Leather recolouring is a great way to bring your leather furniture back to its original glory. It’s also an inexpensive DIY project, and it will make your living room feel brand-new again!
Before you start recolouring your leather, it’s important to clean and prepare the surface. This will prevent uneven coloring and ensure that your dyeing job is a success!
Cleaning
A good leather cleaner (with the right ingredients) will help remove greasy soiling and other stains. It will also help remove scuff marks and other minor damage to the surface of your leather item.
It will also help to re-hydrate the leather, which will prevent it from becoming dry and brittle. This is especially important when it comes to darker colours.
The longer your leather is exposed to dirt and oils, the harder it becomes to clean. This can lead to premature wear & tear, deterioration and even discolouration.
When recolouring leather, it’s essential to first clean any dirt or other contaminants that may be present before applying the new dye. This is because these materials can interfere with the dye’s ability to penetrate the leather and cover it evenly.
If you are not able to successfully remove these dirts and other substances, then you will need to consider having them professionally removed before your recolouring project begins. This is a costly and time-consuming process, so it’s best to leave the job to professionals.
Preparation
When recolouring leather, it is important to prepare the surface correctly. If you do not, the new finish will not adhere to the surface properly and it may not last as long as it should.
To prevent this, a prepping agent or etching material must be applied to the surface. This will help to remove all of the previous coatings and make the surface clean and ready for the new finish to be applied.
If the old finish is very hard, you might need to sand this down with fine grit sandpaper before applying the recolouring product. This will help to make the surface very smooth so that a good end result can be achieved.
Likewise, you might need to repair any damage that has been caused to the leather surface by previous cleaning and recolouring products. This can include sewing tears, patching holes and filling cracks.
Dyeing
Dyeing leather is a great way to add color to a leather item. However, this process requires some skill and practice to master.
In order to get a good dye job, the first thing you should do is clean your leather. This will remove any extraneous substances from the leather, which will make the dye work more effectively.
Another important step is choosing the right type of dye. There are many types of dyes available in the market, and each one has its own properties.
For example, alcohol-based dyes penetrate deep into the leather, while oil-based dyes do not.
Moreover, the type of dye you choose can also have an impact on the color of your leather.
Before starting, you need to prepare a proper workspace and gather all the necessary materials. It is best to use a ventilated area where you can apply the dye safely.
Sealing
After recolouring leather, it is important to seal the items that have been dyed to protect the color. This will help them last longer and look more attractive.
There are many different types of sealing products that can be used to protect the surface of your leather crafts. These coatings will prevent light scratches from damaging the leather’s surface and can also provide some water-resistance, depending on the type of sealer you choose.
Resin sealers are a common choice as they provide a lightweight product that is easily removed or reapplied. They are not as durable as acrylic-based sealers, but offer a similar scratch-resistant layer.
There are also wax-based sealers that can be melted and brushed onto the leather to create a smooth, thin coat. These are a good option for larger items that may need more coverage than can be accomplished with a resin-based product. These are also a great choice for restoring natural leather.