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.
Allow the leather to dry for at least 24 hours. The leather may feel sticky at first, but this should disappear after buffing. When dry, apply a thin coat of oil to your leather to ensure moisture retention before applying a finish.
- After the final coat of dye has completely dried, it's time to apply a wax based conditioner. Leather conditioner will re-hydrate the leather from any drying caused by the dyeing process or the dye itself, and it will help seal the color. - Apply the conditioner with a soft cotton rag in a circular motion.
Leather sealers come in many types with unique characteristics. No sealer will make leather completely waterproof, but most will provide good water resistance. Sealers are not required but can be helpful for those looking to protect the leather surface or prevent dye from rubbing off.
You will want to add at least three layers, more as needed to achieve your desired color. 7. Buff the leather. Once you finish dyeing, you can use a leather finisher or sheen to get a shiny finish, or buff with a cloth to clean and smooth the surface.
These projects may be accomplished using one of our Leather Recoloring Kits. These kit contain everything needed including full step-by-step instructions to make the process as simple as possible. By using these products and following the directions you can complete a permanent, “like New” appearance to your project.
In determining what is better between leather dye and leather paint, you need to think about what you are doing and what outcome you need. If you are working in great detail or need a precise finish, leather paint is a better option. You can use fine-point markers and small brushes to create intricate finishes.
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!
Resolene has the highest shine of the finishes we carry. It is safe for use over leather dye, antiques, and natural leather (do not use on Suede). Some leather workers prefer not to use Resolene because they feel the acrylic finish doesn't look or feel natural. But just as many use it as their go to for every project.
Once the dye has dried completely, you can choose to seal it with a number of different options (first, make sure to buff the piece with a clean cloth to remove any excess dye pigment). Some folks like to finish with nothing but a leather conditioner or oil to help soften the leather again.
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.
It Is Possible To Dye Leather Again
You can also dye leather that has already been dyed, with paint, dye or even neatsfoot oil. If you change your mind or want to try a different look, you can do so, and this guide will take you through the process.
Wipe Down the Leather
Wiping it down quickly with a dry rag prior to dying will help create an even coat. Some suggest using a deglazer on the leather, which will remove any oils that have gotten on the leather from things like your hands. I've not used this before, but I've seen it recommended many times.
After the dye dries for an hour or more, apply neatsfoot oil leather conditioner to both surfaces of leather.
Another benefit in dying the grain and flesh side is that it will give your leather project or furniture a more uniform appearance. When you only dye one side of a leather item, the other side of the leather finish can look dull in comparison, and this goes for different leathers too.
This sealer provides a heavy-duty finish to your leather using natural beeswax. It leaves your leather piece with a water-resistant, scratch-resistant, mildew-resistant, durable layer of protection. As a conditioner, it can also be used to rejuvenate dried-out leather.
It is not uncommon for leather dye to “bleed” especially if the item is not dyed with the drum-dye process. Leather dyes will bleed from the material if the garment gets wet. This bleeding is normal and will occur only for a short period of time.
It all depends on what kind of conditioner you use. Some will darken the leather significantly, some mildly, some not at all. There is always a disclaimer on whatever you buy to test it in an inconspicuous place. Generally, the more “effective” conditioners will always darken the leather.
Some reactive dyes used in leather can also react with oxides of nitrogen producing an orange/yellow colour, especially if the leather is wet.
The most popular colors in leather furniture are typically black and brown. Going into detail with the personality of colors can help you decide how you will choose the colors in your living space. Blacks usually will work best as an accent color but should never be used as the primary color in a room.
Occasionally dyes from leather garments (jackets, trousers, gloves, belts, bags, shoes) rub off and discolour other materials. Sometimes it's just fluff from suede or nubuck, but often it is caused by dyes which have not been sufficiently fixed to the leather.
Best Color for Leather Car Seats
White is a good choice for a leather interior because it is durable, reflective, ages better than brown or black, and makes a statement. Black is the most common, is also durable, and resistant to dirt and stains.