How to Dye Tan Leather Black

Leather is made by tanning the hides or skins of animals. Tanning prevents decomposition as well as helping to soften and color the hides or skins. For hundreds of years this has been done using a tannin which is primarily made of oak bark, although there are a number of other techniques for tanning leather. For example Chrome tanned leather is tanned with chromium sulfate, while Aldehyde tanned leather is tanned using Formaldehyde or Glutaraldehyde.
Because there are so many different techniques for tanning leather, it is best to check with an expert before dyeing a leather article because all leather does not accept dyes in the same way. Here are the steps for dyeing tan leather black using a water based leather dye.

Things You'll Need

• Blue Water based leather dye
• Black Water based leather dye
• Leather Deglazer
• Leather Top Coat product or Mink Oil Cream

Instructions

1. Remove all protective surface finishes and dirt with a leather deglazer before dyeing your chosen article. This will help the dye to attach to the leather.

2. Mix the water based pigment leather dyes well before using, following instructions on dye bottles.
   Use two steps for dyeing the leather to help leather change from one previously dyed color to another color.

3. To change the leather from tan to black, first dye the leather blue and let it dry completely. Next dye the leather black and let it dry completely.

4. 

   Finish the project, when the leather has dried, with a leather top coat product or if you wish waterproof it with a mink oil cream. Which ever finish you prefer, always follow the product instructions. When the leather is completely dry, show off your handiwork. Great job!

Tips & Warnings

• Always test a swatch of leather before dying the entire article.

• Do not dye a leather article without checking with an expert first.