Robski

Thanks for that tip. Much appreciated. I usually have various chemicals in the workshop for paint & varnish. Funnily enough after posting I bought some basic "acetone free" nail polish remover containing Ethyl Acetate. Since they usually contain various additives to be be more gentle on the nails, I discovered that you can fairly easily distil the EA from the overall mixture using a salt solution. The cheaper own brand remover actually is easier since it has fewer additives. The EA fumes are very pungent & not good to breathe, so it should be done outside, or with a good ventilation / extraction system, with sensible precautions; chemical resistant gloves & goggles. The same care as no doubt recommended on the Fiebings bottles.

Hi, I realise I'm reopening an old thread...! But only as it seems relevant. I have a new, clean, unworn pair of heavy leather motorcycle boots I plan to dye, so no dirt - just an undamaged tough looking smooth surface. I have some dye but don't have any deglazer or preparer available locally; is it necessary? Comments re pre-dyeing leather prep seem to always refer to old shoes - that they will be scuffed, dirty & have had various polishes on them to remove, which obv. doesn't apply to new. I believe some leather footwear can have an acrylic coating, is this most footwear or are there other coatings commonly used? Basically, can I get away without using any chemical pre-treatment? I looked up the Fiebings Preparer safety data sheet; it is described as ammonium hydroxide 27% & 2-propanol (aka. isopropyl alcohol). The ammonium is a strong alkaline substance but is presumably diluted somewhat with the alcohol. Their Deglazer, as has been said previously is ethyl acetate which is chemically close to acetic acid (?) So I wondered if the e. acetate is milder or stronger in effect than the vinegar? I also read that use of acetone (a neutral substance -which I have) on leather seems to be a no-no - it's too harsh & can apparently damage the leather permanently (?) I do have some very strong (77%) acetic acid, (white vinegar) - obv. very acid compared to common white vinegar. Would this work to prep / deglaze? Perhaps mixed with water? I'm interested in the process, just don't want to experiment & ruin my boots!