How to Dye Leather Black

[calanneh]

Could you use a nice clean plastic bucket to mix it in or do you think it would effect the mixture??

I have lotsa pool chemical buckets around the garage that I use for just about everything. As the pool chemicals are dry items when in the bucket, they wash out pretty easily.

I would hate for something unexpected to happen and it explode on the wife's nice pretty back porch....hehehe Don't think I would be able to blame that on the dog!

cal

[MADMAX22]

I keep mine in one of those big folgers coffee jugs. The red plastic one with the black top. No issue what so ever. The lid isnt air tight either so I dont have to worry about it blowing up all over the place.

[8thsinner]

I have read similar to this before for dying rawhide.

The iron oxide from the rust is the key to holding the colour fast and pretty much any acidic compound works.

Usually it was oak galls that were used over here as far as I know, And I have made black as black ink this way.

Never thought of trying vinegar though. I would still look for a fallen oak anyway and strip the bark from it.

Cool to know though

thanks

[Lollappaloosa]

I just found this thread and I'm so excited to try this method! I have a "vintage" saddle I need to "dye" black - I think this thread just saved me a ton of time and headaches!

[Luke Hatley]

LOLLY.........ONE THING TO THINK ABOUT. THE OLD SADDLE WILL HAVE A LOT OF OIL

IN THE LEATHER AND THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE VINAGROON DYE WILL NOT WORK

ON THE OLD OILED LEATHER.

FROM WHAT I HAVE READ AND DID, IT ONLY WORKS ON UN TREATED VEG TANNED LEATHER.

HOPEFULLY CHUCK BURROWS WILL CHIME IN WITH MORE INFORMATION FOR YOU

[Lollappaloosa]

Well that just burst my bubble of happiness. Does anyone know if this method works on previously finished leather? I started a thread on the saddle in the restoration and repair section - here's a link. (I will be tearing the saddle down, cleaning and deglazing it before I attempt dyeing it with either vinegaroon or dye.) Help!

[Bernard]

Good day

I work in a tyre bay and recently bought me a cruiser motorcycle. It is a 1993 virago and could not find saddlebags. So the plan came togheter...

I had to make a custom pattern because the flicker light is located the worst place if you want to ad saddlebags.

We have a few wrecked trucks and they have leather curtains in front of the sleeper compartments. The only problem that I had was that they are grey... The rusted vinegar idea is great but would not work for me, I need to weather proof the leather.

I have applied a few layers of black liquid tyre paint (AP20 Victor) and must say it is the best dye that I have ever used. not only does it give you that real mat slightly shiny as new black leather would look, it also weather proof's the leather.

Will add photo's later.

[EMTFOUR]

So what is wrong with regular black dye for leather? Is rub off after dyeing a huge problem? Sorry but I am new to the dyeing aspect of leather. 

[fredk]

Yes, it can be a problem, but so can rub-off of brown, or red or blue...

Its all in your treatment of the dyeing, buffing and sealing