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Dyeing leather provides people with flexibility and freedom to create their ideal look. No matter the leather item, be it a jacket, handbag, couch, sofa or shoes, knowing you can dye leather is a great bonus and helps stop the excessive leather production to aid our fight for a sustainable planet.
It is natural that people will have concerns about dyeing leather repeatedly, and whether you can do this successfully. The good news is that in most cases, it is possible to dye and re-dye leather, and we will take you through the process. No matter the leather product you want to revitalise or transform, there will be a way to ensure it looks vibrant and as good as new, if not better!
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.
While you cannot dye a leather a lighter colour, you can remove previous dye work, and then dye the original again.
A good example of this comes with a vegetable tanned leather, which is a light colour. If this leather was dyed black or a dark brown, it couldn’t be directly dyed white. However, by removing the black dye and reverting back to the original colour, it is then possible to then dye the leather a white colour.
This isn’t a simple process, nor is it quick, but if this is the transformation you wish to see with leather, it is possible.
Following on from the previous point, natural vegetable tanned leather is the simplest leather to dye, and this is because it is a light colour. It is often viewed as unfinished leather, and is widely regarded as the lightest leather. If you have vegetable tanned leather (sometimes called white leather), you’ll find dyeing and even re-dyeing is easier than it is with darker leathers.
If you are compiling a shopping list to dye leather, please consider the following items:
Once you have everything you need, you can begin the re-dyeing process.
When you want to dye leather for a second time (or any number of times), you should remove the protective layer and as much of the previous dye as possible.
This guide will take you through all the steps and components of dyed leather, but the crucial difference to a standard leather dye process is in removing the original finish.
When you dye leather, you want to remove the protective finish, so you ensure the pores are opened, allowing you to reach the initial leather fibres. You should then wash out these pores, removing a significant amount of the dye, and then adding your new colour to the leather surface.
You should be prepared to apply several coats to achieve the new look you desire, but there is no reason you cannot dye leather, even if it has already been dyed.
When you dye leather material, it is best to work in a well-ventilated space, which will reduce the likelihood of breathing in harmful toxins and chemicals. It is sensible to wear protective clothing, such as rubber gloves and a mask.
You should cover all surface areas comprehensively, to protect them from spills and accidents. If there is something you cannot dye, even by accident, it is best to remove it from your working area, or cover it completely.
Review the leather for creased and cracked areas, especially distinctive creases. These can add character to a leather piece, but in many cases, you need to repair or replace these elements before you dye leather.
Before you dye leather, you must ensure it is clean. Use a cloth dampened with soapy water to remove dust and dirt, but apply soapy water lightly, do not soak the leather.
You should also look for distinctive stains or marks on the leather. If the stain is a light colour, there is a high chance dyeing it a darker colour will ensure you can no longer see the stain. If you need to remove a stain from leather, consider using a wool dauber or cotton wool balls with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar.
If there are non-leather sections on your product that you don’t want to dye, make sure you thoroughly cover areas you don’t want covered. Painter’s tape or masking tape is suitable to cover metal, wood or other materials you don’t want to dye.
The final stage before dyeing leather is to remove the protective coating, which you can do with a deglazer or acetone. Ideally, do not use nail polish remover for large surfaces like a leather sofa, but if you are re-dyeing a smaller area, this might be a suitable solution.
You can use a rag, cloth or cotton wool to rub this liquid into the leather, which will remove all lingering protective oils. Removing this protective layer helps your new leather sofa dye seep into the leather, creating a more vivid colour.
When you apply your dye, mix of dye, or leather paint, start with a modest amount, and you should look to apply light pressure with the first coat. This is just a thin coat, and again, cotton wool balls or wool daubers are useful in working dye into the leather. Leather dye covers a lot of area, so you can use it sparingly and still enjoy a great outcome.
You should work in a circular motion, and apply thin coats in brush strokes. In some cases, you can dip dye your grain leather, but it is often best to apply dye with a paint brush, especially to the first coat.
While it is best to make each layer an even coat, you can deal with this later in the process. The final coat should be as even as possible, but the thin layers beneath the top coat can have a few imperfections, and it won’t be too much of a problem.
Once you have completed a layer of dye, be sure to wipe away excess dye from the leather, and then allow the layer to dry before applying a second coat. While it is best for the leather to dye naturally, this is a great opportunity for you to get some fresh air. When you work with dyes for a prolonged period, even in a ventilated area, you might place yourself at risk. So, taking a break is a good idea, and the drying process is a natural place to halt proceedings.
If you are in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, but this isn’t necessary. A hair dryer is a useful way to save time, but if you don’t have a hair dryer handy, the benefits aren’t enough to persuade you to buy one.
The length of time it takes leather to dry depends on a few factors, including how the colour of the leather, and how much leather is covered. If you have a dark coat, it will take more dye to colour it, and it will take more time to dry than a lighter layer. Also, don’t be surprised if you need to use up to six thin layers of dye to get the colour you desire.
When the top coat is in place and has dried, apply a finisher. This protects the dye, and will ensure the material looks great for longer. Finished leather leaves you feeling confident that your leather will last for some time.
No dye is fully permanent, there are ways you can remove dye, and there are natural occurrences which diminish the appearance of leather dye. However, if natural leather is well cared for, dye can last a considerable time, and in many ways, it is best to view leather dye as permanent.
Leather dyes mark though, which is why you should wear gloves (even latex gloves) and use items like a wool dauber when working with leather dyes or leather paint. Applying dye can be messy, so take your time and only apply more coats when you are confident the final colour requires it.
The following factors all play a role in diminishing the appearance of leather.
If the surface of the leather item is exposed to the sun, over time, its appearance is affected, often suffering from cracking, drying out discoloration.
As leather is a porous material, meaning it absorbs and lets out moisture, the impact of the sun's ultraviolet rays draws moisture, negatively impacting the look of leather.
If you have a jacket, a handbag or sofa, touching it will negatively impact the leather. Oils from the body are often harsh on leather, and after use, leather requires a restoration process.
If you want your leather to look great after you have re-dyed it, you’ll need to develop a maintenance programme. There are many steps you can take to ensure leather remains in great condition, even after it has been through the leather dyeing process a few times.
It is best to avoid stretching leather too often. This is a tip more relevant to bags and jackets, but if you stretch leather beyond its natural silhouette, it will start to crack.
You should wipe dust and dirt away from leather on a weekly basis, and using a soft brush or cloth in a circular motion is best to retain its look and lustre. Taking additional care at every stage helps to create a better finished outcome, and you'll love the look of well cared for leather.
You should be careful with leather, using it gently. It is understandable that people take leather items for granted after many months or years of use, but if you do this, you’ll limit the longevity of your leather.
Watch out for items that might scratch or mark your leather. If your leather is scraped or scratched, it leaves a significant mark, and this can be difficult to remove or repair.
Try to avoid a natural resin like leather getting wet, which is easier for some products than others. If you have a leather bag, leather shoes or a leather jacket and it is likely to rain, having an umbrella to hand is of benefit. If leather is wet, blot away this water or moisture as quickly as you can.
While you can use a hair dryer to speed up the dye drying process, you should avoid using this product to dry leather after it is wet. Doing so will likely lead to cracks in the long-term.
If you have a steam cleaner, you can use this to clean and disinfect your leather in a safe and careful manner.
If you intend to use chemicals or cleaning products on leather, be sure to test this substance in an out of sight area or on scrap leather.
Invest in a good quality leather cleaner and conditioner, and use it two to four times a year on your leather.
If you can, take the time to air out leather naturally.
Anyone looking to test a colour, should consider a temporary dye like shoe polish rather than dyeing the leather directly. This isn't a permanent solution, and it will not give an exact reflection of how the leather colour will look, but it is a great guide that might save work and effort in the long-term.
You have options to consider with leather dye, and that is before you think about leather paints.
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option, water based dyes are a better choice than oil based dyes. However, oil based dyes penetrate leather more deeply than water based dyes, and will give you a more vibrant finish on tanned leather.
Alcohol based leather dye doesn't penetrate leather as well as oil, so alcohol based dyes might be your first thought when it comes to creating the finest surface finishes.
There is no denying dyeing leather is a time-consuming process, and for some people, it will not be worth the time and effort. However, dyed leather can look stunning, and it can give many years of life to a cherished item.
The right type of leather dye can transform an item, saving you money and ensuring you have a leather finish you are proud of. Equally, when you work with leather dyes to transform an item, there is a great sense of satisfaction.
Knowing you have transformed the surface of the leather into something vibrant that will last for some time is a great feeling, and it is easy to see why many people enjoy working with leather dye.
Transforming a leather coat or jacket into something with a shiny finish or vivid colours is a lot of work, but with some basic tools and the ability to apply a final even coating, you'll love the look.
