Ok, so far Ive tried stuff that didnt ever dry, or didnt really cover the bare-bear spots, that didnt soak into the leather, or was shiny. Do any of you have a dye or stain or method that you really think is doing the trick? Thanks in advance!
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If it won't soak in to the leather, the leather is too oily in that spot. Degrease it and then apply the dye.
I use LifeTone skin dye and have never had a bare spot stay bare. It does have a metallic luster to it and that comes off totally if you tumble the pelt for 10 minutes or less. Even rubbing the dye spot really hard with a textured rag will work to remove this luster.
Applying the dye from the leather side will work; this is called leather tipping and is used extensively in the fur industry. You will use 10x more dye though. Apply dye, stretch, apply more dye, stretch, wait until spot is completely covered on the fur side, stretch, dry. Works very well.
Commercial furrier dyes (aniline powders) will also work. Mix according to directions and apply.
If all of the above fail, patch the spot OR use paint.
What do you guys use to color african skins with little hair like kudu or eland. I have never used the dyes because I was scared I'd make a mess.
To date, I still paint the missing spots with african skins. Its almost like stenciling!
Brenda uses Wildlife Colors... Black or Burnt Umber if you have a Brown colored bear..
Looks real good to me... With out all the mess of the dies..