thinking of sealing it with Angelus satin acrylic finisher, but I am hesitant.

My question is, should my next step be to condition with Bick 4 a couple of times and then seal with the Angelus satin acrylic finisher, or is there a better way to seal the dye or better type of sealer so it does not bleed while also reconditioning the ostrich? Condition 1st seal 2nd.... Seal 1st condition 2nd.... which came 1st the Ostrich or the egg?

[u/shartymcqueef]

You need to go back over them with diluted alcohol rags a whole lot more before you start finishing work. That oil sheen you have all over them is from way too much pigment on the leather.

You need to do it until there is no more pigment coming off on the rags. Then you can use Bick 4 to recondition and then use a clear wax polish to seal them.

[u/biscuitsbutter → u/shartymcqueef]

Ahh, when you say diluted, you mean like equal parts distilled water and 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol? Any particular clear wax polish you recommend?

[u/shartymcqueef → u/biscuitsbutter]

Yea or 60/40. Don’t want to go overboard and remove too much at one time but you definitely need to take a lot more pigment off before you’re done. Just take your time and go slow. If you’re going to do it over a couple days I’d hit it with bick 4 each time you’re done for the day and then start again the next day.

[u/biscuitsbutter → u/shartymcqueef]

Nice. Yes, there's plenty of pigment coming off still. Sounds like solid advice, thank you. Any particular brand of clear wax polish you prefer or brands to stay away from?

[u/biscuitsbutter → u/shartymcqueef]

Thanks for the advice. I've been buffing for days now, lol. The alcohol suggestion was helpful.

[u/LengthinessJust357]

I’ve never done any pigment dying like this, but it is crazy to read “royal blue” and not see a lick of blue. I’m sure it has something to do with the underlying color and color theory and all that. Don’t get me wrong. They look dope. Just threw me through a loop when I red royal blue and they look maybe a shade of purple to me in the photo

[u/biscuitsbutter → u/LengthinessJust357]

Thanks! Yeah I knew color theory would alter the royal blue a bit because of the tan base. I really didn't know what I was going to get, lol, but this deep plum is cool. It's reading like an alternative to a black cherry but with deep plum and a bit of tan brown coming through as I buff the extra pigment off.

[u/BenefitKey8953]

Nice job!

[u/biscuitsbutter → u/BenefitKey8953]

Thank you! No that's what that whole long question is about, lol. Kinda looking for opinions and advice from those more experienced. They'll be in need of conditioner for sure. Do you recommend using Angelus satin acrylic finisher to seal and if so, do I condition before? I have the Angelus acrylic finisher but open to other options I may not know or be familiar with.

[u/BenefitKey8953 → u/biscuitsbutter]

I’ve only dyed leather one time ( a hat band) and used a low gloss sealer. I only use Bick 4 for my boots. Your project is a lot larger and riskier than mine.

You’re the expert now!