Some projects look incredible when colored in a unique way or made to look classic when made with a timeless color. Here is what I learned while exploring the options and benefits of leather dye.
Leather dye is a pigment suspended in a liquid or oil substrate used to apply and permanently alter the surface color of leather material. It is commonly available in alcohol, oil, and water-based solutions in various colors and generally costs from $3 to $15 per bottle. Leather dye can be used on most leathers and most project types.
Knowing which type of leather dye to use can greatly affect an item’s finished look and feel. Let’s explore the types available, their benefits, and when to use them.
What Is Leather Dye?
Leather dye is colored pigment suspended in a liquid that permanently changes the color of leather when applied. It is used primarily on unfinished or vegetable tanned leather. Due to its natural absorbency, ability to develop a patina, and suitability for customization, vegetable tanned leather is the preferred choice for dyeing. Mostly used for aesthetic purposes, it can also be covered with a sealant or protective layer (wax, cream, resilience, etc.), helping protect the leather and the color from the dye.
Types of Leather Dye
Depending on the type of leather being dyed and the vibrancy of color one is looking for, there are a few helpful options for leather dye types. Let’s explore these more.
Alcohol-Based
Alcohol-based dyes quickly penetrate the leather and seep into the fibers. The alcohol evaporates quickly and leaves the pigmentation behind. The pigmentation used is a powder solution mixed with alcohol. These dyes have a strong chemical odor and should be used in a well-ventilated area.
Due to the rapid evaporation, leather dyed this way tends to be less pliable after dyeing. As the alcohol evaporates, it leaves some pigmentation powder on the surface. This excess, free pigmentation can cause a chalky appearance that can be rubbed off.
Oil
Oil dyes have an alcohol carrier, just like alcohol-based dyes, but the pigment is in an oil solution instead of powder. The oil allows for much better coating and penetration of the leather fiber. It takes longer to dry than regular alcohol dyes but less time than water-based dyes.
The oil solution also helps the leather maintain its natural hand better than alcohol dyes. Compared to alcohol-based dyes, the color is much more even. It is typically sold under a “PRO” label.
See a comparison of the major leather dye types in this video:
Water-based dyes
Water-based dyes typically contain additives like resin to assist with the impregnation of color into the leather fiber. These additives, along with oils and waxes, help maintain the leather’s suppleness. Water-based dyes take longer to dry than alcohol-based dyes but do not have the odor. Water-based dyes tend to have less rub-off than alcohol-based dyes.
Helpful Leather Dyes to Start With
Here is an easy-reference table with paid links to items that I trust – these are some helpful leather dyes to try.
| Type | Description | Source |
| Alcohol-Based | Fiebing’s Leather Dye | View on Amazon |
| Water-Based | Tandy Leather Eco-Flo Leather Dye | View on Amazon |
What to Look for In Leather Dye
Dyes have two purposes: to color leather and achieve a desired look in a project. Testing the dyes on a scrap piece of the same leather the project uses is best to determine if the results are satisfactory. Ensure the area where the dye will be used is adequate for the dye type. If the project is more than a one-off, one must ensure repeatability in colors and finish.
Dyes have two purposes; color leather and to achieve the look one is looking for in a project.
Leather Dye Options & Uses
When planning a project, it’s important to keep in mind what type of leather items will be dyed and what elements are necessary to do the job well. Here is a look at some of the more common leather dyeing projects and dye options that can be helpful for each.
Leather Dye Kit
Kits will include popular leather dye colors, applicators (sponges and/or wool daubers), and typically a clear coat. There are multiple types of kits for different leather applications, such as furniture, automotive, general touch-ups, and repair. Starter kits will include smaller amounts of several dyes so one can do several small projects to determine which to buy in larger quantities.
Leather Touch-Up Dye
For small touch-ups, dye is sold in marker or pen form so that the proper color can be easily applied to cover the defective area. For larger areas, touch-up or repair kits will include textured pieces to match multiple texture types and colors so that the dyes can be blended to best match the area to be touched up.
Leather Shoe Dye
Shoe dye is alcohol-based, just like the dye used for regular leather projects. However, the application process is a bit different. Before applying dye, you must prepare shoes by rubbing them down with an acetone solution known as a deglaze.
Leather Furniture Dye
Using dye on furniture or automotive leather can require additional steps before and after applying the dye. Sometimes, furniture dye is in liquid form, other times, it is in a paste. Pre-steps include removing wax coatings or sanding the leather, especially if going from dark to lighter colors. Post-steps may involve texturing or applying conditioners or top coatings using other forms of chemicals and additives.
Automotive Leather Dye
Sometimes, touching up the color of upholstery in cars and automobiles requires dyeing the leather. Some of these auto leathers are synthetic and might be best with paint. Automotive upholstery made from natural leather is usually best worked with using quality leather dyes. Water-based dyes often have less smell and pigment rub-off than oil-based dyes and can be helpful here.
Testing the approach in an area that won’t be seen or rubbed up against often is usually a good way to determine if this will work well.
Best Leather Dyes
When choosing dyes for various projects, quality is usually an important factor to consider; it can significantly impact the finished item. Here are some of the best leather dyes available; each is generally available in various colors.
1. Fiebing’s Pro Leather Dye
Fiebing’s Pro Leather Dye is an alcohol-based dye with liquid pigment mixed in an oil solution, sometimes called an oil dye. The oil assists the pigment, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the fiber. The liquid pigments absorb well into the leather fibers, allowing a nice, even color. Fiebing’s Leather Dye works well on vegetable tan leather, whether tanned at well-known tanneries or mass tanneries overseas.
2. Angelus Leather Dye
Angelus leather dyes are alcohol-based, using powdered colorant to achieve the desired dye color. They have a tendency to bleed or rub off due to powder being drawn to the surface as the alcohol evaporates. To prevent this, dyed projects can be covered with a light coat of clear coating by a dauber or airbrush. When using on mass veg tanned leather, it is best to apply neatsfoot oil, allow it to dry, and then apply the dye. This will enable more consistent dye coverage.
3. Tandy Eco Flo Leather Dye
Eco Flo dyes are water-based, taking longer to cure than alcohol-based dyes. The colors are vibrant and rich and have better results on leather tanned at Hermann Oak or Wicket-Craig tanneries than those tanned in mass. There are no chemical odors from water-based dyes. Water-based dyes differ from water-based paints in that they are very color-fast and do not wash out easily should they end up on an unintended item.
Helpful Insights
What Is the Difference Between Leather Dye and Stain?
Stains have a larger molecular structure than that of dye. This allows the dye to penetrate through the top surface into the body of the leather, absorbing into the fibers. A stain will stay on the top surface of the leather without penetrating into the leather. Stains can come in liquid form as well as gel. Stains are sometimes used in conjunction with clear coats to achieve an antiqued look to tooled leather. The clear coat is placed on the topmost surface of the leather, leaving the cut and tooled areas unmolested. When dry, a stain is applied to cover the cut and tooled areas, creating a color contrast in the project.
Is It Better to Dye or Paint Leather?
Your leather project will dictate whether dye or paint should be used. Paint will act like a stain and stay on the surface of one’s project. If the project piece is flexed or makes contact with other items over a period of time, paint can crack, peel, or chip. Projects like wall hangings, coasters, and other flat, stationary objects are examples where painted leather is applicable.
How Do You Fix Leather Dye?
To fix imperfections in dyed leather, one must remove any top coats, including wax or other protectants. First, try to match the original color of the dye by testing it on a scrap piece of leather. If the color is to be changed, it is much easier to make it darker. If a lighter dye is desired, the project must be sanded down first and completely dyed with the lighter dye.
In Closing
Leather dyes can be a great way to add color and dimension to leather projects and leather goods. They can provide an easy option to customize color and provide visual and creative elements to explore for crafters who want to change existing colors or add color to vegetable tanned leather items.
With some practice, this becomes a relatively straightforward process that is a fun addition to leatherworking skills and techniques available in the shop.