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5 easy steps to Dye the Leather

It is advisable to first try this process on a test piece of Leather to get more friendly and confident with the process! 

1) The Collection and Preparation

Choose a vacant and properly ventilated area where you can start the process. The chemicals used in dyes can be highly toxic when breathed in for a longer duration. It is advisable to dye leather outdoors.

Put on rubber gloves to avoid dye from getting on your hands.

Properly cover the workspace to protect it from dye spills. Use plastic trash bags to cover the surface.   

The chemicals used in leather dying work best within a given range of temperature. The ideal temperature is 22 Degree Celsius with low humidity. If the atmosphere is too dry, hot, or cold, the dye won't be able to work at its best. 

Get some cotton swabs or T-shirts for dying the corners and edges of the leather. 

Get the suitable Leather Dye, Leather Conditioner, Leather Finish, and Vegetable-Tanned Leather.

2) Leather Preparation before Dying

Before we get started with the dying process the first and the important step is to clean the top surface. Use a clean cloth to gently wipe down any lingering dust and body oils. 

Tape the parts/hardware you don't want to dye.

Use a light coat of Olive Oil or Jojoba Oil to hydrate the leather for it to better receive the dye. Do not use any kind of leather conditioner as it won't let the dye penetrate deep.

3) Diluted/ Cut Your Dye

The intensity of the dye to be used depends upon you. If you want to go for the darkest shade use non-diluted dye. But for a lighter shade, you need to cut your dye. It is advisable to dilute the dyes as it will leave room to even out any patchy areas. 

It is highly advisable to cut/ dilute the dye with the type of base you are using. Use water to dilute water-based, alcohol for alcohol-based, oil for oil-based, and so on.

4) Apply the Dye

Although there are many options available to apply the dye, a soft cotton rag is the best and easy option to use. 

Gently apply the thin layer of the first coat in a circular motion to get an even spread. 

Let the first coat dry completely and follow the same steps to get the desired colour. Make sure to let the dye dry between coats. 

Once you are satisfied with the final result, allow the leather to dry completely for a whole day. 

5) Conditioning and Finishing the Leather

After the completion of the leather drying process, it's time to add the moisture back into the leather. For that, we use a wax-based conditioner. It re-hydrates the leather skin, seals the color, and further prevents it from any kind of cracks due to drying. 

Apply the conditioner in a circular motion with a soft and clean cotton cloth. Allow the conditioner to dry and lightly buff the surface with a clean cloth.

Following these easy steps, you can dye your handmade leather goods in the desired colour. Leather dying is a process that takes lots of testing and trying, make sure you train yourself well before dying your favourite piece of art. Check out our latest blog on Leather Care Tips and Instructions to make your leather products last for a lifetime.