How to Stain Leather Furniture

Leather furniture, while a high-quality material, can become old, dingy and faded by the sun and therefore, may be in need of a face lift. Also, sometimes you may just desire a new look so changing the leather color becomes a viable option. Whatever the reason, staining leather furniture is possible by the average homeowner and should be done carefully and only when your leather furniture is clean.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Stain or dye
• Leather deglazer
• Leather protector

Instructions

1. Determine the leather fabric. It is either treated with a protective finish, untreated leather or suede. To tell the difference between treated and untreated leather, place a drop of water and if it is repels, it is treated. If it soaks in, it is untreated.

2. Purchase your materials. Depending on type of leather you have will determine which dye you will need. You may also need to purchase a deglazer and a leather protector if you leather is treated. Leather World Technologies has many dyes and products that may suit your needs (see Resources).

3. Test the following steps in an inconspicuous spot first to be sure you like the final product and to allow yourself some practice.

4. Remove any finish with a leather deglazer, like Fiebing's deglazer. Usually, you will use a cloth to rub the deglazer into the leather and wipe off any excess.

5. Follow the manufacturer's directions to apply the stain. Generally, you place the dye on a clean cotton rag or sponge to gently wipe it evenly onto the leather furniture.

6. Allow the stain to dry and apply another coat in two or three hours, if desired.

7. Apply a coat of leather protector, if applicable, such as Leather Master Protector or Leather World Protection Cream. It may come in a spray bottle in which you spray on your furniture and wipe in or it may come in a bottle, and you will need to put some on a rag and then rub it in.

8. Allow your furniture to dry completely, according to the dye or leather protector's manufacture directions. It usually takes about 24 hours for the furniture to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• This article is not a substitute for manufacture directions for deglazing, dyeing and applying leather protectant.

References

• Leather World Tech: Leather Dye and Paint

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Leather World Tech: Leather Dye and Paint