Whether you're producing a new piece of leather or restoring an old one, the dyeing instructions below can speed up the process and create a well-finished product. Knowing how to dye leather will help you change the color of any piece of leather without any major difficulties. Of course, remember that every leather is different and can react to dyes in unique ways.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using industrialized dyes
Step 1. Choose your dye
Most industrialized dyeing products come with: leather preparer, dyeing and finishing. Some things to think about when choosing a product:
- Alcohol-based dyes tend to harden the leather, while water-based dyes keep the fabric soft and supple. Most water-based products are actually leather coverings that change the color of the garment completely.
- The dye color does not represent the final color of the leather, so test it on a small piece first. If you're going to touch up an already dyed piece, take it to a professional to find the exact color.
- Dyeings exist in the most diverse types of applications. There are those applied with sprays, brushes and sponges. Choose what works best for you in terms of ease of use.
Step 2. Tape the areas you don't want to color with masking tape
Cover the buckles and metal pieces with masking tape. As much as the tape can damage some leather finishes, you'll remove them anyway for dyeing.
Step 3. Work in well-ventilated areas
Most leather preparers and dyes release fumes that can be toxic, so do the process only in well-ventilated environments. If you're dyeing leather outdoors, keep the fabric out of direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Most dyes do best at temperatures of 15° or higher
Step 4. Protect your hands, clothing and floor
Dyeing leather can stain the skin for up to a week and can also permanently stain other surfaces. Wear latex gloves and line the floor with plastic to catch the spills.
Step 5. Apply the leather preparer
Rub the product with a clean cloth over the leather to remove the finish from it and facilitate dye penetration.
Step 6. Moisten the leather
With a spray bottle, dampen the surface of the leather, being careful not to soak it. The idea is to simply coat it evenly with water to create a homogeneous dye absorption and a smooth finish.
Some dyes do not need the leather to be damp to work. Check the label first
Step 7. Apply the first coat of dye
Start by painting the edges of the leather with a brush. For the rest of the process, apply a thin coat of dye with a sponge, brush or spray. Check the product label to see which method of application is recommended. If there is no recommendation, rate the following pros and cons.
- Sponges can apply different effects and textures to leather. For a uniform look, use circular motions.
- Wool daubers are easy to use when applying liquid dyes to small areas, but they may not work very well with gel products.
- Brushes are good for corners and small areas, but it's hard to disguise brush strokes over larger areas. Apply the first layer from left to right, the second layer up and down, and the third layer in a circular motion to cover the leather well.
- Sprays make it easy to mix colors in cases of touch-up or dyeing with more than one color. An airbrush or refinishing gun are the options that allow you more control. Check the product instructions to see if it can be sprayed.
Step 8. Apply additional coats of dye
Let the primer dry first, obviously. Apply the second coat of paint and wait for it to dry. Keep repeating the process until you reach the desired color, which should take three to six coats. For an even look, apply several thin layers.
Step 9. Allow the leather to dry completely, handling it from time to time to maintain flexibility
Allow the leather to dry for at least 24 hours. Pick it up and stretch it a little now and then (using gloves, of course) to keep it from getting stiff. As much as the leather is sticky at first, it should go away after polishing or applying a finisher.
Step 10. Skip the leather with a clean cloth or apply a gloss finish
Polishing removes dye residues and brightens the leather surface. If you want to make it shinier, apply a gloss finisher.
Method 2 of 3: Using Vinegar and Rust
Step 1. Use vinegar and rust to dye a leather black
It is an old, cheap and simple recipe for permanently dyeing leather black. The color won't come off on your fingers or other clothes, and the dye can be saved for more use in the future.
The technique works best on leathers dyed with techniques that do not use chemical substances. If the leather has already been dyed, it has probably been treated with chrome and varnish, which will not work well
Step 2. Choose a rust source
You can use nails, scrap metal or any other material that will rust (ideally if the iron has already started to rust). Steel wool is one of the quickest options as it can be torn into small pieces, but it has an oily coating that prevents rust. Dip it in acetone, squeeze it and let it dry to get rid of the coating.
Acetone can irritate the skin, but occasional contact should not cause lasting damage. It is still recommended to use latex gloves
Step 3. Heat the vinegar
You will need to heat about two liters of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. When the liquid is hot (but not too hot), pour it into a bowl.
Step 4. Dip the metal in the vinegar
Over time, rust (iron oxide) will react with vinegar (acetic acid), forming a substance known as ferric acetate, which reacts with tannins to dye the leather.
The amount of iron needed depends on the concentration of vinegar. The easiest method is to start with a good amount (such as 30 nails) and keep adding until the iron stops dissolving
Step 5. Keep the container in a cool, ventilated place for at least a week
Cover it, but drill holes in the lid to release gases, or the container may explode. Store vinegar in a warm environment for a week or more. When all the iron is dissolved and the smell of vinegar is gone, the mixture is ready.
- If the vinegar smell is still strong, add more iron. If there is already enough iron, heat the mixture on the stove to speed up the reaction.
- When nearly all of the acetic acid is gone, the remaining iron will normally rust, leaving the liquid reddish. Leave the container uncapped for a few days to allow the remaining acid to evaporate.
Step 6. Filter the liquid
Strain the vinegar mixture onto paper towels or coffee filters a few times, until the liquid is free of solids.
Step 7. Soak the leather in black tea
Make a very strong black tea and let the water cool. Then soak the leather in the drink to add extra tannins and enhance the effects of vinegar and prevent cracking of the leather.
Leather care professionals sometimes use tannic acid or Campeche extract in place of black tea
Step 8. Soak the fabric in vinegar for half an hour
The liquid will penetrate the leather and create a deep, permanent layer of dye. Don't be alarmed if the fabric looks blue or gray; it will darken during the process and after applying oils.
First test the mixture on a piece of metal or a corner of leather. If the fabric cracks after a few days, dilute the vinegar with water and try again
Step 9. Neutralize the leather with a sodium bicarbonate solution
Mix 45 ml of bicarbonate with 1 liter of water and soak the solution into the leather. Rinse with clean water and you're done. The mixture neutralizes the acid in the vinegar and keeps the leather intact.
Step 10. Treat the leather with oil
While the fabric is still damp, rub your favorite leather oil over the entire surface. Choose a product that works well with your leather by testing it on a small piece. Apply more than one coat to condition the fabric well.
Method 3 of 3: Using Mink Oil
Step 1. Use mink oil when you just want to darken the leather
It is a natural substance that lubricates and penetrates the oil, conditioning it. The oil also has waterproofing abilities and protects the fabric from salt, mold and mildew.
Warning: Mink oil is controversial, as it can leave an oily layer on the fabric that repels other products, making polishing and other leather modifications difficult. Because oil products don't follow a pattern, you may end up buying one that contains silicone or another ingredient that is harmful to leather. Do research well before buying oil, therefore.
Step 2. Clean the leather
Before dyeing the fabric, get rid of dirt, dirt and any other materials. Use a brush or damp cloth to thoroughly clean the fabric surface.
Step 3. Place the leather in the sun
Heat the fabric naturally to allow the oil to penetrate the leather better, making the dyeing permanent.
Never heat the leather in an oven as you can damage the fabric with excessive heat
Step 4. Heat the mink oil
Place a bottle of oil in a container of hot water to heat the oil a little. This will ensure that the product will cover the leather evenly.
Step 5. Apply mink oil
Dip a clean cloth into the product and use it to spread the oil all over the leather, creating an even layer for a smooth finish. It may be necessary to repeat the application a few times to darken the leather.
Step 6. Allow to dry for 30 to 60 minutes
From time to time, stir the leather so that it does not harden and to facilitate the absorption of oil.
Step 7. Skip the leather with a cloth or a shoe polishing brush
To create a glossy finish on the leather, just a little buffing is all it takes. Make circular movements with the cloth and you're done!
Step 8. Handle the leather with care
After darkening the leather, it is important to be careful as it is possible that the oil that is still fresh will pass onto the skin, other clothing, or anything else it comes into contact with in the first few weeks after treatment.
- Keep dyed leather in a safe place in the wardrobe until the dyeing is completely dry to prevent accidents.
- If you are dissatisfied with the tone of the leather, repeat the process until you reach the desired color.