How do I dye a leather belt white without it cracking and flaking?

Question

I play in a live action role play and I have made a few belts for the game. The problem I'm having is all of my white belts are cracking and flaking. I'm not having this problem with any of my other belts.

Answer 1

The problem is, the white is probably paint, instead of dye.
Dye actually penetrates the leather, while paint sits on top. The flexing of the belt will cause a top layer of paint to start cracking.
Try dyeing a belt with this, instead of paint:

http://tandyleatherfactory.com/products.asp?number=2100-18


You might also try getting some white leather (either drum dyed, or hair on [with the hair still on]) and either gluing it on (contact cement), or sewing it around the edges.

Answer 2

The problem is the fact that white is a pain in the butt.

I would recommend getting factory dyed white harness or belting leather.

You can use automotive upholstry paint as well.

They white "dye" is horrible and looks aweful.

If you want some belting email me
I have plenty, so you wont have to buy a full side.

Answer 3

The problem is (don't you hate it when answers start with those three words?) that the individual flecks of white pigment are too large to sink into the leather past the surface. There just isn't a good satisfying solution for this problem. I have resigned to using white tempera paint and just touching up the cracks as they appear. Not what I really wanted, but the only option I found.