Whether you are creating a new leather item or restoring an old one, the dyeing process allows you to complete your work. Knowing how to proceed allows you to customize the color of the leather object, but remember that each piece is different and can react to the color differently.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Commercial tint
Step 1. Get the paint
Most of the kits you find on the market consist of a dye, a solution to prepare the skin and a polish or other fixer. Be sure to carefully read the instructions for the specific product you purchased. You can purchase water-based or alcohol-based dyes.
- Alcoholic ones tend to harden the leather, while water-based ones leave the leather soft and flexible. In addition, alcohol-based dyes will lose color as a result of friction against clothing (or any surface they come into contact with), while water-based dyes do not achieve a very intense color.
- Remember that the color you see on the outside of the package is not the same color that the leather will acquire once the process is finished. Try to check if there are any leather swatches colored with the dye you want to use to get an idea of the real hue. Alternatively, test a piece of leather.
- The colors can be spray, to be applied with a brush or a sponge. Choose the solution that best suits your practical needs.
Step 2. Protect any surface you don't want to dye
Cover the buckles and metal inserts that you don't have to color. First, apply masking tape to a hidden area to make sure it doesn't damage the skin when you remove it. You should use masking tape, the kind commonly used by painters.
Step 3. Get in a well-ventilated area
Most products designed to dye leather release toxic fumes, so be sure to work outdoors or in a room with adequate air exchange.
Most dyes work best in environments with a temperature of 15 ° C or higher
Step 4. Put on gloves to keep your hands clear of the dye
Latex ones are fine and will not get in the way of your work.
Step 5. Use a cloth to apply the prep product
It is a product that removes the old finishing layer from the leather object, thus allowing the new dye to penetrate the fibers. This cleaning phase also ensures that the dye is distributed evenly.
Step 6. Wet the skin
Use a spray bottle filled with water to wet the leather. Don't overdo it though, you just need to make sure the entire surface is damp. In this way the skin will absorb the color evenly and the result will be better.
This step is not necessary for some products and you can move on to the dye phase immediately after cleaning the leather
Step 7. Apply the first coat
Start by painting the edges with a brush to make sure they look even. Then spread the color evenly with the help of a sponge on the rest of the object. Try not to apply too much product in one go; better apply several thin coats for accurate and homogeneous work.
- Read the instructions to make sure you are proceeding correctly. Some products require the use of a brush, others a wool swab, still others recommend a sponge or are sold in spray packs.
- The sponges allow you to change the appearance of the finish giving the leather a particular surface effect. If you make circular movements, you can be sure that the result will be uniform.
- Brushes are usually used for small surfaces, but it is not easy to hide brush marks on large surfaces. Apply the first hand with movements from left to right, the second with perpendicular strokes (from top to bottom) and the third in a circular direction. This is the best technique for a homogeneous result.
- Spray is one of the best ways to apply the dye because it is easy to spread and mix the color. If you have opted for this solution, apply the first coat by directly spraying the dye on the surface.
Step 8. Roll out subsequent coats
After waiting the necessary time for the color to dry, spread the second layer. Continue like this for as many coats as you feel you need, until you get the shade you want. 3 to 6 layers may be needed.
Step 9. Let the skin dry completely, manipulating it from time to time to maintain its flexibility
You will need to wait 24 hours before proceeding to the next step. Don't worry if it feels sticky at first; the leather will return to normal after a complete drying and polishing.
Step 10. Polish the object with a clean cloth or apply the appropriate finishing product
This phase allows you to eliminate any residual dye and makes the surface shine. You can use a polish if you want the leather to be mirror-like.
Method 2 of 3: Vinegar and Rust
Step 1. If you want to dye your leather black, use vinegar and rusty nails
It is an economical solution for obtaining a lasting dark color. It is a natural color that will not come off due to friction on clothes and hands.
This method works best on vegetable dyed leather. If the leather has already been dyed before, it has probably undergone a chrome plating, and this method will not give good results
Step 2. Choose a source of rust
You can use iron nails, iron shavings, or any other material that rusts (and, ideally, has already begun to rust). Steel wool is one of the faster options, as it is possible to tear it into small fragments, but it has an oil coating to prevent rust; get rid of it by soaking the steel wool in acetone, squeezing it, and then letting it dry completely.
Acetone can irritate the skin, but occasional contact shouldn't cause lasting damage. It is best to wear latex gloves
Step 3. Heat the vinegar
Heat about two quarts of white or apple vinegar until warm but not too hot. Return it to its container, or other suitable container.
Step 4. Put the metal in the vinegar
Over time, the rust (iron oxide) will react with vinegar (acetic acid), forming a substance called ferric acetate, which reacts with tannins and dyes the leather.
The amount of iron depends on the concentration of the vinegar. The best is to start with a large amount (about thirty nails) and then add them until they stop melting
Step 5. Leave the metal in the vinegar for at least a week in a warm, ventilated container
The lid must be pierced to allow the gases to escape, or the container will explode. The mixture will be ready when the iron has melted and at the same time there will be no too strong smell of vinegar.
- If you still smell a strong vinegar smell, add more iron. If there is still iron in the container, heat it up slightly to speed up the process.
- Once nearly all of the acetic acid is gone, any remaining iron will rust normally, making the liquid reddish. At this point you can leave the container uncovered for a couple of days, to allow the last drops of acetic acid to evaporate.
Step 6. Filter the liquid
Run the liquid through a paper towel or coffee filter repeatedly until there are no solid parts left.
Step 7. Soak the skin in black tea
Brew some heavy black tea, then let it cool, then soak your skin in it to add extra tannins. Doing this will increase the effects of the rust tint and prevent the leather from cracking.
Those who dye their skins by trade often use tannic acid or campeccio extract (Haematoxylum campechianum) in this phase
Step 8. Soak the leather in the liquid for thirty minutes
The liquid will penetrate the skin adding a deep and permanent tint. At this point the hue may be an ugly greyish or brown, but fear not: when the skin is greased it will turn black.
It is a good idea to test first by dyeing a piece of iron, or a corner of the leather object. If after a few days you see that it forms cracks, dilute the vinegar with water and try again
Step 9. Neutralize the vinegar with the baking soda
Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a liter of water, soak the skin in the solution and rinse it with clean water. This neutralizes the acid and protects the skin.
Step 10. Soften the leather with oil
While it's still wet, scrub the item with the oil of your choice. It may also take two coats of oil to achieve the desired result. Choose the oil that you think is most appropriate, but first test it on a hidden corner.
Method 3 of 3: Mink Oil
Step 1. Use mink oil only if you want the leather to darken
It is a natural product that lubricates the skin, penetrates its fibers and softens it. It also makes the object waterproof and protects it from salt, mold and other atmospheric agents.
Attention: Mink oil is a strange substance, since it can leave an oily layer that repels other products (making polishing or other processing difficult). Additionally, mink oil products are not regulated by regulations, and may contain silicone or other ingredients that can harm your skin. Research the product before using it on high quality leather.
Step 2. Clean the object
Before dyeing it you need to make sure it is free of dust, dirt, grease and other foreign materials. Use a damp brush or cloth for this.
Step 3. Put your skin in the sun
You have to let it warm up gently with the sun's rays. Raising the temperature of the leather allows the oil to penetrate the color into its fibers, making it permanent.
Do not put the skin in the oven to heat it, you will ruin it
Step 4. Heat the mink oil
Put the bottle of oil in a container filled with hot water. In this way the oil is better distributed on the object ensuring a uniform color. In addition, hot oil penetrates better into the leather.
Step 5. Apply the oil
Use a clean cloth and spread the oil with firm movements over the entire surface. Try to be precise and do a uniform job. Multiple applications may be required to achieve the desired result.
Step 6. Wait for it to dry for 30-60 minutes
Occasionally manipulate the object to prevent it from hardening. By doing this you allow the oil to penetrate.
Step 7. Polish the item with a cloth or shoe polish brush
If you want a glossy finish, proceed with circular movements.
Step 8. Handle the leather carefully
Be very careful if you have to wear or handle it immediately after polishing it, as it may still have some fresh oil residue that could transfer to your body, clothing or any other object. It will be like this for the first few weeks.
- You should store the item in a safe place until the oil has completely penetrated the fibers and dried; this way you avoid accidental stains.
- If you are not satisfied with the hue, repeat the entire process for a more intense color.
