Leather recolouring can be a great way to bring life back into faded or damaged leather. Not only will it cover up blemishes, but it will also help restore the original color of your leather.
Recolouring leather is easy and can be a great way to freshen up your furniture. But it’s important to make sure that you pick the right product for your needs!
1. Clean the Leather
Cleaning your leather goods is one of the best ways to keep them looking and performing well for years. It also helps maintain the integrity of your leather’s fibres and surface finish (on finished leathers).
There are a number of different techniques to clean leather, some of which use water and others that are chemical-free. It’s important to test your leather’s colour-fastness before using any of them, and to avoid over-soaking the leather.
Some stains can be removed with household cleaners, but it’s often a good idea to seek professional help. For example, blood stains and perspiration stains are difficult to remove on your own.
2. Oil the Leather
To soften the leather, it is best to oil it first. There are several good oils, including neatsfoot oil and mink oil.
The process of oiling the leather helps to remove dirt and loosen scuffs that may be left behind. It also makes the leather less stiff and allows it to hold the dye more evenly.
Applying the oil to the leather is simple and can be done on a piece by piece basis. The oil should be applied in light coats, allowing each coat to absorb and dry before applying another.
3. Mix the Dye
Whether you are making a new leather item or restoring an old one, it is important to know how to dye your leather. Knowing how to mix the dye and apply it will give you a great looking finish.
Before you begin, make sure the dye you choose is safe to use on the leather you are working with. Then, mix the dye according to the instructions on the label of your product.
Wear gloves when handling the dye; it may be dangerous for your skin if not handled properly. After mixing, add the dye to the leather using a sponge brush or paintbrush. Work the dye into the seams of your leather piece, then allow it to dry for several hours. You can then add a second coat if necessary to achieve your desired color.
4. Apply the Dye
Leather dye is an effective and reliable way to make old jackets or other leather items look new again. The process can be time consuming, but it’s well worth the effort.
Firstly, you need to prepare the leather for dyeing. This means stripping any old paint, dye or top finish that may have been applied to the leather over its lifetime.
Apply a deglazer or degreaser to the leather using a rag. This should remove any old finishes and create the ‘bye’ that is needed to allow the dye to penetrate the leather properly.
Apply the desired dye color to the leather using a wool dauber that comes with the kit. Repeat this process several times until the desired color is achieved.
5. Let it Dry
After applying the leather dye, it is important to let it dry. Avoid using heat sources such as a hairdryer or radiator as these can speed up the drying process and damage the leather.
You can also apply a leather conditioner to your furniture before you recolour it. This will restore the leather’s original condition and help it look smoother.
To recolour your leather, make sure you mix the dye properly. Some dyes can be mixed with water and others require oil or alcohol.
To ensure a good coverage, use a wool dauber or sponge to apply the dye. Apply a thin coat, then allow it to dry before applying another layer.