Leather and its production / [H.R. Proctor].

  • Proctor, H. R. (Henry Richardson), 1848-1927.
Date:
1929
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Leather and its production / [H.R. Proctor]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    STAINING LEATHER There are two important groups of stains or dyes which are used for colouring leather. First there is the Acid Group, which comprises all those stains which dissolve in water and require a little weak acid to develop the full colour. Then we have the Basic dyes, so named because of their chemical structure. The majority of these Basic stains are soluable in methylated spirits. As there are more water stains than spirit stains it is possible to obtain a far better range of shades by the use of the former than of the latter. Again, the acid or water stains are faster to light and brighter in tone than the Basic, although they are not so fast to rubbing. It is an excellent practice to use both Water and Spirit stains. The ground work should be done with the first named dyes and the final coating or “topping” achieved by the careful use of the Spirit stains. In this way very rich and full colours will be obtained which are greatly desired for all high class work. On no account should the Spirit stains be used in too strong a solution, otherwise an objec¬ tionable metallic or bronze effect will be produced. The best procedure for the handicraft worker is to make up stock solu¬ tions of the Spirit and Water dyes, and then dilute them according to requirements. WATER STAINS. Dissolve approximately \ ounce of dye in 1 pint of boiling water and heat until all the dye has entered into solution. Allow the liquid to cool, then add four fluid ounces of Acetic Acid from the chemist. Before bottling it is always advisable to sieve the mixture through a piece of fine muslin, as small particles of undissolved dye may cause patchy results if applied to the leather. The most useful Water Stains are:—Yellow, orange, red, violet, blue, green, brown, black. Of course, it is not strictly necessary to have such a full range of dyes, but the handicraft worker will find his work easier if a good selection of colours is at hand.