Dye coloring holsters??

RH Factor · September 11, 2002, 12:17 PM

I have a couple of galco holsters that I bought on sale that are the tan color...I'd like to have them dyed black. Has anyone tried this themselves? Should I go to a shoe store and have them do it? Any suggestions? Thanks

Walosi · September 11, 2002, 12:44 PM

A GOOD shoe repairman could probably do a serviceable job for you, but they are becoming few and far between.
If you choose to do it yourself, start with a light, fast rubdown with laquer thinner to remove any seal-coat. Do this very quickly, so the thinner has little chance as possible to soak into the hide, and rub it dry. Then with a good quality dye (Fiebings' is my favorite), apply a thin coat over the back side. Do the back first, for practice

It will probably take three or four THIN coats to completely cover. A heavy hand will result in an uneven finish. let each coat dry throughly and buff off the excess with a soft rag. When the coverage is even and complete, I use a couple of light coats of Lexol, and a couple of light applications of Kiwi Neutral wax to seal it off. Same for periodic maintanance/touchup. I have several that are 20+ years old, that still look new. The inside will still be tan (they are dip-dyed in production) but I just live with it.

September 11, 2002, 12:17 PM	#1
RH Factor Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2001 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 230	Dye coloring holsters?? I have a couple of galco holsters that I bought on sale that are the tan color...I'd like to have them dyed black. Has anyone tried this themselves? Should I go to a shoe store and have them do it? Any suggestions? Thanks __________________ Be Safe..Shoot Safe...Practice Both RH Factor

September 11, 2002, 12:44 PM	#2
Walosi Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2001 Location: Auburn, KY Posts: 298	A GOOD shoe repairman could probably do a serviceable job for you, but they are becoming few and far between. If you choose to do it yourself, start with a light, fast rubdown with laquer thinner to remove any seal-coat. Do this very quickly, so the thinner has little chance as possible to soak into the hide, and rub it dry. Then with a good quality dye (Fiebings' is my favorite), apply a thin coat over the back side. Do the back first, for practice It will probably take three or four THIN coats to completely cover. A heavy hand will result in an uneven finish. let each coat dry throughly and buff off the excess with a soft rag. When the coverage is even and complete, I use a couple of light coats of Lexol, and a couple of light applications of Kiwi Neutral wax to seal it off. Same for periodic maintanance/touchup. I have several that are 20+ years old, that still look new. The inside will still be tan (they are dip-dyed in production) but I just live with it.