I Assume You Clean A Piece Of Leather Before Dyeing

[leathervan]

What do you clean it with? I know all grease from fingers have to be removed or the dye won't spread right.

[Chain]

I think Oxalic Acid is the usual choice

[Troy I]

Rubbing alcohol...is what I use.

[billybopp]

Oxalic acid is overkill for just cleaning before dying. It's useful if there are stains on the leather, however. Alcohol works fine for ordinary cleaning (what I use), as does Fiebings dye prep .. which appears to be mostly alcohol and has a smell of amonia as well. Unless fingerprints are pretty greasy, even alcohol isn't always needed .. but as a preventative, I give it a quick wipedown anyway.

Bill

[NVLeatherWorx]

Too much alcohol will dry out the leather and leave it brittle. I use a blend of white vinegar, lemon juice, and water; nowhere near as harsh as the other methods indicated.