can you dye leather that is already dyed?
Yes, you can dye leather that is already been dyed be it leather clothes, shoes, handbags, leather sofa, or any leather furniture of different colors or to make it look like new again you can use the same color. However, it is very important to use only products that are suitable for leather. It is also advisable to get help from a professional and do the proper research before attempting to paint your leather furniture on your own.
Dyeing old leather again will not only save us money but is also good for our environment as by doing so we can also reduce leather production.
In this article, we will discuss almost everything that is needed to dye leather furniture. We have tried to cover almost every query possible. After reading this article you will have a greater insight into dyeing leather and you will be in a better position to decide whether you should go for this demanding task or not.
Table of Contents
Is it possible to dye or paint dark-colored leather into a lighter color?
Yes, it is possible to dye or paint dark-colored leather into a much lighter shade but it would require some extra effort you have to remove the previous dye work and then you will need to apply multiple coats of dye or paint to achieve the desired results. Which is not at all an easy task to do.
When to dye leather?
We can consider redyeing if it starts fading, or getting dull when wear and tear marks are visible. You can also choose dyeing when you want to change or alter the leather color.
What is the best color for leather?
Although you can choose any color of your desire as there is a wide range of colors available with different manufacturers and online stores we would prefer some subtle colors like brown, black, beige, and gray as they blend perfectly with almost any design. One can also choose colors that are easier to maintain and look good, like black and brown.
Note- Avoid using dye on certain leather types like suede and aniline leather as the dye will penetrate through the fibers and it would not be possible to change the color further.
What supplies do you need to dye leather at home?
Protective clothing
Masking tape or covering tapes
Containers for dye
Rags to mop
Leather prep kit
Leather dye of the desired color
leather conditioner
Leather deglazer
applicator sponge or Cotton balls
Acrylic finisher
Soft Clothing
Paintbrush
How to dye leather goods?
After getting all the necessary supplies for leather dyeing it’s time to dive into the actual process of dyeing the leather. By following these steps you can restore your old and worn leather products be it a leather jacket, shoes, couch, handbag, or anything made out of real leather except suede and aniline leather.
1.| Leather cleaning
Before starting dying the first thing you need to do is surface cleaning, use leather cleaner, apply it with a brush, and leave for 5 to 10 minutes then wipe it off with a clean cloth, you can also use rubbing alcohol or soapy water,
when u start getting clean cloth wipes it’s time to move to the second step i.e. leather prep.
2.| Leather prep
Leather prep is a kind of deglazer that will help you remove the protective coating on old dye further.
Leather prep liquid will help you break through the sealant and protective layer, apply a thin coat of leather prep liquid, and pay attention to the most worn or faded areas, color will start coming off on the cloth, when no color is coming off then move to next step, you can also use deglazer or acetone but good quality leather prep is preferred,
you can try fixing any damage or leather workto leather at this stage as the next step is leather colouring and you can get the best color match in the dying stage.
3.| Apply leather color dye material
Once you have prepared the surface in the above steps it is time to paint the first coat of dye to the leather with the desired color.
Start coating the dye of your choice on the leather with the help of a soft sponge, gently apply the dye in one direction and avoid rubbing so hard to get even better leather finish. Once the first coat is dried you can do another coat in the opposite direction and repeat the process till you get the desired shades of leather.
you can also use a hair dryer to make the drying process faster but don’t push it very hard as the drying process is equally important for the leather finish.
4.| Final finish
The final protective coating is very important after the completion of dying. You can choose between various types of finishes, matte and glossy finishes are widely used.
You can use a soft sponge to coat this protective film. However, the spray gun is preferred over other methods to get an even smoother finish.
After the first coat is dried you can proceed to do the second one in the opposite direction and repeat till you get the desired surface finish.
After completion of the last coat, you will have to leave your newly dyed leather product for at least 24 hours to let the coatings set and you get the required surface hardness. You can start using it afterward. A good quality Acrylic finisher is best for the final finishing of the leather surface.
Tips
1.| Do not overcoat anything whether it is a dye or final clear coat use everything appropriately.
2.| Let it dry for at least 24 hours or longer if required.
3.| Do not rush the drying process it will make the leather stiff.
4.| If there is any doubt, contact a professional.
5.| Don’t forget to clean any stains on leather before dyeing to avoid dye stains.
6.| Before trying any product with leather you should know the types of leather you are dealing with.
7.| It’s always best to try the dye on an inconspicuous area before attempting to coat the entire piece.
How long does dye last?
The leather dye can last for many years if it is applied properly and taken care of afterward. It can even last the lifetime of leather goods. It doesn’t take much to redye a leather article but that can make it last even longer so it definitely worth doing.
Conclusion
It is very good to reuse not only leather but everything we can to do our best when it comes to supporting the idea of a sustainable planet. Leather is a durable material and few extra efforts to revive the appearance of old leather are worth paying for. However, it is totally a personal choice and can vary from person to person. I hope you enjoyed it and found our article useful. Don’t forget to browse through our amazing handmade leather products.
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