Prepare the leather.
- Use a clean cloth to briskly wipe down the leather and clean off any lingering dust and/or body oils. - Use tape to cover any hardware you don't want to dye. - Hydrate the leather with a light coat of olive oil; hydrated leather will better receive the dye.
A color change can be made from any color to another, i.e. black to white, or white to black, with just as successful results. The Leather Colorant Kit used in this guide can be used to change the color of all leather, vinyl, plastic, PVC & leather cloth car interiors.
Water-based dyes
These additives along with oils and waxes help maintain the suppleness of the leather. Water-based dyes take longer to dry than alcohol-based dyes, but do not have the odor. Water-based dyes tend to have less rub-off than alcohol based dyes.
In the colouration of leather, two main colouring methods are distinguished. The first process involves dyeing the leather with dyes and the second one involves pigmentation of the surface with binder-based colours. Dyeing of the leather by chrome tanning, vegetable tanning or synthetic tanning.
Leather dye should last at least two years with regular use after application before requiring further touch up. It often lasts much longer. Wear patterns and care determine how long the dye will last.
Dyeing leather isn't tricky, but it is a little about trial and error. This instructable is exclusively about dyeing plain vegetable tanned leather, but even vegetable tanned leathers can have different reactions to dye, so it's always a good idea to do a dye test run before going right to the final piece.
You can use fine-point markers and small brushes to create intricate finishes. However, even the best leather paint is prone to cracking and flaking. For the best finish and consistency of items in regular use, leather dye is the best option.
Fiebing's Leather Dye is th most recognized penetrating, alcohol-based leather dye in the world! For use on vegetable tanned or unfinished leather. Apply with a sponge or wool dauber. Will not peel, crack or rub-off when fully dry while remaining flexible.
You should allow for approximately 24 hours of dry time for Pro. Regular Leather Dye can dry in as little as 10 minutes and be sealed and finished almost right away. These dry times can vary wildly depending on where you live. If you're in an extremely humid area, drying can take longer.
One of the most popular is Fiebing's leather dye. Alcohol-Based Dye is widespread because it has a good penetration of leather. Once penetrated into the leather, it carries the coloring substances with it, then the alcohol evaporates leaving the coloring substances inside the leather fibers.
You can dye any un-dyed veg tanned leather. In fact, you can probably dye pre-dyed veg tanned leather… but why? (serious though, if you do this, just be aware that there are waxes on top of finished leathers that will not allow the dye to penetrate the leather well).
It is usually easier to dye dry, especially for those new to dyeing. Since there is no water involved, one can see exactly where the dye has been applied and how much is needed to result in an even coat. What is this? Both wet and dry dying can provide excellent results.
Leather dyes penetrate and accentuate the natural variations in the fiber. Dyes are in the leather (chemical bond). Leather paints and pigmented finishes coat the fiber; they are on the leather (a physical bond). They can be monochromatic or multiple colors, tones and effects.
Excess dye will produce dye rub off
While you want to apply the dye to ensure it stays on, applying a generous amount has the opposite effect. Too much dye leads to oversaturation, which means the dye washes away easily. If you have a water-based dye with solvents, water based dyes might permeate into the leather!
Any cleaning product with a high pH, like vinegar or lemon juice, damages leather fibers and results in excessive drying that creates unsightly cracks. Also avoid products like olive or coconut oil and furniture polishes.
When completely dry, add another thin layer of dye to ensure a uniform dye job. You will want to add at least three layers, more as needed to achieve your desired color.
Leather Dye differs from acrylic shoe paint in that it pentrates the surface of the leather to stain it permanently, creating a rich colored surface while maintaining the surface properties of the leather.
Natural, unfinished leathers take dye easiest, making natural vegetable tanned leather one of the best options for customizing. You can certainly add color to already dyed pieces, but be warned that the process can take longer to achieve a color you are looking for and yield uneven results if not done properly.
Mix two commercial products: leather conditioner and shoe polish. Mixed in equal parts. This solution can be rubbed onto leather, allowed to dry, and buffed into the material. Darker shades can be achieved by repeating the application several times.