Leather Dye vs. Paint

Both paint and dye create color on leather, but the one you choose depends on the kind of leather, and how you will use it. Is the leather a pair of shoes you wear frequently, or a piece of art you will display with care?

Differences

Paint sits on the surface of leather, while dye penetrates leather. Leather paints are chiefly acrylic, while dyes are either spirit (alcohol) or oil based.

Utility

Even the most flexible paint is subject to lifting, cracking, and flaking over time. So, dye is better suited for items of clothing, wallets, belts, and other high-use items.

Paint is more forgiving on finer work. You may apply it with small brushes, even fine-point paint markers.

Colors

Because paint covers the leather completely, you can achieve any color you wish, including paper white and buttercup yellow. Dyes are far less vivid in color, as the background color of the leather comes through.

Popularity

Professional leather workers use dye far more frequently than paint.

Effects

You can use dye to achieve full coverage--for example, dyeing a pair of shoes a deep black. You may also use dye to achieve authentic western, Spanish, antique, and Elizabethan effects, since dye was used in all those times and places.

References

• "Leather: The New Frontier in Art;" J. Robert Buck; 2006
• "Coloring Leather;" Al Stohlman; 1985

Resources

• Tandy Leather Factory: Liquids
• Hidecrafter Leather Company: Dyes and Finishes