Best dye and top finish for leather boots repair?

[Veliz11]

Hi all, new to the forums here and have several questions, so bear with me please! I have a pair of black boots in a matte/satin finish that I would like to redye the damaged toe caps on, but am unsure of what products to use to achieve the best result.

1) I've read many topics about black dye rubbing off when wet or even dry, what is it that shoe manufacturers do differently so that this doesn't happen? What do I do to avoid this? I'm trying to restore the boots to the same resilience as original condition (no dye rub off, dry or wet).

2) What dye and matte/satin top finish should I use to achieve a durable finish suitable for rugged boot use and the weather elements? I've seen Fiebings leather dye recommended a lot, what about their Professional oil dye? I've also had a lot of difficulty finding a durable and suitable top finish that doesn't give a shiny polished look. Some cobblers have recommended a wax-based finisher but I'm certain this will be too glossy. Any recommendations on a dye/finish combo that works?

3) I'm considering using black or USMC black. From the forum search, I've found the differences are that USMC black has a blue hue, while black has a more brown hue, is that it?

4) Would a conditioner like Lexol still be able to penetrate the top coat?

Your help and any additional tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!

--Vel

[kevinhopkins]

Hi all, new to the forums here and have several questions, so bear with me please! I have a pair of black boots in a matte/satin finish that I would like to redye the damaged toe caps on, but am unsure of what products to use to achieve the best result.

1) I've read many topics about black dye rubbing off when wet or even dry, what is it that shoe manufacturers do differently so that this doesn't happen? What do I do to avoid this? I'm trying to restore the boots to the same resilience as original condition (no dye rub off, dry or wet).

2) What dye and matte/satin top finish should I use to achieve a durable finish suitable for rugged boot use and the weather elements? I've seen Fiebings leather dye recommended a lot, what about their Professional oil dye? I've also had a lot of difficulty finding a durable and suitable top finish that doesn't give a shiny polished look. Some cobblers have recommended a wax-based finisher but I'm certain this will be too glossy. Any recommendations on a dye/finish combo that works?

3) I'm considering using black or USMC black. From the forum search, I've found the differences are that USMC black has a blue hue, while black has a more brown hue, is that it?

4) Would a conditioner like Lexol still be able to penetrate the top coat?

Your help and any additional tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!

--Vel

I've got a pro-boot maker in our shop (Bo Riddle). He uses mostly USMC, and Bick 4. The things that you can do with leather dye (any kind), alcohol, (not the drinking kind) and Bick 4 are just amazing. Dyes will mix with Bick 4 conditioner, (probably with lexol too). That in itself will resolve a ton of problems relating to getting dye jobs to stay even. My suggestion would be to give Bo a call. He'd be happy to talk with you, and you'd be glad you made the call. He's at our store Tuesday thru Saturday, and he tends to take off a bit early on Saturday. 5-ish...

800 668 8518. (Springfield Leather co)

Best wishes,

Kevin Hopkins