How to Dye a Western Saddle Black

Dye a Western saddle black to rejuvenate it.

If you have a Western saddle that shows a lot of wear, you may want to consider dying it a different color to rejuvenate it. Dying a saddle is a big job, and in some cases it may be better to take it to a saddler to have the work done; however, if you're handy and have the time, it can make a worthwhile long-weekend project.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid leather dye
• Sponge brushes
• Small artist's brush
• Old toothbrush
• Soft cloth
• Mixing bowl
• Water
• Glycerin bar saddle soap
• Rubbing alcohol
• Mink oil

Instructions

1. Clean the saddle with glycerin bar saddle soap, then wipe it thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Remove all the residue and dirt. It may take several scrubs depending on the age and amount of buildup on the saddle. Scrub the trim areas with an old toothbrush to remove any dirt or old oils. Allow the saddle to dry thoroughly overnight.

2. Choose what type of dye you want to use, either water or solvent base. If choosing a water base, shake the bottle first to distribute the pigment. Mix together the colors you've chosen to obtain the final color. Test color on a small, unobtrusive spot. If you use a solvent-based dye, you can't mix the colors. The color you want will have to be built up as you apply the dye directly from the original bottle.

3. Paint the dye on the saddle with a sponge brush. Use long strokes across the center and apply a thin coat. Use a small artist's brush to paint the dye onto the small, tooled areas.

4. Allow the first dye coat to dry for 24 hours, then rub down with rubbing alcohol. Apply a second coat of dye and repeat this step.

5. Wipe the saddle lightly with a small amount of saddle soap after all dye applications are complete.

6. Seal the leather with a coat of mink oil to preserve the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're using solvent-based dyes, apply an intermediate color between whatever the original color is and the final black color. Build up colors until you arrive at black. For instance, if the saddle is medium brown to start with, apply blue or green, then a coat of red, then dark brown and finally black.

• If you're dying with water-based dyes, you can mix them together in a container before applying them to the leather to obtain the final color.

• You can only go darker with the dye colors, not lighter. Choose your colors carefully and only apply a thin coat to avoid mistakes.

References

• Rio Rondo Enterprises: Special Information about Leather Dye and Finish
• Causes of Color: Pigments from Animals and Plants