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Old 11-18-2010, 12:23 AM
Walter Rego Walter Rego is online now
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I have a Safariland leather holster that is a natural tan color. I think I would like it better if it were black. It also has the suede lining, I think Safariland used to call it "elk suede" or something like that. Can an off the shelf product like Kiwi leather dye be used, and can the lining, or at least the exposed part around the mouth of the holster also be dyed with the same product ? Thanks for any advice and/or tips.
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Old 11-18-2010, 09:46 AM
george minze george minze is offline
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Fiebing's Dye for outside, Leather must be de-glazed and prepped Imo don't mess with suede lining...If unsure contact Ray at Lobo Gunleather a member of this forum.
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Old 11-18-2010, 02:09 PM
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As George has noted, the original exterior finish should be removed using a deglazing agent (available at Tandy leather stores). Safariland products that I have used and examined appear to have been finished with neatsfoot oil, which penetrates and infuses the leather fibers. Standard Fiebing's spirit-based dyes will not do a good job for this; I recommend the Fiebing's Professional Oil Dye, which is intended to be used with neatsfoot oil and/or harness oil.

After stripping and dying (two or more applications at least 12 hours apart) allow the dye to fully set for at least 24 hours in an area having good airflow. Then the exterior finish can be replaced using Leather Sheen, SuperSheen, or Acrylic Resolene (acrylic finishes,all available in small quantities at Tandy stores), or you may wish to use Tan Kote or Bag Kote (wax-based finishes, also available at Tandy stores).

Avoid contact with the suede lining by either the dye or the acrylic finishes. Light applications using a swab or damp sponge will do the job neatly. Two or three light applications are better than one heavy application.

For the deglazer, 4-oz. dye, and 4 oz. finish of your choice you can expect to pay about $15 to $20 for this project.

I hope this helps you.
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Last edited by LoboGunLeather; 11-18-2010 at 02:12 PM.
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Old 11-18-2010, 10:22 PM
Walter Rego Walter Rego is online now
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Thanks Ray. It's more complex than I thought, I'm better off finding a black holster.
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