Dyeing leather boots

[Oula]

Anyone dyed boots before? I want to make some tan ones black. Have googled but would appreciate advice from anyone who's done it.

 

[moose]

Two ways:
1. Surface dye like this: Dylon Shoe Dye | Timpsons Shoe Dye | Shoe Dye Kit by Timpson or Tarrago Shoe Dye Tarrago Shoe Dye
Requires very thorough prep to remove previous finishes, treatment and grease, and not brilliant on leather that has to crinkle or crease a lot, for example across toes, because it will split and flake in time. However, it comes in great colours and can even make dark colours light.

2. Penetration dye like this Fiebings Leather Dye Fiebings Leather Dye - soaks in deep, requires less prep than the surface dye, and doesn't flake off in creases. Can only be used to make leather darker.

What to choose will depend on the current finish on the boots. Got any pics?

 

[Oula]

Thank you, that's very useful

What to choose will depend on the current finish on the boots. Got any pics?

Will take some tomorrow

 

[Oula]

Having looked at all the colour options on the Feibings link that you posted moose I'm now thinking of doing them red. I assume if I don't like the red I'd be able to due black over the top as it was suggesting doing a two stage dye of a colour like red and then black to get from a light colour to a darker colou . Do you think it would work changing this colour to red?

 

[Oula]

Do you need a closer up picture to see the finish?

 

[moose]

A closer pic would be good - but obvs I couldn't guarantee 100% it'd work by looking at a pic. You should do a little test in an inconspicuous place before going the whole hog.
Yes, red would go black if you wanted - I did some Dr Martens sandals dark red then went over them with black a year later. If you go use Fiebings, make sure you wear gloves and put newspaper down, and lock up small children and animals - it stains everything it touches! And you might need Deglazer or some other cleaning product to prep the leather.

 

[Oula]

Does that help at all moose?

 

[moose]

Yeah they should work. But because the dye is transparent, all those little white and dark spots will show up, so make sure you clean them thoroughly first.

 

[Oula]

Yeah they should work. But because the dye is transparent, all those little white and dark spots will show up, so make sure you clean them thoroughly first.

Thank you. Something I read suggested cleaning with dilute leather bleach. Does that sound like a good idea?

 

[Oula]

Actually can't find leather bleach. What about this stuff?
Wheelers Natural Leather Cleaning Spray, 300ml | Cleanses, Refreshes & Rejuvenates Leather | Natural Plant-Based Ingredients https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007PP2D5I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zCxEDbY94FYYX

 

[moose]

I've always use Fiebings Deglazer, which is a lethal solvent - not sure what leather bleach is!
One more top tip with Fiebings: try to buy the pack that comes with the wool dauber, or get one separately - they're the best thing for application.

 

[8115]

The thread may not dye, bear this in mind, I think they use a special kind of thread maybe waxed but when I've dyed clothes sometimes the thread doesn't take the dye.

 

[Oula]

I've always use Fiebings Deglazer, which is a lethal solvent - not sure what leather bleach is!
One more top tip with Fiebings: try to buy the pack that comes with the wool dauber, or get one separately - they're the best thing for application.
View attachment 183942

I was planning to use the deglazer but the thing I read said to clean them even before that work leather bleach - I think it was American though so I don't know what an English alternative is. Did you just go straight for it with the deglazer?

I had been looking at those little ball things, good to know they are worth it. Didn't know you can get them included with the Feibings. I can only find them in packs of
20 at the moment. Will keep looking.

The thread may not dye, bear this in mind, I think they use a special kind of thread maybe waxed but when I've dyed clothes sometimes the thread doesn't take the dye.

Good point. I think that will look OK

 

[moose]

Tr Le Prevo in Newcastle, they have a website and sell on eBay. No glasses on so can’t find link but it’s in the thread I just accidentally posted on and bumped

 

[Oula]

Dying in progress

 

[moose]

Looking good. You'll need a clear polish over the top when they're completely dry in a few days.

 

[Oula]

And they're done! All polished too.

Colour is a bit uneven but it was on the original boots too and I may have deglazed unevenly.

Overall I'm extremely happy with them as a first attempt.

A bit of dye got onto the tops of the soles but the deglazer seems to be getting it off. I assume rubbing alcohol or nail varnish remover might also work.

The slightly blurry shot of me wearing them is the more accurate colour. It's hard to take pics of yourself wearing boots!

 

[Manter]

They are gorgeous

 

[Oula]

They are gorgeous

I love them. I've put memory foam insoles in them so they are super comfy and you can't help but swagger like a cowboy in them. And they make me about 6'3".

 

[geminisnake]

The thread may not dye, bear this in mind, I think they use a special kind of thread maybe waxed but when I've dyed clothes sometimes the thread doesn't take the dye.

Black sharpies are quite cheap, will fade but easy to redo Dying boots is bloody expensivce ime, I spent nearly £30 on dye yrs ago and it's gone up in price(I opened one of the links)

 

[moose]

Well done Oula they look great! The uneven colour doesn't detract, and will look even better with time.

 

[Oula]

Well done Oula they look great! The uneven colour doesn't detract, and will look even better with time.

Thank you so much for all the advice. It was a great help.