Q&A for How to Dye Leather

Great idea! The only trouble you may encounter is a bold ring or perimeter around the original stain, which may be difficult to conceal. Before staining with more coffee, try cleaning the original stain (or lightening the ring) with white vinegar.

No. There are many types of leather, distinguished by the method of tanning. Suede, for example, has a fuzzy nap and is very absorbent. It easily stains and can be etched and stiffened by liquids, so dyeing is not recommended. Many full-grain or corrected-grain leathers, on the other hand, have a polyurethane coating that resists oil and natural homemade dyes made with plants, coffee, or tea. These leathers require a leather dye or coating to restore or change the color.

Even many of the pros use a black Sharpie on the edges.

If the tassels are suede (rather than a more smooth, finished leather), dyeing is not recommended. Finished leathers can be color-changed. There are many products on the market for this, in both solvent-based and water-based options, all with good longevity and color-fastness. Research these products to ensure that they suit your project.

If you can find a leather dye in a matching color, you can easily dye the worn area. Dab or stipple the dye where it's needed. Allow to dry, and repeat until desired result is achieved, gradually blending outward for a uniform appearance. If the leather dye does not sufficiently resemble the original, you'll want to dye the entire piece or find a company that can match the color for you.

Try removing any unstable pigment from the inside of the shoe with rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol.

Absolutely! Many water-based dyes (which are actually coatings) can completely change the color of a piece.

If you know who tooled it contact them. Re-dying can be tricky. You should know what type of dye and finish was originally used before trying to change the color.

You can buy a special kind of bleach similar to skin bleach that can be gently massaged into the leather to lighten it fairly quickly. You can always leave it in the sun to sun bleach too, but only do that if you are really patient. Most places that do leather work, like a place that fixes shoes and cuts keys, can point you to a leather shop that will stock stuff like the bleach.

Carefully mask off the surrounding areas and work with a small paintbrush and a sponge.

That will not work, there's no way to do it. Bleaching to remove black destroys the material or at best results in a blotchy grey.

Depending on the type of leather, you should be able to dye it. Contact a local leather shop like Tandy to get the supplies and knowledge you need.

Contact the manufacturer of the leather color. They may have a special sealant or finish to mitigate transference. Resolene (a Fiebings product) may not be compatible with the leather color you used.

You may need to reupholster it but in the meantime, brown shoe polish over the area will work.

Try adding black to the royal blue, just a little bit at a time. You should be able to achieve a navy blue.