Top 6 Leather Dye Formulations and How to Make Them at Home
Leather products serve their owners for years. Leather is one of the most durable materials. The natural leather or the leather substitute is dyed in different colors, to obtain the desired shade. A paint intended for leather must meet certain requirements. The presence of special additives ensures tight adhesion of the pigment to the material, prevents cracking of the coating and extends the service life.
Content
Requirements for leather paint
There is no paint specifically designed for dyeing leather products. Compositions applied to a smooth leather surface are intended for dyeing various types of materials. Types of paints have their own pros and cons. The compositions are classified according to the type of coating.
| A type | The description |
| Penetrating | Pigments penetrate the structure of the skin |
| covering | Pigments cover the surface, create a water-repellent film |
Adapted formulas
Compositions that fit well on a leather surface can be purchased in stores. Each type of coating is suitable for working with smooth or porous leather goods. The differences are in the requirements for working conditions, as well as in the characteristics of operation.
Acrylic
A universal acrylic compound suitable for painting nubuck or vinyl. The basis of the acrylic composition is polyacrylate. It provides a "liquid skin" effect.
Cream
Cream leather paint is one of the most affordable and common options. Creams are produced in tubes, bottles, cans. Creams are pressed into the center of the treated area and carefully rubbed with a sponge in one direction.
Aerosols
Spraying from a canister is justified in the case when it is necessary to give a rich shade to a leather product. Experts call the process of aerosol spraying “conditioning” things. The spray is used in the repair of car interiors, to change the shade of leather furniture, as well as to restore certain objects.
Powder dyes
Powder coating is a skin restoration method that requires certain skills and conditions.
Vegetable
The use of vegetable dye is an option that assumes the presence of natural dyes.
Nitro paint
Pre-made nitro paints allow deep penetration into the structure of the leather product.
How to cook at home with your own hands
You can paint things yourself using vegetable paints. Natural compounds paint leather products well, preserving the same qualities.
Nails and vinegar
Using rusty nails and vinegar, you can prepare a composition for dyeing natural leather. To do this, rusty nails are soaked in a vinegar solution. The appearance of a characteristic brown tint indicates the end of the chemical reaction. Prepared pieces of leather are dipped in a tub of solution, then dried on a towel. The mixture gives a dense shade of brown or dark chocolate.
Ground tea or coffee
Brewed coffee and brewed tea are traditionally used to dye fabrics. The result depends on the saturation of the drink.Tea or coffee is heated, then removed from the stove, cooled to a comfortable temperature, filtered. A leather product is placed in the mixture, left until a rich shade is obtained. The result of the work is a warm brown tint.
onion skin
Onion skins can be used to create a golden hue on porous skin. The product is boiled with onion skins over low heat. To obtain a deeper color, the leather is thus treated several times after complete drying. Fresh onion skins are used each time.
Attention! Genuine leather products should not be heated to high temperatures, otherwise the surface will begin to deform.
improvised means
A good way to give a rich hue is to keep the peel in berry juice. Raspberry or blueberry juice concentrate produces rich, deep coverage. Raspberry juice gives a red-pink color, blueberries give a purple hue, lingonberries and cranberries color the skin in rich pink-red tones.
oak broth
Natural leather is preserved in a decoction of oak bark. This process creates a light brown finish that penetrates deep into the layers of the garment.
Painting methods
Compositions are used in accordance with painting methods. Some mixtures are suitable for creating an even film on the surface, others are suitable for imparting a light shade, but at the same time penetrate under the top layer of the film, creating strong adhesion.
Superficial
A common method of staining, which is used for repairing leather furniture, various items, restoration of jackets, clothes, shoes. The mechanism of action depends on the type of paint used.The pigment is applied to the surface of the product with a brush, sponge, spray. The result of the work is a firm and even layer on the surface. The inside of the product is not subject to change.
Reference! The surface method is called the “soft” method. It rarely leads to deformation of the surface, does not affect the change of properties and purpose of the object.
Deep
Deep coloring means immersing, dipping or preserving things in a specially prepared pigmented composition. The process is similar to the method of dyeing or tanning leather.
The disadvantage of this method is the deformation of the skin, a change in the basic properties or qualities. Paint, which is used for deep coloring, penetrates all layers, helps to change the shade not only of the front side, but also of the inner side of the product.
How to paint or repaint correctly
To properly process a product, you must follow certain rules. The paint is deposited in an even layer on the treated and cleaned surface. The presence of obstacles, chippings, debris leads to the creation of a torn coating.
Surface preparation
The surface is cleaned of dust, litter, debris. Particular attention is paid to places that are at the junction of rooms. Pockets, fasteners, rivets are removed or cleaned with a fine brush. It is possible to degrease the skin with a washing solution. Wipe the surface with a sponge with a solution, then carefully remove traces of soap. After cleaning, the article is dried.
Application
Before application, the product is placed on the work surface so that all the elements are freely accessible. The paint is applied in the chosen way: spray gun, spray can, sponge, brush, cloth.Technologists use several tools: brushes or fine brushes are used in hard-to-reach places, and sponges are used over a large area.
Drying
The final stage is complete drying of the painted product. For each case, the length of this period is different. Drying times are indicated on the packaging of the paint chosen for the job.
Precautionary measures
To avoid damage, work is carried out with gloves and protective glasses. If paint gets into your eyes, rinse your face quickly with warm water.
Characteristics of the paint of various products
The dyeing method is chosen depending on the configuration of the treated object. At home, it is customary to use aerosol or cream paints in tubes.
car interior
It is recommended to paint a leather-covered car interior with aerosols. This method produces an even finish. To ensure the interior is completely dry, the machine should not be used for 72 hours after painting.
Shoes
The shoes are coated with special compounds designed for shoe covers. The application is carried out after complete degreasing. Sponges, brushes and pots of liquid paint are used for coating.
Handbag
Bags with different details require special application. After degreasing the surface, fasteners, locks, decorative elements are sealed with adhesive tape. The paint is applied with a sponge, successively rubbing the pigment. When the surface is dry, buff the bag with a towel.
Cloth
Jackets, skirts or pants are dyed using a deep dye.The basic rule for the preparation of clothes is complete degreasing. The best option is to use lemon juice to degrease the surface.
Gloves
The gloves are dyed by immersion in a solution with pigments. After aging, the gloves should be washed in cold water.
Attention! Leather products cannot be dried on the battery. This will lead to product deformation, complete loss of shape.
How to draw on skin
Any pattern can be transferred to the surface of genuine leather. Anyone can handle the cutting of simple lines, but the creation of a unique and complex design is best left to a specialist.
Description of work:
- The drawing is printed on a printer.
- The drawing is placed face down.
- The ends of the pattern are fixed with adhesive tape, abundantly moistened with nail polish remover.
After drying, an impression remains on the skin. Cuts are made along the lines using a rotary cutter.
How to paint faux leather
For dyeing eco-leather, the same compositions are used as for dyeing natural leather products. The danger lies in the fact that it is impossible to accurately predict the result of the work. Technologists recommend testing on a small area of leatherette to find out how the product will react to the dye.
Important nuances
Difficulties often arise when coloring at home. Repainting the "old" color suggests choosing a darker shade. Technologists advise choosing a tone 2-3 points darker, while observing the limits of one scale.
Rules for maintaining leather goods
Repaired leather products will last for many years if you follow the rules:
- To extend the service life, it is necessary to periodically treat the surface with water-repellent impregnation.It is applied from cylinders, spraying at a distance of 25-30 centimeters from the product.
- Do not store folded leather garments. Pleats reduce the protective properties of the material.
- It is advisable to clean a leather product using a washing solution. The composition well degreases the surface, removes dust and dirt, but at the same time does not contribute to corroding the material.
- During the period when the leather product is not in use, it is stored in a cabinet on a hanger. To prevent the surface from drying out, you need to air the room once every 2 weeks.
Leather product manufacturers create special cleaning creams that have mild formulations. They can be used for seasonal cleaning of leather goods.