How to Dye Cabrio Leather Shoes Black
Cabrio leather is called "brush-off leather" for its fine high-gloss finish.It shines easily and bears up against moisture and stains very well. It is a very durable leather as well, used chiefly in clog-style shoes for chefs, nurses and as casual wear. They come chiefly in black from makers like Dansko and Sanita; but you can dye a brown or cordovan pair to black as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Leather Deglazer
- Masking tape
- Rubber or latex gloves
- Deglazer
- Clean, soft cloth
- Wool daubers
- Leather dye, black
Instructions
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1
Brush off any loose dirt from the shoe. Use an old toothbrush to remove any dirt from the welt, the joint between the upper and the sole.
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2
Wrap tape along the edges of the sole, to prevent dye from making spots on the sole.
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3
Soak a corner of a clean, soft cloth in deglazer. This product removes any oils, conditioners or other compounds, and enables the dye to penetrate. Work quickly; you will dye the shoes while they are still damp with deglazer
Rub gently; you do not wish to mar the smooth finish of cabrio leather.
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4
Dip the wool dauber in the leather dye, and work quickly to cover the leather upper with a generous amount of dye. Start from the top (taking care not to spill dye into the shoe lining), and work toward the sole.
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5
Allow the shoes to dry for two hours. Brush off excess dye (which will appear as a dull glaze).
Remove the masking tape, polish the shoes with black shoe polish, and buff to a high gloss. .
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Tips & Warnings
Dye one shoe at a time, as you must work fairly quickly.
Cabrio leather may be more stubborn to take dye than other types of leather (like napa leather or simple oil-tanned leather). You may find that you have to repeat the dyeing steps for a perfect black color.
Scuffs may reveal the original color. Restore the black color with your dye, or a dab of black Scuff Magic.
The heels and soles, which are rubber on most cabrio leather shoes, cannot be dyed; any paint will wear off quickly with use.
Do not attempt to dye patent-leather or other manmade materials. "Cabrio" is a kind of leather, but has become a generic term for a style of clog. Be certain your clogs are leather.
