[apipeguy]

I have a Spark’s Summer Special that I won at their 50th Anniversary Celebration/Shoot. It has the carved top. I have not used it much as all my leather is black. After getting a Nighthawk Officers Bull I find that I like carrying it in the SS even though I normally use a Criterion or 55BN.

So I have been thinking of dying the top band and belt loop black. Am I crazy for doing this to a fantastic holster?

If my cover garment should blow open a little the brown band and loop seems more observable than the gun.

Thoughts?

 

[b-b]

I remember when you first posted photos of that holster. It’s a beauty.

It may be a challenge to do it yourself and get a good result. Maybe give Sparks a call and ask if they can dye it and what turnaround time would be. (I’m sure you’re anxious to carry that new pistol.)

If the belt loop is removable, another option would be to order a black loop. It would not accomplish your goal completely, but might be a decent compromise.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

[Swift1]

Not rocket science. Wipe the band with a little alcohol and use Fiebings with a small dauber or a Q tip. The stitching will take some dye as well. I'd probably do it 2 tone - lighter tone on the body darker (done last) in the band.

 

[apipeguy]

Thanks, I have done leatherwork and dying but mainly just knife sheaths. My thoughts were just the top band and belt loop as it is part of the carved top band and certainly stands out against a black belt.

I do have Fieblings in my shop and have found that to be the best as it does not rub off like some dyes seem too.

I will leave the body of the holster natural as that does stay covered.

 

[JD11]

My wife does all kinds of leather work, I just asked and she said if has any kind of a glaze, it has to be removed first with Fiebings Deglazer, which says works well. She added you can find it all on Amazon plus info.

 

[apipeguy]

Thanks. I’ll test it with a little water to see if it is sealed.

 

[fnfalman]

I have a Spark’s Summer Special that I won at their 50th Anniversary Celebration/Shoot. It has the carved top. I have not used it much as all my leather is black. After getting a Nighthawk Officers Bull I find that I like carrying it in the SS even though I normally use a Criterion or 55BN.

So I have been thinking of dying the top band and belt loop black. Am I crazy for doing this to a fantastic holster?

If my cover garment should blow open a little the brown band and loop seems more observable than the gun.

Thoughts?

View attachment 665639

Milt Sparks said the dye will not take and you’ll end up with a mess in your hands. If you want the holster black then order one as such. Or order some black belt loops for this one. The holster is finished with an acrylic finish and it won’t take dye well after the fact.

 

[apipeguy]

Thanks, after reading JD11’s post I looked at it and there is certainly a finish on it that would need to be removed first. The belt loops are not replaceable on an SS. Might just give Jim a call or text before I try anything. This one is pretty special to me and I really don‘t want to mess it up.

 

[fnfalman]

Thanks, after reading JD11’s post I looked at it and there is certainly a finish on it that would need to be removed first. The belt loops are not replaceable on an SS. Might just give Jim a call or text before I try anything. This one is pretty special to me and I really don‘t want to mess it up.

Just buy a new holster.

That’s the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition holster you have.

 

[Plaidad]

Sounds like a good excuse to buy a tan belt!

 

[apipeguy]

If I had when I first thought about it, it would be a couple years worn in by now. I’d also need to order a S-4C and make a brown sheath for my little knife. Crap, I know what will happen when I talk to Jim.

 

[riposte191145]

I get a lot of holsters off of eBay - I like black so I die the brown ones with Fiebings - if I was a bit more energetic I'd likely finish it with something but so far so good

Riposte

 

[Swift1]

I get a lot of holsters off of eBay - I like black so I die the brown ones with Fiebings - if I was a bit more energetic I'd likely finish it with something but so far so good

Riposte

Resolene! Also Fiebings.

 

[shooter59]

I have a Spark’s Summer Special that I won at their 50th Anniversary Celebration/Shoot. It has the carved top. I have not used it much as all my leather is black. After getting a Nighthawk Officers Bull I find that I like carrying it in the SS even though I normally use a Criterion or 55BN.

So I have been thinking of dying the top band and belt loop black. Am I crazy for doing this to a fantastic holster?

If my cover garment should blow open a little the brown band and loop seems more observable than the gun.

Thoughts?

View attachment 665639

Yes. You’re crazy for thinking about doing it.

 

[Hercanstein]

Don't do it!

: )B

 

[flechero]

I won at their 50th Anniversary Celebration/Shoot.

Your limited edition may sell for the full price of a new replacement in the color/configuration you want.

You might post it as a trade for a black on also, as an option.

 

[apipeguy]

No matter what, I won’t sell or trade this one. I may leave it as it is and I may still dye the upper carved portion and belt loop. It is a special holster to me and will remain so in either state. If I dye it, I would get more use out of it than if I did not. If my daughter gets it when I’m gone she can then decide what to do with it.

I‘m not one to keep something pristine because it has some type of collectors value. I prefer to use something and get the total value out of it that way. I’m pretty sure that there are quite a few here who have modified som rather expensive guns, too.

I’ll think on this for a while before I decide. Could be another day or a couple months.

 

[glider]

I think you can dye that leather without much trouble. Use saddle soap on it, that should open it up. The problem in my opinion is the thread will get dyed also. That would affect the overall looks of the holster.

 

[flechero]

If I had when I first thought about it, it would be a couple years worn in by now. I’d also need to order a S-4C and make a brown sheath for my little knife. Crap, I know what will happen when I talk to Jim.

Yes, you'll end up having him make the knife sheath with all the rest, all will match, you'll be thrilled... and your wallet will be $200 lighter. 😅