The best dye for a sofa is an oil-based dye. Oil-based dyes penetrate fully, while still allowing the leather to maintain its supple feel. Water-based dyes are the second best option, as they have less rub-off potential than alcohol-based dyes, which can also stiffen your leather.
One of the most popular is Fiebing's leather dye. Alcohol-Based Dye is widespread because it has a good penetration of leather. Once penetrated into the leather, it carries the coloring substances with it, then the alcohol evaporates leaving the coloring substances inside the leather fibers.
It is best to dye leather on many occasions because of how it impacts the chemical bond. However, there is a need for leather paints, and it might be leather paint is ideal for the task you have. Commonly, leather dyes are oil-based or spirit-based.
Dying leather with sugar free Kool-Aid packets is simple - just mix 4-5 packets (usually about 3/$1) into 2 cups of hot water, then soak a chunk of natural veg tan for 20 minutes or until darker than desired color.
Select from a wide range of leather dyes and stains for colouring natural vegetable tanned leather. Tips for colouring: Dye colours will vary depending on the base colour of the leather. It is always a good idea to test a small area first.
- After the final coat of dye has completely dried, it's time to apply a wax based conditioner. Leather conditioner will re-hydrate the leather from any drying caused by the dyeing process or the dye itself, and it will help seal the color. - Apply the conditioner with a soft cotton rag in a circular motion.
Natural, unfinished leathers take dye easiest, making natural vegetable tanned leather one of the best options for customizing. You can certainly add color to already dyed pieces, but be warned that the process can take longer to achieve a color you are looking for and yield uneven results if not done properly.
Excess dye will produce dye rub off
While you want to apply the dye to ensure it stays on, applying a generous amount has the opposite effect. Too much dye leads to oversaturation, which means the dye washes away easily. If you have a water-based dye with solvents, water based dyes might permeate into the leather!
Leather dye should last at least two years with regular use after application before requiring further touch up. It often lasts much longer.
Leather sealers come in many types with unique characteristics. No sealer will make leather completely waterproof, but most will provide good water resistance. Sealers are not required but can be helpful for those looking to protect the leather surface or prevent dye from rubbing off.
Fiebing's Leather Dye is th most recognized penetrating, alcohol-based leather dye in the world! For use on vegetable tanned or unfinished leather. Apply with a sponge or wool dauber. Will not peel, crack or rub-off when fully dry while remaining flexible.
First of all, yes, you can use coffee as a leather dye. It works best on vegetable-tanned leather, and you must have sufficient leather conditioner around in order to dye your leather without ruining it, but you can very easily use coffee dye instead of a brown dye manufactured somewhere.
Also, dye applied to wet leather will appear darker than the final color it will be once it dries. Dyeing on dry leather is a very common method. The dye is applied directly to the surface of the material, and is pulled into fibers. It is usually easier to dye dry, especially for those new to dyeing.
Stamp the Leather: Use a mallet and stamps to create impressions on the leather. Start with the larger stamps and work towards the smaller ones, filling in the details of the design. Finish the Leather: Apply a dye or finish to the leather to protect it and give it a polished look.
Alcohol-based dye hardens the leather, causing it to have the tendency to crack when bending. Oil dye solves this problem. The leather does slightly stiffen up but won't crack when bending it. The oil have better impregnation on leather, thus it doesn't leave a rub-off like the powder-based dye.
Professional Leather Services: At ReLeather we specialize in leather restoration and dyeing for furniture upholstery, auto interiors, jackets, handbags, and accessories.
Pro Dye has an oil based color added to it and Leather Dye is tinted with powdered color. Due to the oil in the Pro Dye, you may also achieve richer colors. Since both dyes are alcohol based, they can cause your leather to dry out after application.
Leather dyes penetrate and accentuate the natural variations in the fiber. Dyes are in the leather (chemical bond). Leather paints and pigmented finishes coat the fiber; they are on the leather (a physical bond). They can be monochromatic or multiple colors, tones and effects.
In order to re-dye a leather article, the surface must be as near to the natural leather as possible to allow the dye to penetrate. Any old dye, paint or top finish will create a barrier to entry and the dye will not penetrate. If there is any barrier to entry then the dye, when dry, will likely rub off.