Leather goods come at expensive prices. So, instead of discarding the old leather items, you can use them again after redying. Leather items can be redyed easily at your home itself. By redying the items like furniture, handbags, belts, wallets, car seats etc you can give an amazing and new look to them. It makes the items look as if you have bought them from the stores just now. You need to have a few items and spend some time and effort to refresh the materials. The effort you put in will give you great results. If you are ready for the procedure, here is how you should go about accomplishing this task.
Complexity Level: Moderate
Time Required: 1-2 days
Resources Required:
- Leather dye
- Saddle soap
- White vinegar
- Cream of tartar
- Lemon juice
- Acrylic brushes
- Hair dryer
- Clean disposable cloth
Instructions:
1. Clean leather with a cloth
Use a clean saddle soap and damp cloth to clean the leather you wish to redye. Let the leather dry properly in an airy area. Do not keep it in direct sunlight.
2. Avoid oil products for cleaning
Do not use products containing oil or silicone. Oil can weaken the stitching and cause stains on the leather. Silicone dries out the leather quickly. It can cause cracks by making the leather easy to get teared.
3. Remove stubborn stains
You might have gotten different kinds of stains on your leather items. To remove those stubborn stains, make a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar taken in equal amounts. Apply the paste on the spots and stains. Leave it for about an hour. Use a damp cloth and blot it off after an hour. If there are more stains, repeat the procedure. Make a solution of white vinegar and water by taking equal parts of both. Rub the solution on the leather where you find mineral stains. Leave it for some time to dry. After drying, use a damp cloth and wipe it off to remove the stains. Use a hair dryer on a low setting to remove all the water spots.
4. Prepare the surface and apply the dye
Rub the surface of the leather using a 300-plus grit sandpaper. Apply the dye on the leather using an acrylic brush. Paint the seams, edges and piping areas first and let it dry. Then, apply to the main surface and let it dry. Use a good quality polish, wax or saddle soap. Then, take a clean cloth to buff it dry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the natural characteristics of leather?
Leather is a natural product that comes with unique patterns and markings. This is due to the difference in the grain patterns and shade. No two leather items are alike. Leather is found in various types and come with healed scar-like pattern, abrasions, urine burns, barbed wire nicks and stretch marks etc. These marks are naturally obtained on the leather. They are considered as distinct marks and characteristic features of a good leather.
Quick Tips:
Use a quality brush to apply the dye. Move in all directions to give a uniform and new look.
Things To Watch Out For:
- While drying, do not keep the leather in direct sunlight.
- For regular maintenance, use pristine clean and soft cloth. Rub it gently on the product to enhance the beauty and life of the product.
- Protect your leather items from water spills and other kinds of damages caused by sharp items.
