How to duplicate this leather?

[michael7591]

I want to replace some leather panels on my seat and saddle bags. I found a sample online at Carroll Leather called "Grandma's Sweater". I don't need a full hide at 50sqft. I used Photoshop to insert the sample pic on my pic to see the outcome. Because of sizing differences Appearances changed and now I want to match what I see. The leather on the bike is 2mm thick and very supple, Not sure of the tanning.  Trying to find similar leather or do I buy some vegtan and dye it myself?  This sample is only 1mm thick and I'm debating gluing it to the original panels then sewing it all back together. I'd appreciate your thoughts and ideas.

[Professor]

I used to work for a company that made custom furniture for Hotels, Bars and restaurants. They often used deeply colored leathers. 

I took home some scrap leather from a run of office chairs to see if it was suitable for small projects.

When U tried gluing two layers together I found that the color was not in the surface of the leather at all. The carrier of the cement loosened the hold of a tissue thin coating that was like a strong flexible coat of semi transparent water proof paint. This coating peeled away easily, leaving the leather in its natural coloring.

 

 

[Matt S]

That's a lovely colour of leather. I doubt you'd be able to replicate the effect on tooling leather but if you wanted to have a go, a leather-specific acrylic paint would probably be a good starting point.

If it were me I'd just buy the 50 SQFT and sell the surplus at the end of the project, or use it for some other project.