How to Dye Deerskin

Use tan dye to create a natural-looking deerskin.

Deerskin, when properly dyed, has the look and feel of many expensive leathers and makes a lavish material for clothing or crafts at a much lower price. You can easily dye deerskin at home using a common craft dye called Rit. In addition to being able to dye most types of fabric, Rit, which comes in both liquid and powder forms, also works well on deerskin. Although, any color you decide to use will come out well, using Rit color remover then a dye in a tan shade will help you achieve a natural buckskin look.

Things You'll Need

• 2-1/3 tablespoons Rit color remover
• 1 box Rit dye (powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered laundry detergent
• Large tub

Instructions

1. Place the deerskin into the washing machine and add Rit color remover. Wash the hide in hot water for 30 minutes on a gentle cycle. Remove the hide before the spin cycle begins.

2. Hand-wring the water from the deerskin and hang it up to dry thoroughly.

3. Soak the hide in a tub of water until it's completely saturated with water.

4. Dissolve a box of Rit powder dye in 2 cups of hot water. Add the dissolved dye along with powdered laundry detergent to a washing machine filled with hot water.

5. Start an extended washing cycle that will last at least 30 minutes before the rinse cycle starts. Add the soaked hide to the washing machine.

6. Wash the deerskin for 30 to 45 minutes and allow the machine to rinse the hide. Remove the hide before the spin cycle begins.

7. Hand-wring the hide and hang it up to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not dry a deerskin hide in a clothes dryer.

References

• The Texian Legacy Association: Buckskin By the Piece or By the Pallet; Charles M. Yates; 2004
• Wildwood Survival: Hides
• Rit Dye: Tips for Success
• Rit Dye: Washing Machine