Using colour in segmentation and fretwork

[Back2Jake]

In a thread under New Patterns, Evie asked about the use of leather dye on some of the projects I've posted there. In answering her questions, I decided to take some photos of a dragon project that is under construction in the shop today. Although we use leather dye extensively for our segmentation projects many have not tried this medium and I hope these photos encourage those to try it.

It wasn't that long ago that I didn't colour much of my work. Sue Chrestensen taught me a lot about the use of colour and the application of colours to achieve different effects. I am still learning, and admittedly get frustrated with colour at times. However, it is worth trying.

Here's a look at "Zepaul" Dragon under construction on our assembly table.

[GrayBeard Phil]

Toni:

by leather dyes, I presume that this is something other than woodworkers' aniline dyes? or to be more accurate sold under the term Transfast dyes.

There is also woodworker's pigmented stains, which I again presume you are using something different.

Fabric dye (aka Rit) has a reputation on wood of of rather quickly color fading to dull luster if exposed to direct sun light.

Do you take any extra steps to prevent UV fading?

Phil

[Charlie_1]

it definetly looks like it would stand out more than regular stain ,probably would have made some of my segmentation look alot better and more realistic
might just have to try it that way

Thank you for the info :-)


Charlie,

[Forester21]

I love the colors you are able to get with the leather dyes! Now - where would one find the dye?
Theresa E

[Back2Jake]

Phil,

I actually use Tandy Pro Dye and Fiebrings leather dye. It is alcohol based and is available from Tandy stores across the USA and Canada.

As for fading, I don't notice a considerable amount of fading, but I do tend to have many coats applied to most of my work. I also finish with a lacquer or polyurathane finish after the colours are dry.

Take care
Toni

[Forester21]

Toni - I see in another thread you posted where you got the dye. Next time I get to Grand Rapids I will have to stop in the Tandy Leather Factory and check them out! Thanks so much for the information you give ~ I've learned a lot from you and Sue!!
Theresa E

[Back2Jake]

Ah shucks, thanks for that Theresa. That makes my day.

Take care
Toni

[minowevie]

In a thread under New Patterns, Evie asked about the use of leather dye on some of the projects I've posted there. In answering her questions, I decided to take some photos of a dragon project that is under construction in the shop today. Although we use leather dye extensively for our segmentation projects many have not tried this medium and I hope these photos encourage those to try it.

It wasn't that long ago that I didn't colour much of my work. Sue Chrestensen taught me a lot about the use of colour and the application of colours to achieve different effects. I am still learning, and admittedly get frustrated with colour at times. However, it is worth trying.

Here's a look at "Zepaul" Dragon under construction on our assembly table.

Tonie, I just got back on line. funny I got kicked off while reading this tread. so i had to search to fined it again. Wow thanks for all the great tips. you sertainly got the coloring and shadeing down pat. I never thought of useing a diffeart color to difine the lines. I just love the debt of leather dyes. and you have opened up a whole new thing for me. thank you so much for sharing your exsperiance with us. you guys are the greatist. it takes more than color to be talented , you just have to know how to use it. and you do that very well. i will put this thread in my favorits an come back to it time and again. thanks again. Evie

[stickers]

Hi Toni

I just seen the your dragon. And I love the colors. I have tried several mediums for coloring my segmentation projects and I wasn't really happy with the results. But I have a question--I noticed it was darker around the edges, is this due to the edges being less sanded or did you put the dye darker there and blend it into the rest of peice? It's a wonderful effect and I love the colors. Oh the possibilities!!!! Thank you for the info.
Stickers

[earlinjax]

Hi Toni

What wood are you using for your dragaon? And, have you found a wood that works best with the leather dye?

It sure looks great. The colors do not look "blotchy" which seems to happen to me.

EarlinJax

[MacS]

Dyes

"As for fading, I don't notice a considerable amount of fading, but I do tend to have many coats applied to most of my work. I also finish with a lacquer or polyurathane finish after the colours are dry."

Leather dyes are usually "anilines" the "transtains" are very good, if not better, because they are also transparent, but are better at resisting fading.

As far, as clear coating over dyes or pigmented stains, when using Lacquer or Polyurethane, these two coatings have a yellow caste, and will change the lighter colors as time passes. The more coats you apply the "yellower" it will get over time.

It is better to use Acrylic Lacquers, as these are cyrstal clear, and do not yellow. Water Base Lacquers are also crystal clear, for the lighter and transparent colors these two types are the prefered choices for clear coating..

Mac S

Think Twice, And Finish

[Sue Chrestensen]

Hi..
We mostly use clear pine for our projects mainly because it is a wood easily available in most parts of the world.. the leather dyes are avail on line or at craft stores (Tandy Leather and Michael's for example)

The colors and highlights come from adding colors on top of colors..the edge of the wing are purple and then I applied red to get that effect..I've tried to encourage folks to sand off a bit of color to 'highlight' and area..it's just a little thing but it pulls the eye and makes the colors come at ya a bit( not sure that that makes sense)..
if you look at just about anything, really look at it, you can see lots of variations in the color..blending stains and pigments, playing, experimenting and having fun is the key..if I use a golden oak stain I will invariably add a touch of walnut around the edges LOL.. probably why I prefer segmentation to intarsia..I can get sooo many effects using colors..and it's really great when I see others giving this a try..

oh and I repeatedly tell myself that if I don't like it I can sand it off and try something else..(when something really looks neat I try to remember to write down what I did so I might be able to do it again)

have fun with whatever you do!!