11-19-2014, 08:54 AM
I think were talking about two different things here, I imagine Doc is referring to a Modern water based dye such as Ecoflo commonly available from leather suppliers.. this is not the same thing as ancient leather dying methods...
Logical Explanation
3. The Romans didn't use modern water based dyes!
4. Methods of Tanning have changed or are no longer widely used.
The blackening method is likely a reaction between the tannic acid (which has combined with the fibres of the skin) used in the tanning process and iron, so a chemical reaction that should be permanent... but staining rather then dying and without the use of a black dye, if you use oak tanned leather for hobnailed soles you will get the same reaction over time without the vinegar when the leather gets wet....
I understand that the Romans used a acidic mixture to achieve this and speed the process up....
[attachment=11157]StainedLeathersole.jpg[/attachment]
Logical Explanation
3. The Romans didn't use modern water based dyes!
4. Methods of Tanning have changed or are no longer widely used.
The blackening method is likely a reaction between the tannic acid (which has combined with the fibres of the skin) used in the tanning process and iron, so a chemical reaction that should be permanent... but staining rather then dying and without the use of a black dye, if you use oak tanned leather for hobnailed soles you will get the same reaction over time without the vinegar when the leather gets wet....
I understand that the Romans used a acidic mixture to achieve this and speed the process up....
[attachment=11157]StainedLeathersole.jpg[/attachment]
Ivor
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
"And the four bare walls stand on the seashore. a wreck a skeleton a monument of that instability and vicissitude to which all things human are subject. Not a dwelling within sight, and the farm labourer, and curious traveller, are the only persons that ever visit the scene where once so many thousands were congregated." T.Lewin 1867
