e.g. Green+Red = Black color.
Please ensure you are having right color choice while ordering - talk to us for help.
1. Gather your supplies + prepare your space.
First things first: choose a ventilated work area.
Rubber gloves: wear them. Cover/line your workspace to protect from dye stains.
Soft cotton rags or t-shirt scraps are perfect for dye application.
Cotton swabs work great for dyeing edges and corners. Leather dye (there are many options depending on what you’re dyeing: research and choose!) Oil (not conditioner; olive oil or jojoba oil work best) Vegetable tanned leather
2. 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. Apply a thin layer in a circular motion with a clean cloth. (Don’t forget the edges.)
Be sure you’re using olive oil or jojoba oil not leather conditioner for this step. A leather conditioner will include waxes or glosses that will inhibit the dye from penetrating the leather.
3. Cut your dye.
Dilute (or “cut”) the dye so you have room to use multiple coats to achieve your desired color. Full strength dye may result in your
desired color on the first pass. This is not a good thing, as it leaves no chance to even out any blotchy areas. (Multiple coats = more even finish.)
Dilute your dye with the base of the type of dye you’re using—if
water-based, dilute with water; alcohol-based, dilute with alcohol;
oil-based, dilute with oil. Or, look for a “dye reducer” that may be
sold alongside your dye of choice.
4. Apply the dye.
Using a soft cotton rag, gently apply your first coat of dye using a circular motion. Remember: applying several thin coats will more likely result in an even color (as opposed to an uneven slathering), Allow the first coat to dry.
For additional coats, continue applying using the small circular
motion and drying between coats. The aim is to cover the grain from every direction, leaving no un-dyed area.
When you’ve reached the desired color, let the dye dry completely (24 hours should work). Do not touch it at this point or you’ll smudge the dye.
5. Condition + Finish the leather. After the final coat of dye has completely dried, it’s time to apply a wax based conditioner. Leather conditioner will rehydrate 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.
Allow the conditioner to dry, and then lightly buff with a clean rag. As we mentioned above, please do not underestimate the amount of trial and error involved in learning how to dye leather. It can definitely be a fun project. It can also ruin your favorite product or bag if you decide to dive in and do something crazy.
What is Leather Dyeing?
Dyeing leather is the process of applying a colored pigment mixed with a base (usually alcohol, oil, or water) to leather fibers of leather such that the visible color of the leather changes. Some dyes penetrate deeply into the leather fibers. Others remain closer to the surface, including leather paints. I learned about this while making a belt.
Reasons to Dye Leather ?
Generally, leather is dyed to achieve a preferred visual look. Sometimes a leather worker is crafting a piece and wants it to be a particular shade of color. Or, they might have some natural leather they’d like to change into a colored leather. So, they learn how to dye leather. Also, dyed leather can be damaged and need repair. In this case a leather crafter might need to dye the repaired leather area to match the original leather color.
Free* Complimentary shipping within 1 to 3 business days and In-store collection available within 1 to 7 business days of order.
Next-day and Express delivery options also available [with in NCR only]
Purchases are delivered in a brown box tied with a CRATLY Logo on it, with the exception of certain items
RETURNS AND EXCHANGES
Easy and complimentary, within 7 days, See conditions and procedure here
These are alcohol / toner based dye, penetrate quickly, give deep color in first coat itself.
Buy with confidence. Talk to us for more such tips.
