[BKARTS] Alum Tawed Leather

[David Lanning <dl@xxxxxxxxx>]

In answer to Jeff's question:

Dyeing Alum Tawed leathers are particularly difficult and we have had very 
limited success with the modern dyes that are available to us to use.  Water 
based aniline (acid) dyes do not bind to the skin and spirit dyes have a 
tendency to draw out the oils from the skin, leaving a leather that feels 
harsh and brittle.  Traditionally, vegetable dyes would have been used to 
dye alum tawed skins, but this is no longer an option for Hewits.  For the 
bookbinder working at home or in a studio, experimentation with vegetable 
dyes would probably be worthwhile.  We would recommend you have a look at 
ordinary tea.  It is safe, pure vegetable and has been shown to work.  Brew 
up a very, very strong concoction and experiment by dabbing onto a small 
piece of leather with a cotton-wool ball.


kind regards,

David


David Lanning
J. Hewit & Sons Ltd.
sales@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.hewit.com
Mobile: 07947 754842
Voice Mail: +44 (0) 1280 709701

Edinburgh Numbers
Tel: +44 (0) 131 449 2206
Fax: +44 (0) 131 451 5081

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