How to Dye Leather in 7 Steps

To properly dye leather, you’ll need a well-ventilated space and several materials, which you can find at crafting or leather goods store:

• Deglazer: A leather deglazer is a solution that cleans the leather and prepares it for an efficient dye process.
• Spray bottle: After deglazing, you’ll want to spray your leather gently with some water to help it more easily absorb your first coat of dye.
• Paint brush: You will use a paint brush or wool dauber to apply your coat of dye.
• Leather dye: The kind of dye you select will determine the color and affect your leather’s outcome, feel, and quality.
• Scrap rag: An old scrap piece of cloth will be helpful to have during the dyeing process to wipe away excess dye and sop up spills.
• Gloves: Dye can get messy, so you’ll want to wear gloves that cover your forearm for protection. Dishwashing gloves will get the job done.
• A ventilated and protected workspace. You’ll want your work area to be well-ventilated as the dye can release fumes that are dangerous to breathe. Open your windows and turn on a fan if indoors, and if outdoors, be sure it’s a dry day and stay out of direct sunlight. Use a drop cloth or cut open a large trash bag and tape it down on your workspace to keep your station clean.

The kind of leather will dictate what type of dye you should use to achieve the right dye color and the right leather finish. Consider these different leather dyes and their applications:

1. 1. Shoe polish: Shoe polish works as a more temporary kind of leather dye. The polish does not penetrate the leather’s fibers, making this dye less permanent, though it is quick and easy to apply.
2. 2. Alcohol-based leather dyes: These dyes penetrate the surface of the leather, creating more vivid colors that last a long time. Alcohol may strip the moisture out of the leather, stiffening the material, so you may need a leather conditioner or finisher to restore the material.
3. 3. The sun: The sun can be a natural way to dye leather. Leaving your veg-tanned leather out in the sun will darken its hue. This process will take at least an hour, more depending on how dark you want your leather as the sun’s ultraviolet rays will take a lighter leather and turn it to a dark brown over time.
4. 4. Oil-based leather dyes: Unlike alcohol-based dyes, oil-based ones do not strip the leather of liquids. Oil-based dyes cut through the surface of the leather to color the fibers to a richer saturation. These may work best for full and top grain leather without surface finishes applied, meaning those fibers will dry out more readily.
5. 5. Water-based leather dyes: Water-based dyes have fewer toxins than other dyes but produce more muted colors. They will leave your leather supple.
6. 6. Resolene: You can apply leather resolene, or acrylic dye, in thin layers as a leather finish. After drying, the thin layers of acrylic will harden into a shiny, solid, and protective surface atop your leather; this can work for corrected grain leather, whose fibers will have been sanded down so the resolene offers a durable finish. Different finishes and colors are available for resolene, making it a versatile leather dye option.
7. 7. Resin: A leather finisher made from natural resin will produce a subtler and softer finish and provide some protection from dirt. Resin-based finishers are not water-resistant and can work well.

Learning how to properly dye can take your leatherworking skills to the next level. Follow these steps to prepare, dye, and finish leather:

1. 1. Ready your workstation. If indoors, you’ll want to work at a large table. Open the windows and turn on a fan to dilute the strength of the dye’s fumes. Keep the temperature at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and cut open a large trash bag to lay on your surface for protection. If outdoors, choose a warm day that’s not too windy, and keep to the shade. Wear gloves and put down old towels on the floor to catch spills.
2. 2. Apply your deglazer. With a clean cloth, apply your deglazer (or leather preparer), which will take off the seal on your leather so the fibers can more readily absorb your dye. If working with leather shoes, remove shoelaces first and add some balled-up paper to the insides to keep them dry.
3. 3. Spray the leather with water. Gently dampen the surface of your leather. This lets the leather evenly absorb your dye.
4. 4. Start with a first coat. Take a paint brush, lightly add some dye, and paint the edges of your leather material. It can be a challenge to hide brush strokes, so use a cotton ball or sponge to fill in the rest of the surface. Add dye to the cotton balls and apply in a circular motion.
5. 5. Let it dry. It will take a full day for your leather to completely dry.
6. 6. Add more thin coats. 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.
7. 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. Let your leather dry, clean up your work surface, then enjoy your newly dyed material.

Consider the tips below to help finesse and ease the dyeing process:

1. 1. Have a variety of tools for applying dye. Different tools will play different roles in your dye process. Sponges can add texture, cotton balls are good for getting into smaller areas, and sprayers assist in blending colors.
2. 2. Sample your dye color. The color of your dye in the bottle will not exactly match the final shade of your dyed leather. Try out a small sample, testing to see how the color reads on your material. You can try mixing colors to secure a more accurate one if needed.
3. 3. Dipping can be an easier, faster technique. To dip dye your leather, you will need to purchase more dye. Pour the dye into a bowl or container that you are comfortable sacrificing. Make sure there is enough dye to submerge your belt, wallet pieces, or other leather goods. Dip it in for a few seconds, then remove it to let it dry overnight. Dipping is a quick method that ensures an even coating.

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