How to Dye a Piece of a Leather Jacket
Dyeing leather is an easy way to add a stylish new look to your favorite jacket. Leather dye kits can be found online or at some craft stores, or at any leather specialty shop, containing everything you will need. Most leather dyes meant for consumer use are water- or alcohol-based and may require multiple coats to give a dark, even color. To add a unique design, you can paint the dye on, or sponge it on for a uniform look. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Leather-dye preparer
- Spray bottle
- Leather dye
- Sponge
- Paintbrush
- Gloves
- Painter's tape
- Rag
- Leather polish
Instructions
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1
Clean the area of leather that will be dyed with a leather-dye preparer. This will clean the surface of the leather and prepare it for dye, removing dirt and grime from the surface. Garment leather kits often come with a leather preparer.
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2
Apply painter's tape or masking tape to the jacket on areas you do not want to be covered in dye.
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3
Spray water on the area to be dyed to dampen the leather.
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4
Apply the leather dye using a sponge or brush on the areas of the garment that will be dyed. The dye will appear darker when wet and will lighten as it dries.
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5
As the leather dries, flex the leather so that it does not become stiff.
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6
Add additional coats of dye if the leather is not the color desired. Let the leather dry fully between each coat.
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7
Buff the leather with a rag to remove excess dye.
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8
Remove the painter's tape from the jacket.
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9
Condition the leather with a leather conditioner to help maintain the leather's natural suppleness.
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Tips & Warnings
Dyed leather looks better with two or three light coats of dye, instead of one heavy coat of dye.
Leather dye is permanent. Be careful to only dye areas of the jacket that you want to color.
It is not possible to lighten a jacket using dye, only darken.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
